1 Samuel 9:12

Authorized King James Version

And they answered them, and said, He is; behold, he is before you: make haste now, for he came to day to the city; for there is a sacrifice of the people to day in the high place:

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַתַּֽעֲנֶ֧ינָה

H6030

And they answered

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

אוֹתָ֛ם

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

וַתֹּאמַ֥רְנָה

H559

them and said

to say (used with great latitude)

יֵּ֖שׁ

H3426

He is

there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)

הִנֵּ֣ה

H2009

lo!

לְפָנֶ֑יךָ

H6440

behold he is before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

מַהֵ֣ר׀

H4116

you make haste

properly, to be liquid or flow easily, i.e., (by implication)

עַתָּ֗ה

H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

כִּ֤י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#10

הַיּ֛וֹם

H3117

to day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#11

בָּ֣א

H935

now for he came

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#12

לָעִ֔יר

H5892

to the city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

#13

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#14

זֶ֧בַח

H2077

for there is a sacrifice

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

#15

הַיּ֛וֹם

H3117

to day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#16

לָעָ֖ם

H5971

of the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#17

בַּבָּמָֽה׃

H1116

in the high place

an elevation

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 Samuel.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Samuel Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant community address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding covenant community in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Samuel

Study Resources

Biblical Maps