1 Samuel 9:20

Authorized King James Version

And as for thine asses that were lost three days ago, set not thy mind on them; for they are found. And on whom is all the desire of Israel? Is it not on thee, and on all thy father's house?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלָֽאֲתֹנ֞וֹת
H860
And as for thine asses
a female donkey (from its docility)
#2
הָאֹֽבְד֣וֹת
H6
that were lost
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
#3
לְךָ֗
H0
#4
הַיָּמִ֔ים
H3117
ago
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
#5
שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת
H7969
three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#6
הַיָּמִ֔ים
H3117
ago
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
#7
אַל
H408
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#8
תָּ֧שֶׂם
H7760
set
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#9
אֶֽת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
לִבְּךָ֛
H3820
not thy mind
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#11
לָהֶ֖ם
H0
#12
כִּ֣י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#13
נִמְצָ֑אוּ
H4672
on them for they are found
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
#14
וּלְמִי֙
H4310
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#15
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#16
חֶמְדַּ֣ת
H2532
And on whom is all the desire
delight
#17
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
H3478
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#18
הֲל֣וֹא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#19
לְךָ֔
H0
#20
וּלְכֹ֖ל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#21
בֵּ֥ית
H1004
house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#22
אָבִֽיךָ׃
H1
Is it not on thee and on all thy father's
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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