1 Samuel 12:19
And all the people said unto Samuel, Pray for thy servants unto the LORD thy God, that we die not: for we have added unto all our sins this evil, to ask us a king.
Original Language Analysis
כָל
H3605
כָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 22
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָעָ֜ם
And all the people
H5971
הָעָ֜ם
And all the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
3 of 22
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הִתְפַּלֵּ֧ל
Pray
H6419
הִתְפַּלֵּ֧ל
Pray
Strong's:
H6419
Word #:
6 of 22
to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray
בְּעַד
H1157
בְּעַד
Strong's:
H1157
Word #:
7 of 22
in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc
יְהוָ֥ה
unto the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֥ה
unto the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
10 of 22
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ
thy God
H430
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ
thy God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
11 of 22
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
וְאַל
H408
וְאַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
12 of 22
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
נָמ֑וּת
that we die
H4191
נָמ֑וּת
that we die
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
13 of 22
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
14 of 22
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יָסַ֤פְנוּ
not for we have added
H3254
יָסַ֤פְנוּ
not for we have added
Strong's:
H3254
Word #:
15 of 22
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
16 of 22
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
17 of 22
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
חַטֹּאתֵ֙ינוּ֙
unto all our sins
H2403
חַטֹּאתֵ֙ינוּ֙
unto all our sins
Strong's:
H2403
Word #:
18 of 22
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
Cross References
Exodus 9:28Intreat the LORD (for it is enough) that there be no more mighty thunderings and hail; and I will let you go, and ye shall stay no longer.1 John 5:16If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.Exodus 10:17Now therefore forgive, I pray thee, my sin only this once, and intreat the LORD your God, that he may take away from me this death only.1 Samuel 12:23Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:
Historical Context
Intercessory prayer by prophets and priests was understood as essential mediation between God and people. Moses' intercession had repeatedly saved Israel from destruction (Exodus 32:11-14; Numbers 14:13-19). The people now look to Samuel to fulfill this same role.
Questions for Reflection
- When have you finally recognized that your 'solution' was actually another sin added to previous ones?
- How does recognition of sin lead to seeking godly intercession?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And all the people said unto Samuel, Pray for thy servants unto the LORD thy God, that we die not: for we have added unto all our sins this evil, to ask us a king.
The people's terrified response - begging Samuel to 'Pray for thy servants unto the LORD thy God, that we die not' - shows they correctly interpret the sign as divine judgment. Their confession 'we have added unto all our sins this evil, to ask us a king' finally acknowledges what Samuel has argued: the monarchy request compounded previous covenant violations. The phrase 'thy God' (not 'our God') may reflect their sense of alienation from God, requiring Samuel's mediation.