1 Samuel Chapter 12 · Verse 24

Authorized King James Version

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Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.

Original Language Analysis

אַ֣ךְ׀ H389
אַ֣ךְ׀
Strong's: H389
Word #: 1 of 15
a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only
יְר֣אוּ Only fear H3372
יְר֣אוּ Only fear
Strong's: H3372
Word #: 2 of 15
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 3 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָ֗ה the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֗ה the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 4 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וַֽעֲבַדְתֶּ֥ם and serve H5647
וַֽעֲבַדְתֶּ֥ם and serve
Strong's: H5647
Word #: 5 of 15
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
אֹת֛וֹ H853
אֹת֛וֹ
Strong's: H853
Word #: 6 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בֶּֽאֱמֶ֖ת him in truth H571
בֶּֽאֱמֶ֖ת him in truth
Strong's: H571
Word #: 7 of 15
stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness
בְּכָל H3605
בְּכָל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 8 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
לְבַבְכֶ֑ם with all your heart H3824
לְבַבְכֶ֑ם with all your heart
Strong's: H3824
Word #: 9 of 15
the heart (as the most interior organ)
כִּ֣י H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 10 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
רְא֔וּ for consider H7200
רְא֔וּ for consider
Strong's: H7200
Word #: 11 of 15
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֵ֥ת H853
אֵ֥ת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 12 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁר H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 13 of 15
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הִגְדִּ֖ל how great things he hath done H1431
הִגְדִּ֖ל how great things he hath done
Strong's: H1431
Word #: 14 of 15
to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)
עִמָּכֶֽם׃ H5973
עִמָּכֶֽם׃
Strong's: H5973
Word #: 15 of 15
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

Analysis & Commentary

Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.

Samuel's final exhortation synthesizes his entire message: 'Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart.' The word 'Only' (rak) emphasizes exclusivity - Yahweh alone deserves ultimate allegiance. 'Truth' (emet) connotes reliability and faithfulness, not merely doctrinal accuracy. The motivation - 'consider how great things he hath done for you' - grounds obedience in gratitude for grace. Biblical ethics flow from redeemed relationship, not mere duty. Remembrance of salvation produces covenant faithfulness.

Historical Context

This verse summarizes Deuteronomic theology: exclusive Yahweh worship, wholehearted service, and obedience motivated by remembrance of divine salvation. Samuel applies Israel's foundational theology to the new monarchical context.

Questions for Reflection