1 Kingdoms 12 — Greek, Translation, Interlinear & Discourse

Discourse notes head each verse: relation · connective · clause-flow. Indentation marks prominence — flush-left = main line of argument; indented = supporting / subordinate material.

καὶ εἶπεν Σαμουηλ πρὸς πάντα ἄνδρα Ισραηλ ἰδοὺ ἤκουσα φωνῆς ὑμῶν εἰς πάντα ὅσα εἴπατέ μοι καὶ ἐβασίλευσα ἐφ᾿ ὑμᾶς βασιλέα

And Samuel said to all the men of Israel, 'Behold, I have listened to your voice in all that you said to me, and I have set a king over you.'

New speech-act opening the farewell address (main narrative)καὶ εἶπεν Σαμουηλ

The chapter opens with the standard LXX narrative speech-formula καὶ εἶπεν + speaker + πρός, here addressed to 'all the men of Israel' assembled at Gilgal (cf. 11:14–15). Samuel grounds the kingship not in his own initiative but in obedience to the people's demand (ἤκουσα φωνῆς ὑμῶν … ἐβασίλευσα), the διά that frames the whole address: the monarchy is something he granted, not something he sought.

Word-by-word analysis· 21 words

καὶandnarrative conjunction (Hebraizing καί-parataxis)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb (speech-introducing formula)→ verbal action or stateλέγω (aor. εἶπεν): the standard LXX narrative verb introducing direct speech; renders Hebrew אָמַר; here it opens Samuel's farewell oration before all Israel.

ΣαμουηλSamuelsubject (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΣαμουηλ: transliteration of Hebrew שְׁמוּאֵל; indeclinable in the LXX (no case-ending variation); the prophet-judge who anointed Saul and now formally lays down his role as Israel's leader.

πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (direction of speech)→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction of speech).

πάνταallAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying ἄνδρα: 'all the men')→ object specificationπᾶς: 'all / every'; masculine accusative singular agreeing with ἄνδρα; the collective singular ἄνδρα Ισραηλ ('every man of Israel') renders the Hebrew כָּל־יִשְׂרָאֵל, denoting the whole assembled nation.

ἄνδραmanAccusativeaccusative object of πρός (collective: 'every man of Israel')→ object specificationἀνήρ: 'man / male'; here a collective singular ('every man') under πάντα; the address is to Israel gathered as the covenant assembly to witness the prophet's vindication.

ΙσραηλIsraelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'of Israel')→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: transliteration of Hebrew יִשְׂרָאֵל; indeclinable; the qualifying name marks the assembly as the covenant nation, the proper audience for a covenant-lawsuit.

ἰδοὺbeholdpresentative particle (attention-marker)→ discourse linkage or contrastἰδού: 'behold / look'; renders Hebrew הִנֵּה; a presentative interjection (frozen aor. mid. impv. of ὁράω) that arrests attention and introduces a solemn declaration; recurs densely in vv. 1–2, 13.

ἤκουσαI have listenedAor Act Indic 1 Sg · ἀκούωmain verb (first-person declaration)→ verbal action or stateἀκούω: 'hear / listen / obey'; with the genitive φωνῆς it carries the Hebraic sense of 'heed / obey the voice' (שָׁמַע בְּקוֹל); Samuel stresses that the monarchy arose from his obedience to the people, not his ambition.

φωνῆςvoiceGenitivegenitive object of ἤκουσα (object of hearing)→ relational specificationφωνή: 'voice / sound'; the genitive after ἀκούω; the idiom ἀκούειν φωνῆς ('hear / obey the voice') is a Hebraism for compliance, anticipating the recurring φωνή-language of vv. 14–15.

ὑμῶνyourGenitivegenitive of possession (modifying φωνῆς)→ relational specificationὑμῶν: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (modifying φωνῆς).

εἰςin / with respect topreposition + accusative (reference: 'in all that')→ spatial or relational framingεἰς + acc.: here a Hebraizing extension marking respect or reference ('in regard to all that'), rendering לְכֹל; the construction εἰς πάντα ὅσα generalises Samuel's obedience to the entire scope of the people's request.

πάνταall thingsAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς (neuter plural: 'all things')→ object specificationπᾶς: neuter accusative plural ('all things'), antecedent of the relative ὅσα; the totalising phrase πάντα ὅσα underlines that Samuel withheld nothing the people asked.

ὅσαwhateverAccusativerelative pronoun (neuter plural, object of εἴπατε)→ participant referenceὅσος: 'as much/many as / whatever'; correlative relative quantifier; πάντα ὅσα ('all that') renders כֹּל אֲשֶׁר, a standard LXX equivalence.

εἴπατέyou saidAor Act Indic 2 Pl · λέγωverb of relative clause→ verbal action or stateλέγω (aor. 2 pl.): refers to the people's demand for a king at 8:5, 19–20; the enclitic accent (εἴπατέ μοι) reflects the following enclitic μοι.

μοιto meDativedative indirect object (recipient of the request)→ participant reference or interestμοι: meaning 'to me'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative indirect object (recipient of the request).

καὶandcoordinate conjunction (result)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἐβασίλευσαI have set as kingAor Act Indic 1 Sg · βασιλεύωmain verb (causative: 'I made a king to reign')→ verbal action or stateβασιλεύω: normally intransitive 'be king / reign', but here transitive-causative with βασιλέα as object ('I made a king reign over you'), rendering the Hebrew Hiphil הִמְלַכְתִּי ('I caused to reign'); the LXX uses the simple active for the causative sense.

ἐφ᾿overpreposition + accusative (authority over: elided before rough breathing)→ spatial or relational framingἐπί + acc.: 'over / upon'; here marking royal authority 'over you'; elided to ἐφ᾿ before the aspirated ὑμᾶς.

ὑμᾶςyouAccusativeaccusative object of ἐφ᾿ (those ruled)→ participant referenceὑμᾶς: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as accusative object of ἐφ᾿ (those ruled).

βασιλέαkingAccusativedirect object of ἐβασίλευσα (the one made to reign)→ object specificationβασιλεύς: 'king'; renders מֶלֶךְ; the keyword of the chapter (recurring at vv. 2, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19, 25); the installed king is Saul (1 Kgdms 11:15).

καὶ νῦν ἰδοὺ ὁ βασιλεὺς διαπορεύεται ἐνώπιον ὑμῶν κἀγὼ γεγήρακα καὶ καθήσομαι καὶ οἱ υἱοί μου ἰδοὺ ἐν ὑμῖν κἀγὼ ἰδοὺ διελήλυθα ἐνώπιον ὑμῶν ἐκ νεότητός μου καὶ ἕως τῆς ἡμέρας ταύτης

And now, behold, the king walks before you; and I have grown old and will sit down, and behold my sons are among you; and I, behold, I have walked before you from my youth even to this day.

Transitional appeal (καὶ νῦν: drawing the present situation from the preceding fact)καὶ νῦν ἰδοὺ

καὶ νῦν ('and now') is the classic Hebraistic discourse-pivot (וְעַתָּה) moving from premise to consequence: the king is now installed and active (διαπορεύεται), while Samuel, aged and stepping down, sets his own lifelong conduct (διελήλυθα ἐνώπιον ὑμῶν) in contrast for examination. The doubled κἀγὼ … ἰδοὺ heightens the personal, self-presenting tone of the lawsuit.

Word-by-word analysis· 32 words

καὶandcoordinate conjunction (with νῦν: discourse pivot)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

νῦνnowtemporal adverb (logical-transitional)→ adverbial qualificationνῦν: 'now'; the combination καὶ νῦν renders Hebrew וְעַתָּה, a discourse marker drawing a consequence or appeal from what precedes; recurs at vv. 7, 13, 16.

ἰδοὺbeholdpresentative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastἰδού: presentative; here pointing to the king now publicly active before the assembly.

ὁtheNominativearticle (with βασιλεύς)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

βασιλεὺςkingNominativesubject→ participant prominenceβασιλεύς: the newly enthroned Saul, who now 'walks before' the people in the leadership role formerly held by Samuel.

διαπορεύεταιwalks before / goes aboutPres Mid Indic 3 Sg · διαπορεύομαιmain verb (present of ongoing public activity)→ verbal action or stateδιαπορεύομαι: 'pass through / go about / walk before'; the compound διά- suggests moving up and down among the people; 'walking before you' (διαπορεύεται ἐνώπιον ὑμῶν) denotes active leadership, the very function Samuel now relinquishes.

ἐνώπιονbeforepreposition + genitive (in the presence of)→ spatial or relational framingἐνώπιον: 'before / in the presence of'; Hebraism rendering לִפְנֵי; recurs in v. 2 (×2) and throughout the chapter as a marker of public, witnessed conduct.

ὑμῶνyouGenitivegenitive object of ἐνώπιον→ relational specificationὑμῶν: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive object of ἐνώπιον.

κἀγὼand INominativesubject (emphatic, crasis καὶ + ἐγώ)→ participant prominenceκἀγώ: crasis of καί + ἐγώ ('and I'); the emphatic first-person pronoun sets Samuel in deliberate contrast to the active young king — he is the one stepping back.

γεγήρακαI have grown oldPerf Act Indic 1 Sg · γηράσκωmain verb (perfect of present state)→ verbal action or stateγηράσκω: 'grow old'; the perfect γεγήρακα expresses the settled present state ('I am now an old man'); the same self-description introduces 1 Kgdms 8:1 and frames the whole farewell as the act of a leader at the end of his career.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

καθήσομαιI will sit down / settleFut Mid Indic 1 Sg · κάθημαιmain verb (future of withdrawal)→ verbal action or stateκάθημαι: 'sit / be seated / settle down'; the future here connotes Samuel's stepping aside into a settled, retired life now that the king is active; the contrast is between the king who 'walks about' and the prophet who will 'sit down.'

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

οἱtheNominativearticle (with υἱοί)→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

υἱοίsonsNominativesubject (of the verbless clause 'my sons are among you')→ participant prominenceυἱός: 'son'; Samuel's sons Joel and Abijah (8:2), whose corrupt judging precipitated the demand for a king; the mention 'my sons are among you' quietly reminds the assembly that they too now live as ordinary members of the people.

μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession (modifying υἱοί)→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (modifying υἱοί).

ἰδοὺbeholdpresentative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastἰδοὺ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἐνamongpreposition + dative (locative: 'among you')→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'among'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (locative: 'among you').

ὑμῖνyouDativedative object of ἐν (locative)→ participant reference or interestὑμῖν: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative object of ἐν (locative).

κἀγὼand INominativesubject (emphatic, crasis καὶ + ἐγώ)→ participant prominenceκἀγώ: the repeated emphatic 'and I' returns the focus to Samuel's own record, setting up the claim of lifelong blameless conduct that grounds the lawsuit of v. 3.

ἰδοὺbeholdpresentative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastἰδοὺ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

διελήλυθαI have walked / gone aboutPerf Act Indic 1 Sg · διέρχομαιmain verb (perfect summarising a lifetime)→ verbal action or stateδιέρχομαι: 'go through / pass about / conduct oneself'; the perfect διελήλυθα ('I have walked / lived my whole life') describes Samuel's public conduct 'before you from my youth to this day' — a metaphor of moral walk drawn from the Hebrew הָלַךְ; the verb sets his blameless career on record before the court.

ἐνώπιονbeforepreposition + genitive (in the sight of)→ spatial or relational framingἐνώπιον: meaning 'before'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (in the sight of).

ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (temporal source: 'from my youth')→ spatial or relational framingἐκ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (temporal source: 'from my youth').

νεότητόςyouthGenitivegenitive object of ἐκ (temporal starting-point)→ relational specificationνεότης: 'youth / young age'; the phrase ἐκ νεότητός μου ('from my youth') recalls Samuel's service from childhood at Shiloh (chs. 1–3); the accent νεότητός reflects the following enclitic μου.

μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession (modifying νεότητός)→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (modifying νεότητός).

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἕωςuntilpreposition + genitive (temporal terminus: 'to this day')→ spatial or relational framingἕως: 'until / as far as'; with the genitive it marks the temporal endpoint; the merism ἐκ νεότητος … ἕως τῆς ἡμέρας ταύτης ('from youth to this day') encompasses Samuel's entire life of service.

τῆςtheGenitivearticle (with ἡμέρας)→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἡμέραςdayGenitivegenitive object of ἕως (temporal terminus)→ relational specificationἡμέρα: 'day'; the demonstrative phrase ἡ ἡμέρα αὕτη ('this day') renders הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה, the solemn 'today' of covenant address.

ταύτηςthisGenitivedemonstrative adjective (modifying ἡμέρας)→ relational specificationοὗτος: 'this'; ἡ ἡμέρα αὕτη anchors the address to the present solemn assembly, the day Samuel's career is publicly examined and closed.

ἰδοὺ ἐγώ ἀποκρίθητε κατ᾿ ἐμοῦ ἐνώπιον κυρίου καὶ ἐνώπιον χριστοῦ αὐτοῦ μόσχον τίνος εἴληφα ἢ ὄνον τίνος εἴληφα ἢ τίνα κατεδυνάστευσα ὑμῶν ἢ τίνα ἐξεπίεσα ἢ ἐκ χειρὸς τίνος εἴληφα ἐξίλασμα καὶ ὑπόδημα ἀποκρίθητε κατ᾿ ἐμοῦ καὶ ἀποδώσω ὑμῖν

Behold, here I am; testify against me before the LORD and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken, or whose donkey have I taken, or whom of you have I oppressed, or whom have I crushed, or from whose hand have I taken a bribe, even a sandal? Testify against me, and I will restore it to you.

Formal legal challenge (the prophet submits himself to cross-examination)ἰδοὺ ἐγώ

ἰδοὺ ἐγώ ('here I am') opens the heart of the covenant-lawsuit: Samuel summons the people to testify against him (ἀποκρίθητε κατ᾿ ἐμοῦ) under the dual witness of the LORD and his χριστός (the king). The string of τίνος / τίνα interrogatives — ox, donkey, oppression, extortion, bribe — is a rhetorical sweep of every conceivable abuse of judicial power, each presupposing a negative answer.

Word-by-word analysis· 39 words

ἰδοὺbeholdpresentative particle (self-presentation)→ discourse linkage or contrastἰδού: with ἐγώ forms the self-presentation formula ἰδοὺ ἐγώ ('here I am'), rendering הִנְנִי, the language of standing forward to answer.

ἐγώINominativesubject (emphatic, self-presentation)→ participant referenceἐγώ: the emphatic pronoun in ἰδοὺ ἐγώ presents Samuel as the defendant voluntarily standing before the court of the LORD and the king.

ἀποκρίθητεtestify / answerAor Pass Impv 2 Pl · ἀποκρίνομαιmain verb (imperative summoning testimony)→ verbal action or stateἀποκρίνομαι: 'answer / respond'; the aorist passive imperative ἀποκρίθητε with κατ᾿ ἐμοῦ ('answer against me') is forensic — 'bring your charge / testify against me'; the verb frames the assembly as witnesses in a formal proceeding.

κατ᾿againstpreposition + genitive (hostile: 'against me'; elided)→ spatial or relational framingκατά + gen.: 'against'; the forensic 'answer against me' invites accusation; elided to κατ᾿ before ἐμοῦ.

ἐμοῦmeGenitivegenitive object of κατ᾿ (the one charged)→ relational specificationἐγώ (gen. ἐμοῦ): the emphatic genitive form (rather than enclitic μου) after the preposition, stressing Samuel as the object of any charge.

ἐνώπιονbeforepreposition + genitive (in the presence of: judicial witness)→ spatial or relational framingἐνώπιον: here introduces the divine and royal witnesses before whom the testimony is given, lending the cross-examination the force of an oath.

κυρίουthe LORDGenitivegenitive object of ἐνώπιον (divine witness)→ relational specificationκύριος: the standard LXX rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה; here the LORD is invoked as the supreme witness to Samuel's integrity, making the people's acquittal an oath-bound verdict.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἐνώπιονbeforepreposition + genitive (second witness)→ spatial or relational framingἐνώπιον: meaning 'before'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (second witness).

χριστοῦanointedGenitivegenitive object of ἐνώπιον (royal witness)→ relational specificationχριστός: 'anointed one'; renders מָשִׁיחַ; here the LORD's anointed is Saul, the newly installed king, paired with the LORD as co-witness; the term carries the royal-messianic resonance that the LXX will develop across the kingship narratives.

αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession (the LORD's anointed)→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: 'his', i.e. the LORD's; the king is the LORD's χριστός, his appointed and anointed agent, not an autonomous monarch.

μόσχονox / calfAccusativedirect object of εἴληφα (fronted for emphasis)→ object specificationμόσχος: 'calf / young bull / ox'; renders שׁוֹר; the ox heads the list of valuable property a corrupt judge might seize; cf. the same rhetorical denial in the Hebrew of 1 Sam 12:3.

τίνοςwhoseGenitiveinterrogative pronoun (genitive of possession: 'whose')→ relational specificationτίς: 'who / what / which'; interrogative; the genitive τίνος ('whose ox') governs the rhetorical question expecting the answer 'no one's.'

εἴληφαhave I takenPerf Act Indic 1 Sg · λαμβάνωmain verb (rhetorical question expecting negative answer)→ verbal action or stateλαμβάνω (perf. εἴληφα): 'take / receive'; the perfect probes whether any wrongful taking stands on Samuel's record with abiding effect; its threefold repetition (ox, donkey, bribe) hammers the denial of corruption.

ἢordisjunctive conjunction (linking parallel questions)→ discourse linkage or contrastἤ: 'or'; the repeated ἤ strings together the catalogue of possible offenses as alternatives, each rejected.

ὄνονdonkeyAccusativedirect object of εἴληφα→ object specificationὄνος: 'donkey / ass'; renders חֲמוֹר; the ox-and-donkey pair is a standard merism for a person's working livestock and basic property (cf. Exod 20:17; 23:4).

τίνοςwhoseGenitiveinterrogative pronoun (genitive of possession)→ relational specificationτίνος: meaning 'whose'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as interrogative pronoun (genitive of possession).

εἴληφαhave I takenPerf Act Indic 1 Sg · λαμβάνωmain verb (parallel rhetorical question)→ verbal action or stateλαμβάνω (perf. εἴληφα): 'I have taken (in marriage)'; the perfect stresses the standing fact of the marriage now contested — 'I married this woman, and yet …'.

ἢordisjunctive conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastἢ: meaning 'or'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

τίναwhomAccusativeinterrogative pronoun (accusative direct object of κατεδυνάστευσα)→ participant referenceτίς (acc. τίνα): the shift from τίνος ('whose property') to τίνα ('whom') moves from offenses against possessions to offenses against persons.

κατεδυνάστευσαhave I oppressedAor Act Indic 1 Sg · καταδυναστεύωmain verb (rhetorical question)→ verbal action or stateκαταδυναστεύω: 'oppress / tyrannise / exploit (by power)'; renders עָשַׁק; a strong term for abuse of the powerful against the weak (cf. Amos 4:1; Hab 1:4); Samuel denies ever having used his office to oppress.

ὑμῶνof youGenitivepartitive genitive (modifying τίνα: 'whom of you')→ relational specificationὑμῶν: partitive genitive with the interrogative ('which one of you'), localising the potential victims among the present assembly.

ἢordisjunctive conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastἢ: meaning 'or'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

τίναwhomAccusativeinterrogative pronoun (accusative object of ἐξεπίεσα)→ participant referenceτίνα: meaning 'whom'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as interrogative pronoun (accusative object of ἐξεπίεσα).

ἐξεπίεσαhave I crushed / extortedAor Act Indic 1 Sg · ἐκπιέζωmain verb (rhetorical question)→ verbal action or stateἐκπιέζω: 'squeeze out / press hard / crush'; a vivid term for extortion, intensifying κατεδυνάστευσα; it renders רָצַץ ('crush / oppress'); the image is of squeezing a victim for gain.

ἢordisjunctive conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastἢ: meaning 'or'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (source: 'from whose hand')→ spatial or relational framingἐκ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (source: 'from whose hand').

χειρὸςhandGenitivegenitive object of ἐκ (source of the bribe)→ relational specificationχείρ: 'hand'; ἐκ χειρός ('from the hand of') is a Hebraism (מִיַּד) denoting the agency or possession of a person; here the source of a possible bribe.

τίνοςwhoseGenitiveinterrogative pronoun (genitive: 'from whose hand')→ relational specificationτίνος: meaning 'whose'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as interrogative pronoun (genitive: 'from whose hand').

εἴληφαhave I takenPerf Act Indic 1 Sg · λαμβάνωmain verb (climactic rhetorical question)→ verbal action or stateλαμβάνω (perf. εἴληφα): 'I have taken (in marriage)'; the perfect stresses the standing fact of the marriage now contested — 'I married this woman, and yet …'.

ἐξίλασμαbribe / ransomAccusativedirect object of εἴληφα (the bribe taken)→ object specificationἐξίλασμα: 'means of propitiation / ransom / bribe'; here in the negative sense of a payment to pervert justice, rendering כֹּפֶר ('ransom / bribe'); judicial bribery is repeatedly condemned in the Torah (Exod 23:8; Deut 16:19).

καὶevenepexegetic/ascensive conjunction ('even a sandal')→ discourse linkage or contrastκαί: here ascensive ('even'), reducing the bribe to the most trivial item — not even a pair of sandals; cf. Amos 2:6; 8:6 for the sandal as the price of injustice.

ὑπόδημαsandalAccusativeaccusative in apposition / climax to ἐξίλασμα→ object specificationὑπόδημα: 'sandal / footwear'; renders נַעַל; the sandal stands proverbially for a thing of negligible value (cf. Gen 14:23; Amos 2:6); Samuel has not taken even the smallest token in exchange for a verdict.

ἀποκρίθητεtestify / answerAor Pass Impv 2 Pl · ἀποκρίνομαιmain verb (repeated imperative)→ verbal action or stateἀποκρίνομαι: the imperative is repeated for emphasis, pressing the assembly to render its verdict; the renewed challenge underlines Samuel's confidence in his innocence.

κατ᾿againstpreposition + genitive (forensic: 'against me')→ spatial or relational framingκατ᾿: meaning 'against'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (forensic: 'against me').

ἐμοῦmeGenitivegenitive object of κατ᾿→ relational specificationἐμοῦ: meaning 'me'; it serves as genitive object of κατ᾿.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction (introducing apodosis)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἀποδώσωI will restoreFut Act Indic 1 Sg · ἀποδίδωμιmain verb (promise of restitution)→ verbal action or stateἀποδίδωμι: 'give back / restore / repay'; the legal sense of restitution (rendering שׁוּב Hiphil / שִׁלֵּם); Samuel pledges full repayment for any proven wrong — a guarantee that presupposes there will be nothing to repay.

ὑμῖνto youDativedative indirect object (recipient of restitution)→ participant reference or interestὑμῖν: meaning 'to you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative indirect object (recipient of restitution).

καὶ εἶπαν πρὸς Σαμουηλ οὐκ ἠδίκησας ἡμᾶς καὶ οὐ κατεδυνάστευσας καὶ οὐκ ἔθλασας ἡμᾶς καὶ οὐκ εἴληφας ἐκ χειρὸς οὐδενὸς οὐδέν

And they said to Samuel, 'You have not wronged us, and you have not oppressed us, and you have not crushed us, and you have not taken anything from anyone's hand.'

The people's verdict (response acquitting the prophet)καὶ εἶπαν πρὸς Σαμουηλ

The assembly returns its verdict, answering Samuel's catalogue point for point with a fourfold negation (οὐκ … οὐ … οὐκ … οὐκ). The double negative climax ἐκ χειρὸς οὐδενὸς οὐδέν ('nothing from anyone's hand') is an emphatic Hebraizing acquittal: there is no charge to bring, and the lawsuit closes in Samuel's favour.

Word-by-word analysis· 21 words

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

εἶπανthey saidAor Act Indic 3 Pl · λέγωmain verb (the people's response)→ verbal action or stateλέγω (aor. 3 pl. εἶπαν): the Hellenistic first-aorist ending -αν (for classical εἶπον); the subject is the assembled people rendering their verdict.

ΣαμουηλSamuelaccusative object of πρός (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΣαμουηλ: indeclinable; the addressee of the people's acquittal.

οὐκnotnegative particle (with ἠδίκησας)→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐ (οὐκ before vowel): the objective negative of fact; the fourfold οὐ/οὐκ in this verse is the formal denial answering Samuel's charges one by one.

ἠδίκησαςyou have wrongedAor Act Indic 2 Sg · ἀδικέωmain verb (negated: acquittal)→ verbal action or stateἀδικέω: 'do wrong / injure / treat unjustly'; renders עָשַׁק / יָנָה; the general term heads the people's denial, covering every species of injustice.

ἡμᾶςusAccusativedirect object of ἠδίκησας→ participant referenceἡμᾶς: meaning 'us'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object of ἠδίκησας.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

οὐnotnegative particle (with κατεδυνάστευσας)→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

κατεδυνάστευσαςyou have oppressedAor Act Indic 2 Sg · καταδυναστεύωmain verb (negated: acquittal)→ verbal action or stateκαταδυναστεύω: echoing Samuel's own term in v. 3 (κατεδυνάστευσα), the people deny verbatim the charge he raised — the answer matches the question.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

οὐκnotnegative particle (with ἔθλασας)→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἔθλασαςyou have crushedAor Act Indic 2 Sg · θλάωmain verb (negated: acquittal)→ verbal action or stateθλάω: 'crush / bruise / break'; the people's term answers Samuel's ἐξεπίεσα ('squeeze / crush') of v. 3 with a near-synonym; both render the imagery of oppressive pressure on the weak.

ἡμᾶςusAccusativedirect object of ἔθλασας→ participant referenceἡμᾶς: meaning 'us'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object of ἔθλασας.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

οὐκnotnegative particle (with εἴληφας)→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

εἴληφαςyou have takenPerf Act Indic 2 Sg · λαμβάνωmain verb (negated: acquittal)→ verbal action or stateλαμβάνω (perf. εἴληφας): answers Samuel's threefold εἴληφα of v. 3; the perfect matches the perfect, affirming that no taking of bribe or property is on his record.

ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (source)→ spatial or relational framingἐκ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (source).

χειρὸςhandGenitivegenitive object of ἐκ (source)→ relational specificationχείρ: ἐκ χειρός again the Hebraism 'from the hand of'; the people echo Samuel's phrasing from v. 3.

οὐδενὸςanyone / no oneGenitivegenitive attributive (modifying χειρὸς: 'anyone's hand')→ relational specificationοὐδείς: 'no one / nobody'; the genitive οὐδενός ('of no one') with the following οὐδέν forms an emphatic Greek double negative that reinforces rather than cancels — 'nothing from anyone at all.'

οὐδένnothingAccusativedirect object of εἴληφας (emphatic double negation)→ object specificationοὐδείς (neut. οὐδέν): 'nothing'; the pairing οὐδενὸς οὐδέν ('nothing from no one') is an emphatic Hebraizing double negative completing the total acquittal of Samuel.

καὶ εἶπεν Σαμουηλ πρὸς τὸν λαόν μάρτυς κύριος ἐν ὑμῖν καὶ μάρτυς χριστὸς αὐτοῦ σήμερον ἐν ταύτῃ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ὅτι οὐχ εὑρήκατε ἐν χειρί μου οὐθέν καὶ εἶπαν μάρτυς

And Samuel said to the people, 'The LORD is witness among you, and his anointed is witness this day, that you have found nothing in my hand.' And they said, 'He is witness.'

Sealing of the verdict (invocation of witnesses)καὶ εἶπεν Σαμουηλ πρὸς τὸν λαόν

Samuel formally seals the acquittal by invoking the LORD and his χριστός as witnesses (μάρτυς … μάρτυς) to the people's testimony that nothing wrongful is in his hand. The people ratify the oath with a single word, μάρτυς ('He is witness'), the verbal seal of the covenant-lawsuit and the hinge to the recital of the LORD's righteousness that follows.

Word-by-word analysis· 29 words

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb (speech-introduction)→ verbal action or stateεἶπεν: verbal form rendered 'said' here; its aspect and clause role are specified by the parse and syntax fields.

ΣαμουηλSamuelsubject (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΣαμουηλ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable proper noun).

τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with λαόν)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

λαόνpeopleAccusativeaccusative object of πρός (addressee)→ object specificationλαός: 'people'; the covenant assembly of Israel, here addressed as the body that has rendered the verdict.

μάρτυςwitnessNominativepredicate nominative (verbless clause: 'the LORD is witness')→ participant prominenceμάρτυς: 'witness'; renders עֵד; the forensic keyword of the verse, repeated three times; the LORD and his anointed are summoned as legal witnesses, and the people ratify with the single word μάρτυς.

κύριοςthe LORDNominativesubject (of the verbless clause)→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה; the LORD himself stands as supreme witness to Samuel's integrity, giving the acquittal the weight of a divine oath.

ἐνamongpreposition + dative (locative: 'among you')→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'among'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (locative: 'among you').

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

μάρτυςwitnessNominativepredicate nominative (verbless clause: 'his anointed is witness')→ participant prominenceμάρτυς: meaning 'witness'; it serves as predicate nominative (verbless clause: 'his anointed is witness').

χριστὸςanointedNominativesubject (of the second verbless clause)→ participant prominenceχριστός: 'anointed one'; the king (Saul) as the LORD's χριστός joins the LORD as co-witness; the pairing 'the LORD and his anointed' echoes v. 3 and the royal-messianic frame of the chapter (cf. Ps 2:2).

αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession (the LORD's anointed)→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (the LORD's anointed).

σήμερονtodaytemporal adverb→ clausal contributionσήμερον: 'today'; renders הַיּוֹם; the covenant 'today' marking the present solemn occasion (cf. v. 2 ἡ ἡμέρα αὕτη).

ἐνinpreposition + dative (temporal)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (temporal).

ταύτῃthisDativedemonstrative adjective (modifying ἡμέρᾳ)→ participant reference or interestοὗτος: 'this'; ἐν ταύτῃ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ reinforces σήμερον, emphasising the present, witnessed moment.

τῇtheDativearticle (with ἡμέρᾳ)→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἡμέρᾳdayDativedative of time (when the testimony is given)→ sphere or referenceἡμέρα: 'day'; the day of the public reckoning before the assembly.

ὅτιthatconjunction (content clause: the substance of the testimony)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: 'that'; introduces the content witnessed — that nothing has been found in Samuel's hand.

οὐχnotnegative particle (with εὑρήκατε)→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐ (οὐχ before rough breathing): objective negation; here within the witnessed content-clause.

εὑρήκατεyou have foundPerf Act Indic 2 Pl · εὑρίσκωverb of the content clause→ verbal action or stateεὑρίσκω (perf. εὑρήκατε): 'find / discover'; the perfect denotes the abiding result of the people's examination — nothing wrongful has been or remains found in Samuel's hand.

ἐνinpreposition + dative (locative)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (locative).

χειρίhandDativedative object of ἐν (locative: 'in my hand')→ sphere or referenceχείρ: 'hand'; ἐν χειρί μου ('in my hand') is the Hebraism for one's possession or guilt; nothing illicit is in Samuel's keeping.

μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession (modifying χειρί)→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (modifying χειρί).

οὐθένnothingAccusativedirect object of εὑρήκατε (nothing found)→ object specificationοὐθείς (neut. οὐθέν): the Hellenistic byform of οὐδείς (with θ for δ), common in the LXX and papyri; 'nothing at all has been found.'

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

εἶπανthey saidAor Act Indic 3 Pl · λέγωmain verb (the people's ratification)→ verbal action or stateλέγω (aor. 3 pl. εἶπαν): the people respond with the single ratifying word.

μάρτυςHe is witnessNominativepredicate nominative (one-word affirmation: 'witness!')→ participant prominenceμάρτυς: the people's single-word reply ratifies the oath — 'witness [is the LORD]'; the bare nominative functions as a verdict-seal closing the lawsuit of vv. 1–5.

καὶ εἶπεν Σαμουηλ πρὸς τὸν λαὸν λέγων μάρτυς κύριος ὁ ποιήσας τὸν Μωυσῆν καὶ τὸν Ααρων ὁ ἀναγαγὼν τοὺς πατέρας ἡμῶν ἐξ Αἰγύπτου

And Samuel said to the people, saying, 'The LORD is witness, who made Moses and Aaron, who brought up our fathers out of Egypt.'

Transition to the recital of the LORD's saving deedsκαὶ εἶπεν Σαμουηλ πρὸς τὸν λαὸν λέγων

The renewed speech-formula with the redundant participle λέγων (a Hebraism rendering לֵאמֹר) opens the historical recital. The LORD is now witness not only to Samuel's integrity but as the God ὁ ποιήσας ('who made / appointed') Moses and Aaron and ὁ ἀναγαγών ('who brought up') the fathers from Egypt — the two articular participles cast the whole of redemptive history under the LORD's agency.

Word-by-word analysis· 23 words

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with λαὸν)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

λαὸνpeopleAccusativeaccusative object of πρός (addressee)→ object specificationλαὸν: meaning 'people'; it serves as accusative object of πρός (addressee).

λέγωνsayingPres Act Ptcp Nom Sg Masc · λέγωcircumstantial participle (redundant: Hebraism for לֵאמֹר)→ verbal action or stateλέγω (pres. ptcp. λέγων): the pleonastic 'saying' after a verb of speaking is a Hebraism rendering לֵאמֹר, marking the onset of direct discourse; standard in LXX narrative.

μάρτυςwitnessNominativepredicate nominative (verbless clause)→ participant prominenceμάρτυς: the witness-language of v. 5 is carried over and now pivots from courtroom to confession of the LORD's saving acts.

κύριοςthe LORDNominativesubject (of the verbless clause, antecedent of the participles)→ participant prominenceκύριος: the Tetragrammaton; the LORD is named as the one whose redemptive deeds the following recital will rehearse.

ὁthe (who)Nominativearticle (substantivising the participle ποιήσας)→ noun-phrase markingὁ + participle: the articular participle functions as a relative clause ('the one who made'), a standard Greek and LXX construction for divine epithets.

ποιήσαςwho made / appointedAor Act Ptcp Nom Sg Masc · ποιέωsubstantival participle (divine epithet: 'who made Moses and Aaron')→ verbal action or stateποιέω: 'make / do / appoint'; here in the sense of 'raised up / appointed' (rendering עָשָׂה), of the LORD's commissioning of Moses and Aaron as leaders; cf. the same idiom 'the LORD who made (appointed)' in the Hebrew of 1 Sam 12:6.

τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with Μωυσῆν)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ΜωυσῆνMosesAccusativedirect object of ποιήσας→ object specificationΜωυσῆς: transliteration of מֹשֶׁה; declined in the LXX as a first/third-declension hybrid (acc. Μωυσῆν, gen. Μωυσῆ); the accusative here as object of the participle.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with Ααρων)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ΑαρωνAarondirect object of ποιήσας (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΑαρων: transliteration of אַהֲרֹן; indeclinable in the LXX, though governed by the article τόν, which alone marks the accusative; Moses' brother and the first high priest, paired with him as the leaders of the Exodus.

ὁthe (who)Nominativearticle (substantivising the participle ἀναγαγὼν)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἀναγαγὼνwho brought upAor Act Ptcp Nom Sg Masc · ἀνάγωsubstantival participle (divine epithet: 'who brought up the fathers')→ verbal action or stateἀνάγω: 'lead up / bring up'; renders הֶעֱלָה ('bring up'); the standard verb for the Exodus from Egypt ('up' reflecting the ascent from the Nile delta to Canaan); the second articular participle defines the LORD by his act of redemption.

τοὺςtheAccusativearticle (with πατέρας)→ noun-phrase markingτοὺς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

πατέραςfathersAccusativedirect object of ἀναγαγὼν→ object specificationπατήρ: 'father / ancestor'; 'our fathers' (οἱ πατέρες ἡμῶν) is the recurring designation of the Exodus generation, binding the present assembly to the redeemed people of old.

ἡμῶνourGenitivegenitive of possession (modifying πατέρας)→ relational specificationἡμῶν: meaning 'our'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (modifying πατέρας).

ἐξout ofpreposition + genitive (source: 'out of Egypt')→ spatial or relational framingἐξ: meaning 'out of'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (source: 'out of Egypt').

ΑἰγύπτουEgyptGenitivegenitive object of ἐξ (source of the Exodus)→ relational specificationΑἴγυπτος (gen. Αἰγύπτου): standard LXX form of מִצְרַיִם; 'out of Egypt' is the fixed formula of the Exodus deliverance that anchors Samuel's recital of the LORD's righteousness.

καὶ νῦν κατάστητε καὶ δικάσω ὑμᾶς ἐνώπιον κυρίου καὶ ἀπαγγελῶ ὑμῖν τὴν πᾶσαν δικαιοσύνην κυρίου ἃ ἐποίησεν ἐν ὑμῖν καὶ ἐν τοῖς πατράσιν ὑμῶν

And now stand forth, and I will plead with you before the LORD, and I will declare to you all the righteousness of the LORD, which he did among you and among your fathers.

Summons to judgment (the present application of the recital)καὶ νῦν κατάστητε

καὶ νῦν again pivots from premise to summons. Having vindicated himself, Samuel now turns the lawsuit toward the people: 'stand forth and I will plead with you' (δικάσω ὑμᾶς) — the same forensic verb that governs the recital of τὴν πᾶσαν δικαιοσύνην κυρίου, the LORD's whole saving 'righteousness' enacted in their own history.

Word-by-word analysis· 24 words

καὶandcoordinate conjunction (with νῦν: discourse pivot)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

νῦνnowtemporal adverb (logical-transitional)→ adverbial qualificationνῦν: καὶ νῦν (וְעַתָּה) marks the move from the witness-formula to the summons that opens the historical pleading.

κατάστητεstand forth / present yourselvesAor Act Impv 2 Pl · καθίστημιmain verb (imperative summons to judgment)→ verbal action or stateκαθίστημι (2nd aor. act. impv. κατάστητε): intransitive 'take a stand / present oneself / stand forth'; the forensic 'stand (for judgment)' summons the people to the place of legal reckoning before the LORD; recurs at v. 16.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

δικάσωI will plead / judgeFut Act Indic 1 Sg · δικάζωmain verb (forensic: 'enter into judgment with you')→ verbal action or stateδικάζω: 'judge / plead a case / contend at law'; renders שָׁפַט / רִיב; here 'I will plead with / arraign you' — Samuel acts as the LORD's covenant-prosecutor, conducting the rîb (lawsuit) against the people for their kingship-demand.

ὑμᾶςyouAccusativedirect object of δικάσω (the ones arraigned)→ participant referenceὑμᾶς: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object of δικάσω (the ones arraigned).

ἐνώπιονbeforepreposition + genitive (in the presence of: judicial setting)→ spatial or relational framingἐνώπιον: the pleading takes place 'before the LORD,' the divine judge of the covenant-lawsuit.

κυρίουthe LORDGenitivegenitive object of ἐνώπιον (divine judge)→ relational specificationκύριος: the Tetragrammaton; the LORD presides as judge over the arraignment of his people.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἀπαγγελῶI will declareFut Act Indic 1 Sg · ἀπαγγέλλωmain verb (announcement of the recital)→ verbal action or stateἀπαγγέλλω: 'report / announce / declare'; renders הִגִּיד / סָפַר; introduces the formal recital of the LORD's saving deeds, the evidence in the covenant-lawsuit.

ὑμῖνto youDativedative indirect object (audience of the declaration)→ participant reference or interestὑμῖν: meaning 'to you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative indirect object (audience of the declaration).

τὴνtheAccusativearticle (with δικαιοσύνην)→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

πᾶσανallAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying δικαιοσύνην: 'all the righteousness')→ object specificationπᾶς: 'all / whole'; τὴν πᾶσαν δικαιοσύνην ('the whole righteousness') stresses the totality of the LORD's saving acts that the recital will rehearse.

δικαιοσύνηνrighteousnessAccusativedirect object of ἀπαγγελῶ (content of the recital)→ object specificationδικαιοσύνη: 'righteousness / righteous act'; renders צְדָקָה, here in the OT sense of the LORD's saving, covenant-faithful deeds (cf. Judg 5:11; Mic 6:5); the plural relative ἃ ('which things') treats it as a series of righteous acts.

κυρίουof the LORDGenitivegenitive of source/possession (modifying δικαιοσύνην)→ relational specificationκύριος: the Tetragrammaton; the righteousness is the LORD's own — his saving fidelity to Israel.

ἃwhich thingsAccusativerelative pronoun (neuter plural, object of ἐποίησεν)→ participant referenceὅς (neut. pl. ἅ): the neuter plural relative treats the singular δικαιοσύνην as a collection of righteous acts ('the things which he did'), a constructio ad sensum common in the LXX.

ἐποίησενhe didAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ποιέωverb of the relative clause (the LORD's saving acts)→ verbal action or stateποιέω: 'do / make / accomplish'; here of the LORD's saving deeds done 'among you and among your fathers,' binding the present generation into the one continuous history of redemption.

ἐνamongpreposition + dative (locative: 'among you')→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'among'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (locative: 'among you').

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἐνamongpreposition + dative (locative)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'among'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (locative).

τοῖςtheDativearticle (with πατράσιν)→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

πατράσινfathersDativedative object of ἐν (locative: 'among your fathers')→ sphere or referenceπατήρ (dat. pl. πατράσιν): 'fathers / ancestors'; the irregular third-declension dative plural; the recital embraces both the present generation and their forebears in one covenant story.

ὑμῶνyourGenitivegenitive of possession (modifying πατράσιν)→ relational specificationὑμῶν: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (modifying πατράσιν).

ὡς εἰσῆλθεν Ιακωβ καὶ οἱ υἱοὶ αὐτοῦ εἰς Αἴγυπτον καὶ ἐταπείνωσεν αὐτοὺς Αἴγυπτος καὶ ἐβόησαν οἱ πατέρες ἡμῶν πρὸς κύριον καὶ ἀπέστειλεν κύριος τὸν Μωυσῆν καὶ τὸν Ααρων καὶ ἐξήγαγεν τοὺς πατέρας ἡμῶν ἐξ Αἰγύπτου καὶ κατῴκισεν αὐτοὺς ἐν τῷ τόπῳ τούτῳ

When Jacob and his sons went into Egypt, and Egypt humbled them, then our fathers cried out to the LORD, and the LORD sent Moses and Aaron and brought our fathers out of Egypt and settled them in this place.

First panel of the recital (the descent into Egypt and the Exodus deliverance)ὡς εἰσῆλθεν Ιακωβ

The temporal ὡς ('when') opens the first historical panel, structured as the classic salvation-pattern: descent (εἰσῆλθεν), affliction (ἐταπείνωσεν), outcry (ἐβόησαν), and deliverance (ἀπέστειλεν … ἐξήγαγεν … κατῴκισεν). The chain of καί-coordinated aorists rehearses the foundational Exodus as the paradigm of the LORD's saving righteousness.

Word-by-word analysis· 42 words

ὡςwhentemporal conjunction (introducing the recital)→ discourse linkage or contrastὡς: 'when / as'; temporal conjunction here rendering כַּאֲשֶׁר; introduces the first episode of the historical recital.

εἰσῆλθενwent in / enteredAor Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰσέρχομαιverb of the temporal clause (the descent into Egypt)→ verbal action or stateεἰσέρχομαι: 'go in / enter'; renders בּוֹא; the descent of Jacob's household into Egypt (Gen 46), the starting point of the bondage-and-deliverance pattern; the singular verb precedes its compound subject (Jacob and his sons).

ΙακωβJacobsubject (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΙακωβ: transliteration of יַעֲקֹב; indeclinable in the LXX; the patriarch whose descent into Egypt with his sons begins the Egyptian sojourn.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction (compound subject)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

οἱtheNominativearticle (with υἱοὶ)→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

υἱοὶsonsNominativesubject (coordinate with Ιακωβ)→ participant prominenceυἱός: 'son'; Jacob's sons, the progenitors of the twelve tribes who went down into Egypt with him.

αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession (modifying υἱοὶ)→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (modifying υἱοὶ).

εἰςintopreposition + accusative (direction)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'into'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction).

ΑἴγυπτονEgyptAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς (destination of the descent)→ object specificationΑἴγυπτος (acc. Αἴγυπτον): the land of the sojourn and bondage; the accusative marks the destination of Jacob's descent.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction (sequential)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἐταπείνωσενhumbled / afflictedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ταπεινόωmain verb (the affliction phase)→ verbal action or stateταπεινόω: 'humble / afflict / oppress'; renders עִנָּה; the standard term for Egypt's affliction of Israel (cf. Exod 1:11–12; Deut 26:6); the second beat of the salvation-pattern.

αὐτοὺςthemAccusativedirect object of ἐταπείνωσεν→ participant referenceαὐτοὺς: meaning 'them'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object of ἐταπείνωσεν.

ΑἴγυπτοςEgyptNominativesubject (Egypt personified as oppressor)→ participant prominenceΑἴγυπτος (nom.): here Egypt as a collective national agent, the personified oppressor that afflicts Israel.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction (sequential)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἐβόησανcried outAor Act Indic 3 Pl · βοάωmain verb (the outcry phase)→ verbal action or stateβοάω: 'cry out / call aloud'; renders זָעַק / צָעַק; the cry of the afflicted to the LORD (cf. Exod 2:23) is the third beat of the pattern, the appeal that triggers deliverance; recurs at vv. 10, 18 (cf. ἐπεκαλέσατο).

οἱtheNominativearticle (with πατέρες)→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

πατέρεςfathersNominativesubject of ἐβόησαν→ participant prominenceπατήρ: 'fathers / ancestors'; the Exodus generation whose cry the LORD answered.

ἡμῶνourGenitivegenitive of possession (modifying πατέρες)→ relational specificationἡμῶν: meaning 'our'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (modifying πατέρες).

πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (direction of the cry)→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction of the cry).

κύριονthe LORDAccusativeaccusative object of πρός (the one cried to)→ object specificationκύριος (acc. κύριον): the Tetragrammaton; the LORD as the one to whom the afflicted fathers cried.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction (sequential: deliverance)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἀπέστειλενsentAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀποστέλλωmain verb (the deliverance phase)→ verbal action or stateἀποστέλλω: 'send / commission'; renders שָׁלַח; the LORD's sending of Moses and Aaron opens the deliverance; the same verb governs the sending of the judges at v. 11, binding the two panels.

κύριοςthe LORDNominativesubject of ἀπέστειλεν→ participant prominenceκύριος: the Tetragrammaton; the LORD himself, in answer to the cry, is the sole agent of deliverance.

τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with Μωυσῆν)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ΜωυσῆνMosesAccusativedirect object of ἀπέστειλεν→ object specificationΜωυσῆς (acc. Μωυσῆν): the chief agent of the Exodus, sent by the LORD.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with Ααρων)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ΑαρωνAarondirect object of ἀπέστειλεν (indeclinable, marked accusative by τόν)→ participant identificationΑαρων: indeclinable; Aaron sent alongside Moses as joint deliverer.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἐξήγαγενbrought outAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐξάγωmain verb (the Exodus deliverance)→ verbal action or stateἐξάγω: 'lead out / bring out'; renders הוֹצִיא; the verb of the Exodus par excellence (cf. Exod 20:2); the LORD, not Moses, is its grammatical subject — deliverance is the LORD's own work.

τοὺςtheAccusativearticle (with πατέρας)→ noun-phrase markingτοὺς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

πατέραςfathersAccusativedirect object of ἐξήγαγεν→ object specificationπατήρ: the fathers brought out of Egypt, the redeemed generation.

ἐξout ofpreposition + genitive (source)→ spatial or relational framingἐξ: meaning 'out of'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (source).

ΑἰγύπτουEgyptGenitivegenitive object of ἐξ (source of deliverance)→ relational specificationΑἴγυπτος (gen. Αἰγύπτου): the place of bondage from which the LORD redeemed the fathers.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction (sequential: settlement)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

κατῴκισενsettled / made to dwellAor Act Indic 3 Sg · κατοικίζωmain verb (the settlement in the land)→ verbal action or stateκατοικίζω: 'cause to dwell / settle'; the causative of κατοικέω, rendering הוֹשִׁיב; the LORD not only delivered but planted the fathers 'in this place' — the land of promise, the goal of the Exodus.

αὐτοὺςthemAccusativedirect object of κατῴκισεν→ participant referenceαὐτοὺς: meaning 'them'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object of κατῴκισεν.

ἐνinpreposition + dative (locative)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (locative).

τῷtheDativearticle (with τόπῳ)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

τόπῳplaceDativedative object of ἐν (locative: 'in this place')→ sphere or referenceτόπος: 'place / region'; ὁ τόπος οὗτος ('this place') is the land of Canaan, the destination of the Exodus and the present home of the assembly.

τούτῳthisDativedemonstrative adjective (modifying τόπῳ)→ participant reference or interestοὗτος: 'this'; the deictic 'this place' locates the recital's hearers within the fulfilled promise of land.

καὶ ἐπελάθοντο κυρίου τοῦ θεοῦ αὐτῶν καὶ ἀπέδοτο αὐτοὺς εἰς χεῖρας Σισαρα ἀρχιστρατήγου Ιαβιν βασιλέως Ασωρ καὶ εἰς χεῖρας ἀλλοφύλων καὶ εἰς χεῖρας βασιλέως Μωαβ καὶ ἐπολέμησαν ἐν αὐτοῖς

But they forgot the LORD their God, and he gave them over into the hands of Sisera, the commander-in-chief of Jabin king of Hazor, and into the hands of the Philistines, and into the hands of the king of Moab, and they fought against them.

Second panel of the recital (the judges' cycle: apostasy and oppression)καὶ ἐπελάθοντο κυρίου

The recital turns from the Exodus to the period of the judges, opening the apostasy-cycle: forgetting the LORD (ἐπελάθοντο) leads to being handed over (ἀπέδοτο) to a series of oppressors — Sisera/Jabin, the Philistines, the king of Moab. The verb ἀπέδοτο ('gave/sold over'), with the LORD as subject, makes the oppression itself the LORD's judicial response to covenant infidelity.

Word-by-word analysis· 29 words

καὶbutcoordinate conjunction (adversative in context)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'but'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἐπελάθοντοthey forgotAor Mid Indic 3 Pl · ἐπιλανθάνομαιmain verb (apostasy phase, governs genitive)→ verbal action or stateἐπιλανθάνομαι: 'forget / neglect'; the deponent middle takes a genitive object (κυρίου); renders שָׁכַח; 'forgetting' the LORD is the standard Deuteronomic idiom for covenant apostasy (cf. Deut 8:11, 19), the recurring fault that triggers the judges' cycle.

κυρίουthe LORDGenitivegenitive object of ἐπελάθοντο→ relational specificationκύριος (gen. κυρίου): the Tetragrammaton; the genitive complement of the verb of forgetting; the One whom Israel neglected.

τοῦtheGenitivearticle (with θεοῦ)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

θεοῦGodGenitivegenitive in apposition to κυρίου→ relational specificationθεός: 'God'; κύριος ὁ θεός renders יהוה אֱלֹהִים; the apposition stresses that the One forgotten is their own covenant God, deepening the gravity of the apostasy.

αὐτῶνtheirGenitivegenitive of possession (modifying θεοῦ)→ relational specificationαὐτῶν: meaning 'their'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (modifying θεοῦ).

καὶandcoordinate conjunction (sequential: judgment)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἀπέδοτοhe gave / sold them overAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἀποδίδωμιmain verb (judgment phase; subject is the LORD)→ verbal action or stateἀποδίδωμι (aor. mid. ἀπέδοτο): in the middle 'sell / give over'; renders מָכַר ('sell') in the judges' formula (cf. Judg 2:14; 3:8); the LORD 'sold' Israel into the hand of its enemies — a judicial surrender, not a defeat of the LORD.

αὐτοὺςthemAccusativedirect object of ἀπέδοτο→ participant referenceαὐτοὺς: meaning 'them'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object of ἀπέδοτο.

εἰςintopreposition + accusative (into the power of)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς χεῖρας: 'into the hands of'; Hebraism (בְּיַד) for delivering into someone's power; the phrase recurs three times in the verse, mapping the successive oppressors.

χεῖραςhandsAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς (the power of the oppressor)→ object specificationχείρ (acc. pl. χεῖρας): 'hands'; the idiom 'into the hands of' denotes subjection to an enemy's power.

ΣισαραSiseragenitive of possession (indeclinable: 'of Sisera')→ participant identificationΣισαρα: transliteration of סִיסְרָא; indeclinable; the Canaanite general defeated by Barak and Deborah (Judg 4–5); here cast as one of the oppressors into whose hand Israel was given.

ἀρχιστρατήγουcommander-in-chiefGenitivegenitive in apposition to Σισαρα→ relational specificationἀρχιστράτηγος: 'commander-in-chief / chief captain'; renders שַׂר־צָבָא; identifies Sisera as the army-commander of Jabin king of Hazor (Judg 4:2).

ΙαβινJabingenitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'of Jabin')→ participant identificationΙαβιν: transliteration of יָבִין; indeclinable; the Canaanite king of Hazor whose general was Sisera.

βασιλέωςkingGenitivegenitive in apposition to Ιαβιν→ relational specificationβασιλεύς (gen. βασιλέως): 'king'; identifies Jabin as king of Hazor.

ΑσωρHazorgenitive of relationship (indeclinable place-name: 'of Hazor')→ participant identificationΑσωρ: transliteration of חָצוֹר; indeclinable; the northern Canaanite city-kingdom of Jabin (Josh 11; Judg 4).

καὶandcoordinate conjunction (second oppressor)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

εἰςintopreposition + accusative (into the power of)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'into'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (into the power of).

χεῖραςhandsAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς→ object specificationχεῖρας: meaning 'hands'; it serves as accusative object of εἰς.

ἀλλοφύλωνPhilistines / foreignersGenitivegenitive of possession (the oppressing nation)→ relational specificationἀλλόφυλος: lit. 'of another tribe / foreigner'; the LXX's standard rendering of פְּלִשְׁתִּים, 'the Philistines'; the recurring oppressors of Israel in the judges' period and Samuel's own day.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction (third oppressor)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

εἰςintopreposition + accusative (into the power of)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'into'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (into the power of).

χεῖραςhandsAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς→ object specificationχεῖρας: meaning 'hands'; it serves as accusative object of εἰς.

βασιλέωςkingGenitivegenitive of possession (the oppressing king)→ relational specificationβασιλέως: meaning 'king'; it serves as genitive of possession (the oppressing king).

ΜωαβMoabgenitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'of Moab')→ participant identificationΜωαβ: transliteration of מוֹאָב; indeclinable; the trans-Jordanian nation whose king Eglon oppressed Israel until Ehud's deliverance (Judg 3).

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἐπολέμησανthey fought / waged warAor Act Indic 3 Pl · πολεμέωmain verb (the oppressors made war on Israel)→ verbal action or stateπολεμέω: 'make war / fight'; renders לָחַם; the subject is the collected oppressors who 'fought against them' (ἐν αὐτοῖς), the affliction that drives Israel back to the LORD in the next verse.

ἐνagainstpreposition + dative (Hebraistic: 'fought against them')→ spatial or relational framingἐν + dat.: here a Hebraism (נִלְחַם בְּ) where ἐν marks the object of hostility, 'fought against them.'

αὐτοῖςthemDativedative object of ἐν (those warred against)→ participant reference or interestαὐτοῖς: meaning 'them'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative object of ἐν (those warred against).

καὶ ἐβόησαν πρὸς κύριον καὶ ἔλεγον ἡμάρτομεν ὅτι ἐγκατελίπομεν τὸν κύριον καὶ ἐδουλεύσαμεν τοῖς Βααλιμ καὶ τοῖς ἄλσεσιν καὶ νῦν ἐξελοῦ ἡμᾶς ἐκ χειρὸς ἐχθρῶν ἡμῶν καὶ δουλεύσομέν σοι

And they cried out to the LORD and said, 'We have sinned, because we have forsaken the LORD and served the Baalim and the groves; and now deliver us out of the hand of our enemies, and we will serve you.'

Outcry and confession (the repentance phase of the cycle)καὶ ἐβόησαν πρὸς κύριον

The cycle's outcry returns (ἐβόησαν, as in v. 8): under oppression Israel cries to the LORD with explicit confession — ἡμάρτομεν ('we have sinned') — naming the offense (forsaking the LORD, serving the Baalim and the Asheroth) and pleading for deliverance with a vow of renewed service (δουλεύσομέν σοι). The διά-clause (ὅτι ἐγκατελίπομεν) gives the confession its theological precision.

Word-by-word analysis· 29 words

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἐβόησανcried outAor Act Indic 3 Pl · βοάωmain verb (the outcry of repentance)→ verbal action or stateβοάω: 'cry out'; the same verb as v. 8, marking the recurring outcry-phase of the judges' cycle; here joined to explicit confession.

κύριονthe LORDAccusativeaccusative object of πρός→ object specificationκύριος (acc. κύριον): the Tetragrammaton; the One to whom the penitent people cry.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἔλεγονthey kept sayingImpf Act Indic 3 Pl · λέγωmain verb (introducing the confession)→ verbal action or stateλέγω (impf. ἔλεγον): the imperfect portrays the confession as ongoing or repeated crying, vividly rendering the persistent appeal of the oppressed.

ἡμάρτομενwe have sinnedAor Act Indic 1 Pl · ἁμαρτάνωmain verb (the confession proper)→ verbal action or stateἁμαρτάνω: 'sin / miss the mark'; renders חָטָא; the bare confession ἡμάρτομεν ('we have sinned') is the formal admission of covenant guilt (cf. Judg 10:10, 15).

ὅτιbecausecausal conjunction (grounds of the confession)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: 'because'; introduces the specification of the sin confessed.

ἐγκατελίπομενwe have forsakenAor Act Indic 1 Pl · ἐγκαταλείπωverb of the causal clause (the specific sin)→ verbal action or stateἐγκαταλείπω: 'abandon / forsake / leave behind'; renders עָזַב; the intensified compound names the covenant breach — abandoning the LORD for other gods; the counterpoint to v. 22's promise that the LORD will not forsake (ἀπώσεται) his people.

τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with κύριον)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

κύριονthe LORDAccusativedirect object of ἐγκατελίπομεν→ object specificationκύριος (acc. κύριον): the Tetragrammaton; the One forsaken.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἐδουλεύσαμενwe servedAor Act Indic 1 Pl · δουλεύωverb of the causal clause (idolatry)→ verbal action or stateδουλεύω: 'serve / be enslaved to'; renders עָבַד; the key covenant verb of the chapter, here perverted — serving the Baalim instead of the LORD; the same verb returns positively for serving the LORD (vv. 14, 20, 24) and in the vow at the verse's end.

τοῖςtheDativearticle (with Βααλιμ)→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

Βααλιμthe Baalim / Baalsdative object of ἐδουλεύσαμεν (indeclinable, marked dative by τοῖς)→ participant identificationΒααλιμ: transliteration of the Hebrew plural בְּעָלִים ('the Baals'); indeclinable, its case shown only by the article τοῖς; the Canaanite fertility deities Israel served in apostasy (cf. Judg 2:11; 10:6).

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

τοῖςtheDativearticle (with ἄλσεσιν)→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἄλσεσινgroves / sacred polesDativedative object of ἐδουλεύσαμεν (coordinate with Βααλιμ)→ sphere or referenceἄλσος (dat. pl. ἄλσεσιν): 'sacred grove'; the LXX's standard rendering of אֲשֵׁרוֹת (Asheroth), the cult-objects/poles of the goddess Asherah; the Baalim-and-Asheroth pair is the typical formula for Canaanite idolatry (cf. Judg 3:7).

καὶandcoordinate conjunction (with νῦν: petition)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

νῦνnowtemporal adverb (transitional: confession to petition)→ adverbial qualificationνῦν: καὶ νῦν marks the pivot from confession to the petition for deliverance.

ἐξελοῦdeliver / rescueAor Mid Impv 2 Sg · ἐξαιρέωmain verb (petition for deliverance)→ verbal action or stateἐξαιρέω (aor. mid. impv. ἐξελοῦ): 'take out / deliver / rescue'; renders הִצִּיל / חָלַץ; the middle 'rescue for yourself'; the people plead for the very deliverance the LORD then grants through the judges (v. 11, ἐξείλατο).

ἡμᾶςusAccusativedirect object of ἐξελοῦ→ participant referenceἡμᾶς: meaning 'us'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object of ἐξελοῦ.

ἐκout ofpreposition + genitive (source: 'out of the hand')→ spatial or relational framingἐκ: meaning 'out of'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (source: 'out of the hand').

χειρὸςhandGenitivegenitive object of ἐκ (the power escaped)→ relational specificationχείρ: ἐκ χειρός ('out of the hand of'), the Hebraism for rescue from an enemy's power; answered by the LORD's deliverance ἐκ χειρός in v. 11.

ἐχθρῶνenemiesGenitivegenitive of possession (modifying χειρὸς)→ relational specificationἐχθρός: 'enemy / hostile one'; renders אוֹיֵב; the oppressing nations of v. 9 from whose hand deliverance is sought.

ἡμῶνourGenitivegenitive of possession (modifying ἐχθρῶν)→ relational specificationἡμῶν: meaning 'our'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (modifying ἐχθρῶν).

καὶandcoordinate conjunction (introducing the vow)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

δουλεύσομένwe will serveFut Act Indic 1 Pl · δουλεύωmain verb (the vow of renewed service)→ verbal action or stateδουλεύω (fut. δουλεύσομεν): 'serve'; the vow reverses the false service of the Baalim — 'we will serve you'; the accent δουλεύσομέν reflects the following enclitic σοι.

σοιyouDativedative object of δουλεύσομεν (the LORD to be served)→ participant reference or interestσύ (dat. σοι): enclitic; the object of renewed covenant service — the LORD himself.

καὶ ἀπέστειλεν κύριος τὸν Ιεροβααλ καὶ τὸν Βαρακ καὶ τὸν Ιεφθαε καὶ τὸν Σαμουηλ καὶ ἐξείλατο ὑμᾶς ἐκ χειρὸς ἐχθρῶν ὑμῶν τῶν κυκλόθεν καὶ κατῳκεῖτε πεποιθότες

And the LORD sent Jerubbaal and Barak and Jephthah and Samuel, and he delivered you out of the hand of your enemies round about, and you dwelt in safety.

Deliverance phase (the LORD's raising of the judges)καὶ ἀπέστειλεν κύριος

The deliverance answers the cry: the LORD 'sent' (ἀπέστειλεν, echoing v. 8) the deliverers Jerubbaal, Barak, Jephthah and Samuel, and 'delivered you' (ἐξείλατο, answering ἐξελοῦ of v. 10) from the surrounding enemies, so that Israel dwelt in security (κατῳκεῖτε πεποιθότες). The shift to second person ('you', 'your enemies') draws the present assembly directly into the saving history.

Word-by-word analysis· 26 words

καὶandcoordinate conjunction (deliverance phase)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἀπέστειλενsentAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀποστέλλωmain verb (the LORD commissions the judges)→ verbal action or stateἀποστέλλω: 'send / commission'; the same verb used of Moses and Aaron in v. 8, now of the judges — binding the two eras: the LORD is the sender in both Exodus and judges.

κύριοςthe LORDNominativesubject of ἀπέστειλεν→ participant prominenceκύριος: the Tetragrammaton; the LORD alone raises up the deliverers.

τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with Ιεροβααλ)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ΙεροβααλJerubbaaldirect object of ἀπέστειλεν (indeclinable, marked accusative by τόν)→ participant identificationΙεροβααλ: transliteration of יְרֻבַּעַל ('Jerubbaal'), the alternate name of Gideon (Judg 6:32; 7:1); indeclinable; first of the four deliverers named.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with Βαρακ)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ΒαρακBarakdirect object of ἀπέστειλεν (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΒαρακ: transliteration of בָּרָק; indeclinable; the deliverer who, with Deborah, defeated Sisera (Judg 4–5); the LXX (and some Hebrew witnesses) read 'Barak' where the MT has 'Bedan.'

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with Ιεφθαε)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ΙεφθαεJephthahdirect object of ἀπέστειλεν (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΙεφθαε: transliteration of יִפְתָּח; indeclinable; the Gileadite judge who delivered Israel from the Ammonites (Judg 11).

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with Σαμουηλ)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ΣαμουηλSamueldirect object of ἀπέστειλεν (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΣαμουηλ: indeclinable; remarkably, Samuel names himself as the fourth deliverer (the MT reads thus; some witnesses read 'Samson'), drawing his own ministry into the line of judge-deliverers — his integrity (vv. 1–5) is part of the LORD's saving righteousness.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἐξείλατοdelivered / rescuedAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἐξαιρέωmain verb (the act of deliverance)→ verbal action or stateἐξαιρέω (aor. mid. ἐξείλατο): 'deliver / rescue'; directly answers the people's plea ἐξελοῦ of v. 10; the LORD (through the judges) is the subject — the deliverance is his work, granted in response to the cry.

ὑμᾶςyouAccusativedirect object of ἐξείλατο (the present generation addressed)→ participant referenceὑμᾶς: the shift to second person ('you') folds the present assembly into the inherited deliverance — the LORD's saving acts are not merely ancestral but theirs.

ἐκout ofpreposition + genitive (source of rescue)→ spatial or relational framingἐκ: meaning 'out of'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (source of rescue).

χειρὸςhandGenitivegenitive object of ἐκ (the power escaped)→ relational specificationχείρ: ἐκ χειρός again the idiom of rescue from an enemy's power, completing the cycle begun at v. 9.

ἐχθρῶνenemiesGenitivegenitive of possession (modifying χειρὸς)→ relational specificationἐχθρός: 'enemy'; the surrounding nations from whom the LORD delivered Israel.

ὑμῶνyourGenitivegenitive of possession (modifying ἐχθρῶν)→ relational specificationὑμῶν: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (modifying ἐχθρῶν).

τῶνtheGenitivearticle (with the adverb κυκλόθεν, attributive: 'round about')→ noun-phrase markingὁ + κυκλόθεν: the article substantivises the adverb as an attributive modifier of ἐχθρῶν ('the enemies round about').

κυκλόθενround about / on every sideadverb (attributive with article: 'the surrounding enemies')→ clausal contributionκυκλόθεν: 'from around / on every side'; renders מִסָּבִיב; describes the enemies encircling Israel; with the article it functions adjectivally ('the enemies round about').

καὶandcoordinate conjunction (result of deliverance)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

κατῳκεῖτεyou dweltImpf Act Indic 2 Pl · κατοικέωmain verb (the resulting secure dwelling)→ verbal action or stateκατοικέω: 'dwell / inhabit / settle'; the imperfect portrays the ongoing condition of secure dwelling that followed each deliverance; the cognate of κατῴκισεν in v. 8 (the LORD settled them; now they dwell).

πεποιθότεςin safety / trustingPerf Act Ptcp Nom Pl Masc · πείθωcircumstantial participle (manner: 'dwelt securely / in confidence')→ verbal action or stateπείθω (perf. act. ptcp. πεποιθότες): the perfect active 'to have come to trust / be confident'; the participle 'trusting / in security' renders לָבֶטַח ('in safety'); the idiom κατοικεῖν πεποιθότες ('dwell in confident security') describes the peace that the LORD's deliverance secured — the very security the kingship-demand wrongly doubted.

καὶ εἴδετε ὅτι Ναας βασιλεὺς υἱῶν Αμμων ἦλθεν ἐφ᾿ ὑμᾶς καὶ εἴπατε οὐχί ἀλλ᾿ ἢ ὅτι βασιλεὺς βασιλεύσει ἐφ᾿ ἡμῶν καὶ κύριος ὁ θεὸς ἡμῶν βασιλεὺς ἡμῶν

And you saw that Nahash king of the sons of Ammon came against you, and you said, 'No, but a king shall reign over us'—though the LORD our God was your king.

Indictment of the kingship-demand (the application of the recital)καὶ εἴδετε ὅτι Ναας

The recital reaches its accusatory point: when Nahash the Ammonite threatened, the people rejected the LORD's saving pattern and demanded a human king (βασιλεὺς βασιλεύσει ἐφ᾿ ἡμῶν), even though the LORD their God was already their king. The closing clause καὶ κύριος ὁ θεὸς ἡμῶν βασιλεὺς ἡμῶν is the theological indictment: the demand was an act of distrust against the divine King.

Word-by-word analysis· 27 words

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

εἴδετεyou sawAor Act Indic 2 Pl · ὁράωmain verb (perception introducing the indictment)→ verbal action or stateὁράω (aor. εἴδετε): 'see / perceive'; renders רָאָה; the people 'saw' the Ammonite threat and reacted with the kingship-demand; recurs at vv. 16, 17, 24 of seeing the LORD's sign and deeds.

ὅτιthatconjunction (content clause after εἴδετε)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: meaning 'that'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ΝααςNahashsubject (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΝαας: transliteration of נָחָשׁ ('Nahash'); indeclinable; the Ammonite king whose threat against Jabesh-Gilead (1 Kgdms 11) precipitated Saul's rise and the people's eagerness for a king.

βασιλεὺςkingNominativenominative in apposition to Ναας→ participant prominenceβασιλεύς: identifies Nahash as king of the Ammonites.

υἱῶνof the sonsGenitivegenitive of relationship (modifying βασιλεὺς: 'king of the sons')→ relational specificationυἱός (gen. pl. υἱῶν): 'sons'; 'sons of Ammon' (υἱοὶ Αμμων) is the standard LXX designation of the Ammonites (בְּנֵי עַמּוֹן).

ΑμμωνAmmongenitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'of Ammon')→ participant identificationΑμμων: transliteration of עַמּוֹן; indeclinable; the trans-Jordanian nation descended from Lot (Gen 19:38).

ἦλθενcameAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἔρχομαιverb of the content clause (the Ammonite advance)→ verbal action or stateἔρχομαι (aor. ἦλθεν): 'come'; with ἐφ᾿ ὑμᾶς ('came against you') it denotes a hostile advance, the threat that prompted the kingship-demand.

ἐφ᾿againstpreposition + accusative (hostile: 'against you'; elided)→ spatial or relational framingἐπί + acc.: here in hostile sense, 'against'; elided to ἐφ᾿ before the aspirated ὑμᾶς.

ὑμᾶςyouAccusativeaccusative object of ἐφ᾿ (those threatened)→ participant referenceὑμᾶς: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as accusative object of ἐφ᾿ (those threatened).

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

εἴπατεyou saidAor Act Indic 2 Pl · λέγωmain verb (the kingship-demand)→ verbal action or stateλέγω (aor. 2 pl. εἴπατε): the people's demand for a king (cf. 8:19–20); the same verb of their request in v. 1, here in its accusatory recollection.

οὐχίnoemphatic negative (rejection of the divine kingship)→ clausal contributionοὐχί: emphatic 'no!'; the strengthened form of οὐ; the people's flat rejection of the status quo (the LORD's kingship through judges) in favour of a human monarch.

ἀλλ᾿butstrong adversative (elided before ἤ)→ clausal contributionἀλλά (elided ἀλλ᾿): strong adversative; with ἤ forms the emphatic 'but rather / nothing but,' rendering the Hebrew כִּי after a negative — 'no, but rather...'

ἢratherparticle (with ἀλλά: emphatic exception 'but rather')→ discourse linkage or contrastἤ: here not 'or' but part of the idiom ἀλλ᾿ ἤ ('but only / but rather'), intensifying the contrast after the negation.

ὅτιthatconjunction (introducing the demand as quoted content)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: recitativum, introducing the substance of the demand (functioning like quotation marks).

βασιλεὺςa kingNominativesubject of βασιλεύσει→ participant prominenceβασιλεύς: 'king'; the human monarch the people demanded, set in deliberate contrast to the divine King of the closing clause.

βασιλεύσειshall reignFut Act Indic 3 Sg · βασιλεύωmain verb of the quoted demand→ verbal action or stateβασιλεύω: here intransitive 'reign / be king' (contrast the causative use in v. 1); the people's insistence that a king 'shall reign over us' is the very demand the LORD called a rejection of his own kingship (8:7).

ἐφ᾿overpreposition + genitive (authority over: elided)→ spatial or relational framingἐπί + gen.: 'over'; marking the sphere of the king's rule; elided to ἐφ᾿ before ἡμῶν.

ἡμῶνusGenitivegenitive object of ἐφ᾿ (those to be ruled)→ relational specificationἡμῶν: meaning 'us'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive object of ἐφ᾿ (those to be ruled).

καὶthough / andcoordinate conjunction (concessive force: 'and yet / though')→ discourse linkage or contrastκαί: here carrying concessive force in context ('and yet / although'), introducing the theological indictment that the LORD was already king.

κύριοςthe LORDNominativesubject (of the verbless clause: 'the LORD was your king')→ participant prominenceκύριος: the Tetragrammaton; the verbless clause asserts the LORD's actual kingship over Israel, exposing the demand for a human king as covenant betrayal.

ὁtheNominativearticle (with θεὸς)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

θεὸςGodNominativenominative in apposition to κύριος→ participant prominenceθεός: κύριος ὁ θεός ('the LORD God'); the apposition heightens the indictment — it is their own covenant God whose kingship they rejected.

ἡμῶνourGenitivegenitive of possession (modifying θεὸς)→ relational specificationἡμῶν: meaning 'our'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (modifying θεὸς).

βασιλεὺςkingNominativepredicate nominative (verbless: 'the LORD ... is/was king')→ participant prominenceβασιλεύς: the climactic word — the LORD himself is Israel's true βασιλεύς; the people's demand for another king (βασιλεύς, same word) is thereby exposed as a rejection of the divine King.

ἡμῶνourGenitivegenitive of relationship (modifying βασιλεὺς: 'our king')→ relational specificationἡμῶν: meaning 'our'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of relationship (modifying βασιλεὺς: 'our king').

καὶ νῦν ἰδοὺ ὁ βασιλεύς ὃν ἐξελέξασθε καὶ ἰδοὺ δέδωκεν κύριος ἐφ᾿ ὑμᾶς βασιλέα

And now, behold the king whom you chose; and behold, the LORD has given a king over you.

Presentation of the chosen king (transition from indictment to covenant terms)καὶ νῦν ἰδοὺ ὁ βασιλεύς

καὶ νῦν pivots from indictment to acknowledgment: the king the people 'chose' (ἐξελέξασθε) now stands before them, yet the doubled ἰδού stresses that it is the LORD who 'has given' (δέδωκεν) him — the human choice and the divine grant coincide. The perfect δέδωκεν frames the kingship as a standing reality, the new condition under which the covenant terms of vv. 14–15 must be lived.

Word-by-word analysis· 14 words

καὶandcoordinate conjunction (with νῦν: discourse pivot)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

νῦνnowtemporal adverb (logical-transitional)→ adverbial qualificationνῦν: καὶ νῦν again pivots from the accusatory recital to the present reality of the installed king.

ἰδοὺbeholdpresentative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastἰδού: presentative; points to the king now standing before the assembly.

ὁtheNominativearticle (with βασιλεύς)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

βασιλεύςkingNominativenominative of presentation (the king set before them)→ participant prominenceβασιλεύς: the king Saul, presented to the assembly as both their choice and the LORD's grant.

ὃνwhomAccusativerelative pronoun (accusative object of ἐξελέξασθε)→ participant referenceὅς (acc. ὃν): the relative clause 'whom you chose' stresses the people's own agency and responsibility in the kingship.

ἐξελέξασθεyou choseAor Mid Indic 2 Pl · ἐκλέγομαιverb of the relative clause→ verbal action or stateἐκλέγομαι: 'choose / select for oneself'; the middle stresses the people's self-interested choice; renders בָּחַר; ironically, the same verb used of the LORD's election of Israel is here turned to the people's choosing of a king.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἰδοὺbeholdpresentative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastἰδού: the second presentative shifts the emphasis from the people's choice to the LORD's grant.

δέδωκενhas givenPerf Act Indic 3 Sg · δίδωμιmain verb (the LORD's grant of the king)→ verbal action or stateδίδωμι (perf. δέδωκεν): 'give'; the perfect marks the kingship as a settled, abiding grant — though the people chose, it is the LORD who has given the king; divine sovereignty overarches the human demand.

κύριοςthe LORDNominativesubject of δέδωκεν→ participant prominenceκύριος: the Tetragrammaton; the LORD as the true giver of the king, even of one demanded in distrust.

ἐφ᾿overpreposition + accusative (authority over: elided)→ spatial or relational framingἐφ᾿: meaning 'over'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (authority over: elided).

βασιλέαa kingAccusativedirect object of δέδωκεν→ object specificationβασιλεύς: the gift granted — a king 'over you'; the phrasing echoes v. 1 (ἐβασίλευσα ἐφ᾿ ὑμᾶς βασιλέα), framing the address as a unity.

ἐὰν φοβηθῆτε τὸν κύριον καὶ δουλεύσητε αὐτῷ καὶ ἀκούσητε τῆς φωνῆς αὐτοῦ καὶ μὴ ἐρίσητε τῷ στόματι κυρίου καὶ ἦτε καὶ ὑμεῖς καὶ ὁ βασιλεὺς ὁ βασιλεύων ἐφ᾿ ὑμῶν ὀπίσω κυρίου πορευόμενοι

If you fear the LORD and serve him and listen to his voice and do not rebel against the mouth of the LORD, then both you and the king who reigns over you will be following after the LORD.

First covenant alternative (the conditional of blessing)ἐὰν φοβηθῆτε τὸν κύριον

The first of the two covenant paths, a fourfold protasis (fear, serve, obey, do not rebel) followed by the apodosis of continued covenant standing. The cluster of conditional subjunctives gathers the whole of covenant fidelity, and the periphrastic ἦτε … πορευόμενοι ('you will be following after the LORD') frames obedience as an ongoing 'walking after' the LORD that embraces both people and king.

Word-by-word analysis· 32 words

ἐὰνifconditional conjunction (introducing protasis + subjunctive)→ discourse linkage or contrastἐάν: 'if'; introduces the conditional protasis with the subjunctive, rendering אִם; sets out the first covenant alternative (blessing).

φοβηθῆτεyou fearAor Pass Subj 2 Pl · φοβέομαιverb of the protasis (first condition)→ verbal action or stateφοβέομαι: 'fear / revere'; the deponent passive; renders יָרֵא; 'fear of the LORD' is reverent covenant loyalty, the foundational disposition Samuel commends (recurs at vv. 18, 20, 24).

τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with κύριον)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

κύριονthe LORDAccusativedirect object of φοβηθῆτε→ object specificationκύριος (acc. κύριον): the Tetragrammaton; the object of reverent fear.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction (second condition)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

δουλεύσητεyou serveAor Act Subj 2 Pl · δουλεύωverb of the protasis (second condition)→ verbal action or stateδουλεύω: 'serve'; the covenant keyword now used positively — serving the LORD, reversing the false service of the Baalim (v. 10); recurs in the imperatives of vv. 20, 24.

αὐτῷhimDativedative object of δουλεύσητε (the LORD served)→ participant reference or interestαὐτῷ: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative object of δουλεύσητε (the LORD served).

καὶandcoordinate conjunction (third condition)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἀκούσητεyou listen / obeyAor Act Subj 2 Pl · ἀκούωverb of the protasis (third condition, governs genitive)→ verbal action or stateἀκούω: 'hear / obey'; with the genitive τῆς φωνῆς it is the Hebraism 'obey the voice' (שָׁמַע בְּקוֹל); echoes Samuel's own obedience in v. 1 and is set against rebellion in vv. 14b–15.

τῆςtheGenitivearticle (with φωνῆς)→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

φωνῆςvoiceGenitivegenitive object of ἀκούσητε→ relational specificationφωνή: 'voice'; obeying the LORD's voice is the heart of covenant fidelity (cf. v. 15, where disobeying the voice brings judgment).

αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession (modifying φωνῆς)→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (modifying φωνῆς).

καὶandcoordinate conjunction (fourth condition)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

μὴnotnegative particle (with subjunctive ἐρίσητε)→ discourse linkage or contrastμή: the negative used with the subjunctive; 'do not rebel.'

ἐρίσητεyou rebel / contendAor Act Subj 2 Pl · ἐρίζωverb of the protasis (fourth, negated condition)→ verbal action or stateἐρίζω: 'strive / quarrel / contend'; here 'rebel against / defy'; the LXX uses it to render מָרָה ('be rebellious / defiant'); 'contending against the mouth of the LORD' is open covenant defiance, the opposite of obeying his voice.

τῷtheDativearticle (with στόματι)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

στόματιmouth / commandDativedative object of ἐρίσητε (that against which one rebels)→ sphere or referenceστόμα: 'mouth'; here 'the mouth of the LORD' = his spoken command (פִּי יהוה); rebelling against the LORD's mouth is defying his expressed will (cf. Num 20:24; 27:14).

κυρίουof the LORDGenitivegenitive of possession (modifying στόματι)→ relational specificationκύριος (gen. κυρίου): the Tetragrammaton; the mouth/command that is not to be defied.

καὶthen / andcoordinate conjunction (introducing the apodosis)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαί: here introduces the apodosis of the condition (the consequence), a Hebraizing use after a protasis.

ἦτεyou will bePres Act Subj 2 Pl · εἰμίmain verb of the apodosis (periphrastic with πορευόμενοι)→ verbal action or stateεἰμί (pres. subj. ἦτε): the verb 'to be' forms a periphrastic construction with the participle πορευόμενοι ('you will be following after'), expressing an ongoing condition of covenant faithfulness shared by people and king.

καὶbothcorrelative conjunction (καὶ ... καὶ: 'both ... and')→ discourse linkage or contrastκαί ... καί: the correlative 'both ... and' joining the people and the king as co-subjects of the apodosis.

ὑμεῖςyouNominativesubject (emphatic, with the king)→ participant referenceὑμεῖς: the emphatic plural pronoun; the people as one of the two parties bound to covenant obedience.

καὶandcorrelative conjunction (second member: 'and the king')→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ὁtheNominativearticle (with βασιλεὺς)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

βασιλεὺςkingNominativesubject (coordinate with ὑμεῖς)→ participant prominenceβασιλεύς: the king, made subject to the same covenant terms as the people — even the monarch must 'follow after the LORD.'

ὁthe (who)Nominativearticle (substantivising the participle βασιλεύων)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

βασιλεύωνwho reignsPres Act Ptcp Nom Sg Masc · βασιλεύωattributive participle (modifying βασιλεὺς: 'the king who reigns')→ verbal action or stateβασιλεύω (pres. ptcp. βασιλεύων): 'reign / be king'; the articular participle 'the one reigning over you' specifies the present monarch under whom the covenant obligation now applies.

ἐφ᾿overpreposition + genitive (authority over: elided)→ spatial or relational framingἐφ᾿: meaning 'over'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (authority over: elided).

ὑμῶνyouGenitivegenitive object of ἐφ᾿ (those ruled)→ relational specificationὑμῶν: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive object of ἐφ᾿ (those ruled).

ὀπίσωafterpreposition + genitive ('after the LORD')→ spatial or relational framingὀπίσω: 'behind / after'; with the genitive, 'after the LORD'; the idiom πορεύεσθαι ὀπίσω κυρίου ('walk after the LORD') renders הָלַךְ אַחֲרֵי יהוה, the covenant metaphor of faithful following (contrast 'going after' the Baalim, Judg 2:12).

κυρίουthe LORDGenitivegenitive object of ὀπίσω (the one followed)→ relational specificationκύριος (gen. κυρίου): the Tetragrammaton; the One to be followed in covenant loyalty.

πορευόμενοιfollowing / walkingPres Mid Ptcp Nom Pl Masc · πορεύομαιparticiple (periphrastic with ἦτε: 'you will be following')→ verbal action or stateπορεύομαι (pres. ptcp. πορευόμενοι): 'go / walk / proceed'; with ἦτε forms the periphrastic future-condition 'you will be walking after the LORD'; the participle agrees with the combined subject (people and king), describing the shared life of covenant obedience.

ἐὰν δὲ μὴ ἀκούσητε τῆς φωνῆς κυρίου καὶ ἐρίσητε τῷ στόματι κυρίου καὶ ἔσται χεὶρ κυρίου ἐπὶ ὑμᾶς καὶ ἐπὶ τὸν βασιλέα ὑμῶν

But if you do not listen to the voice of the LORD, and rebel against the mouth of the LORD, then the hand of the LORD will be against you and against your king.

Second covenant alternative (the conditional of judgment)ἐὰν δὲ μὴ ἀκούσητε

The adversative ἐὰν δέ ('but if') sets the negative counterpart to v. 14: the protasis inverts the conditions (not obeying, rebelling) and the apodosis announces judgment — ἔσται χεὶρ κυρίου ἐπὶ ὑμᾶς ('the hand of the LORD will be against you'). The 'hand of the LORD' idiom, here turned against Israel and its king, recalls the same hand that fell on Egypt and the Philistines.

Word-by-word analysis· 23 words

ἐὰνifconditional conjunction (introducing the negative protasis)→ discourse linkage or contrastἐάν: 'if'; introduces the second, contrasting condition.

δὲbutadversative particle (post-positive: contrasting v. 14)→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: post-positive adversative; ἐὰν δέ ('but if') marks the antithesis to the blessing-condition of v. 14.

μὴnotnegative particle (with subjunctive ἀκούσητε)→ discourse linkage or contrastμή: negates the subjunctive in the conditional clause.

ἀκούσητεyou listen / obeyAor Act Subj 2 Pl · ἀκούωverb of the protasis (negated: disobedience)→ verbal action or stateἀκούω: 'hear / obey'; with τῆς φωνῆς the Hebraism 'obey the voice'; here negated — the failure to obey that triggers judgment.

τῆςtheGenitivearticle (with φωνῆς)→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

φωνῆςvoiceGenitivegenitive object of ἀκούσητε→ relational specificationφωνή: 'voice'; disobedience to the LORD's voice, the inverse of v. 14.

κυρίουof the LORDGenitivegenitive of possession (modifying φωνῆς)→ relational specificationκύριος (gen. κυρίου): the Tetragrammaton; the voice not obeyed.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction (second condition)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἐρίσητεyou rebel / contendAor Act Subj 2 Pl · ἐρίζωverb of the protasis (defiance)→ verbal action or stateἐρίζω: 'strive / rebel / contend'; repeats the verb of v. 14b, now as a positive condition of judgment — actively defying the LORD's command.

τῷtheDativearticle (with στόματι)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

στόματιmouth / commandDativedative object of ἐρίσητε (that against which one rebels)→ sphere or referenceστόμα: 'mouth / command'; 'the mouth of the LORD' = his expressed will, defied in rebellion (as in v. 14).

κυρίουof the LORDGenitivegenitive of possession (modifying στόματι)→ relational specificationκύριος (gen. κυρίου): the Tetragrammaton.

καὶthen / andcoordinate conjunction (introducing the apodosis)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαί: introduces the apodosis (the consequence of disobedience), a Hebraizing usage.

ἔσταιwill beFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb of the apodosis (announcement of judgment)→ verbal action or stateεἰμί (fut. ἔσται): 'will be'; the apodosis announces that the LORD's hand will be against the disobedient — a settled future judgment.

χεὶρhandNominativesubject of ἔσται (the LORD's hand as instrument of judgment)→ participant prominenceχείρ: 'hand'; 'the hand of the LORD' (יַד יהוה) is the idiom for his active power, here in judgment against his own people (cf. the same hand against the Philistines, 1 Kgdms 5:6; Exod 9:3).

κυρίουof the LORDGenitivegenitive of possession (modifying χεὶρ)→ relational specificationκύριος (gen. κυρίου): the Tetragrammaton; the hand is the LORD's own power.

ἐπὶagainstpreposition + accusative (hostile: 'against you')→ spatial or relational framingἐπί + acc.: here in hostile sense, 'against'; the same construction as the plague-announcements of Exodus.

ὑμᾶςyouAccusativeaccusative object of ἐπὶ (target of judgment)→ participant referenceὑμᾶς: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as accusative object of ἐπὶ (target of judgment).

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἐπὶagainstpreposition + accusative (hostile: 'against your king')→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'against'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (hostile: 'against your king').

τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with βασιλέα)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

βασιλέαkingAccusativeaccusative object of ἐπὶ (the king under judgment too)→ object specificationβασιλεύς (acc. βασιλέα): the king shares the people's fate — covenant judgment falls on monarch as well as nation, just as covenant blessing embraced both in v. 14.

ὑμῶνyourGenitivegenitive of possession (modifying βασιλέα)→ relational specificationὑμῶν: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (modifying βασιλέα).

καὶ νῦν κατάστητε καὶ ἴδετε τὸ ῥῆμα τὸ μέγα τοῦτο ὃ ὁ κύριος ποιήσει ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖς ὑμῶν

And now stand forth and see this great thing which the LORD will do before your eyes.

Summons to witness the sign (transition to the thunder-sign)καὶ νῦν κατάστητε

καὶ νῦν κατάστητε repeats the summons of v. 7, now turning the assembly from hearing the recital to seeing a sign. The imperatives κατάστητε καὶ ἴδετε ('stand forth and see') prepare for the confirmatory wonder, τὸ ῥῆμα τὸ μέγα ('the great thing') — the Hebraism רָבָר for both 'word' and 'deed' — which the LORD will perform before their very eyes.

Word-by-word analysis· 17 words

καὶandcoordinate conjunction (with νῦν: discourse pivot)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

νῦνnowtemporal adverb (logical-transitional)→ adverbial qualificationνῦν: καὶ νῦν pivots from the covenant alternatives to the summons to witness the sign.

κατάστητεstand forth / present yourselvesAor Act Impv 2 Pl · καθίστημιmain verb (imperative summons)→ verbal action or stateκαθίστημι (2nd aor. impv. κατάστητε): intransitive 'take a stand / present yourselves'; repeats the summons of v. 7, now to witness rather than to be judged.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἴδετεseeAor Act Impv 2 Pl · ὁράωmain verb (imperative: command to witness)→ verbal action or stateὁράω (2nd aor. impv. ἴδετε): 'see / behold'; commands the people to witness the coming wonder; the verb of perception that frames the sign-narrative (cf. εἴδετε vv. 12, 17, 24).

τὸtheAccusativearticle (with ῥῆμα)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ῥῆμαthing / matterAccusativedirect object of ἴδετε (the sign to be seen)→ object specificationῥῆμα: 'word / thing / matter'; renders דָּבָר, which means both 'word' and 'deed/event'; here the 'great thing/event' the LORD will do — the thunder-and-rain sign; the Semitic breadth of דָּבָר lets a 'word' be 'seen.'

τὸtheAccusativearticle (repeated with the attributive μέγα)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

μέγαgreatAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying ῥῆμα: 'great thing')→ object specificationμέγας: 'great'; in the attributive position τὸ ῥῆμα τὸ μέγα ('the great thing'); marks the sign as a wonder of significant magnitude.

τοῦτοthisAccusativedemonstrative adjective (modifying ῥῆμα)→ participant referenceοὗτος: 'this'; the deictic points forward to the specific sign about to be performed.

ὃwhichAccusativerelative pronoun (accusative object of ποιήσει)→ participant referenceὅς (acc. ὃ): the relative introduces the clause specifying the LORD as the agent of the sign.

ὁtheNominativearticle (with κύριος)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

κύριοςthe LORDNominativesubject of ποιήσει→ participant prominenceκύριος: the Tetragrammaton; the LORD is the sole agent of the confirmatory wonder.

ποιήσειwill doFut Act Indic 3 Sg · ποιέωverb of the relative clause (the LORD's coming act)→ verbal action or stateποιέω: 'do / make'; the LORD 'will do' the great thing; the verb echoes the recital's ἐποίησεν (v. 7) — the same God who acted in history will act now before their eyes.

ἐνbefore / inpreposition + dative (locative: 'before your eyes')→ spatial or relational framingἐν ὀφθαλμοῖς: 'before the eyes of'; Hebraism (לְעֵינֵי) emphasising that the sign will be performed in the people's direct sight, leaving no doubt of its divine origin.

ὀφθαλμοῖςeyesDativedative object of ἐν (locative: the place of witness)→ sphere or referenceὀφθαλμός: 'eye'; the sign happens 'before your eyes' — public, undeniable, witnessed.

ὑμῶνyourGenitivegenitive of possession (modifying ὀφθαλμοῖς)→ relational specificationὑμῶν: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (modifying ὀφθαλμοῖς).

οὐχὶ θερισμὸς πυρῶν σήμερον ἐπικαλέσομαι κύριον καὶ δώσει φωνὰς καὶ ὑετόν καὶ γνῶτε καὶ ἴδετε ὅτι ἡ κακία ὑμῶν μεγάλη ἣν ἐποιήσατε ἐνώπιον κυρίου αἰτήσαντες ἑαυτοῖς βασιλέα

Is it not the wheat harvest today? I will call upon the LORD, and he will send thunder and rain; and know and see that your wickedness is great, which you have done before the LORD in asking a king for yourselves.

Announcement of the sign and its purpose (conviction of sin)οὐχὶ θερισμὸς πυρῶν σήμερον

The rhetorical question οὐχὶ … σήμερον points to the dry-season wheat harvest, when rain is unnatural — making the coming thunderstorm an unmistakable wonder. Samuel will 'call upon' (ἐπικαλέσομαι) the LORD, who will 'give' thunder and rain, so that the people may 'know and see' (γνῶτε καὶ ἴδετε) the greatness of their evil in demanding a king (αἰτήσαντες ἑαυτοῖς βασιλέα).

Word-by-word analysis· 27 words

οὐχὶis it not?interrogative negative (expecting affirmative answer)→ clausal contributionοὐχί: emphatic 'not'; here introducing a rhetorical question expecting 'yes' — 'is it not the wheat harvest today?' — calling attention to the dry season in which rain would be a sign.

θερισμὸςharvestNominativepredicate nominative (of the verbless question)→ participant prominenceθερισμός: 'harvest / reaping'; renders קָצִיר; the wheat harvest (May–June) falls in the rainless summer of Canaan, so thunder and rain then would be a manifest prodigy (cf. Prov 26:1).

πυρῶνof wheatGenitivegenitive of relationship (modifying θερισμὸς: 'wheat harvest')→ relational specificationπυρός (gen. pl. πυρῶν): 'wheat'; renders חִטִּים; 'the wheat harvest' specifies the dry summer season, intensifying the abnormality of the coming storm.

σήμερονtodaytemporal adverb→ clausal contributionσήμερον: 'today'; locates the sign in the present moment of the dry harvest.

ἐπικαλέσομαιI will call uponFut Mid Indic 1 Sg · ἐπικαλέωmain verb (Samuel's intercessory call)→ verbal action or stateἐπικαλέω (fut. mid. ἐπικαλέσομαι): 'call upon / invoke'; the middle 'call upon (for oneself)'; renders קָרָא אֶל; Samuel's invocation of the LORD demonstrates his prophetic-intercessory power, fulfilled in v. 18 (ἐπεκαλέσατο).

κύριονthe LORDAccusativedirect object of ἐπικαλέσομαι→ object specificationκύριος (acc. κύριον): the Tetragrammaton; the One Samuel invokes for the sign.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction (result of the call)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

δώσειhe will send / giveFut Act Indic 3 Sg · δίδωμιmain verb (the LORD's granting of the sign)→ verbal action or stateδίδωμι (fut. δώσει): 'give'; here 'send / grant (thunder and rain)'; the LORD answers the prophet's call with the sign; fulfilled by ἔδωκεν in v. 18.

φωνὰςthunder / voicesAccusativedirect object of δώσει (the thunderclaps)→ object specificationφωνή (acc. pl. φωνὰς): lit. 'voices / sounds'; here 'thunderclaps / thunder', rendering קֹלוֹת ('thunders', lit. 'voices'); the Hebrew idiom treats thunder as the LORD's voice (cf. Exod 9:23; Ps 29).

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ὑετόνrainAccusativedirect object of δώσει (coordinate with φωνὰς)→ object specificationὑετός: 'rain'; renders מָטָר; rain in the dry wheat-harvest season is the prodigy that proves the LORD's hand and the people's guilt.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction (introducing imperatives of purpose)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

γνῶτεknowAor Act Impv 2 Pl · γινώσκωmain verb (imperative of intended recognition)→ verbal action or stateγινώσκω (2nd aor. impv. γνῶτε): 'know / recognise'; the sign's purpose is recognition — that the people may 'know' the gravity of their sin; paired with ἴδετε ('see'), uniting perception and understanding.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἴδετεseeAor Act Impv 2 Pl · ὁράωmain verb (imperative paired with γνῶτε)→ verbal action or stateὁράω (2nd aor. impv. ἴδετε): 'see / perceive'; the sign makes their guilt visible; 'know and see' is a hendiadys for full, undeniable recognition.

ὅτιthatconjunction (content clause after γνῶτε/ἴδετε)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: 'that'; introduces what they are to know and see — the greatness of their evil.

ἡtheNominativearticle (with κακία)→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

κακίαwickedness / evilNominativesubject (of the content clause)→ participant prominenceκακία: 'evil / wickedness'; renders רָעָה; the keyword for the people's sin in demanding a king (recurs vv. 19, 20, 25); the demand was not neutral but 'great evil before the LORD.'

ὑμῶνyourGenitivegenitive of possession (modifying κακία)→ relational specificationὑμῶν: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (modifying κακία).

μεγάληgreatNominativepredicate adjective (with implied 'is': 'your evil is great')→ participant prominenceμέγας (fem. μεγάλη): 'great'; the predicate stresses the magnitude of the sin, paralleling the 'great thing' (τὸ ῥῆμα τὸ μέγα) of v. 16 — a great sign exposing a great evil.

ἣνwhichAccusativerelative pronoun (accusative object of ἐποιήσατε)→ participant referenceὅς (fem. acc. ἣν): the relative refers back to κακία, specifying the evil as something the people actively did.

ἐποιήσατεyou did / committedAor Act Indic 2 Pl · ποιέωverb of the relative clause (the people's deed)→ verbal action or stateποιέω: 'do / commit'; the people's evil 'done before the LORD' — the same verb used of the LORD's saving deeds (v. 7) now of the people's sin, a pointed contrast.

ἐνώπιονbeforepreposition + genitive (in the sight of)→ spatial or relational framingἐνώπιον: 'before / in the sight of'; the evil was committed 'before the LORD' — openly, against the very One who is their king.

κυρίουthe LORDGenitivegenitive object of ἐνώπιον→ relational specificationκύριος (gen. κυρίου): the Tetragrammaton; the One in whose sight the sin was done.

αἰτήσαντεςin asking / having askedAor Act Ptcp Nom Pl Masc · αἰτέωcircumstantial participle (means/manner: 'by asking a king')→ verbal action or stateαἰτέω (aor. ptcp. αἰτήσαντες): 'ask / request'; the participle specifies the content of the evil — 'in asking a king for yourselves'; renders שָׁאַל; the same construction recurs verbatim at v. 19, binding sign and confession.

ἑαυτοῖςfor yourselvesDativedative of advantage (reflexive: 'for yourselves')→ sphere or referenceἑαυτοῦ (dat. pl. ἑαυτοῖς): reflexive 'for yourselves'; the self-interested dative underlines that the kingship was sought for the people's own ends, against the LORD's kingship.

βασιλέαa kingAccusativedirect object of αἰτήσαντες→ object specificationβασιλεύς (acc. βασιλέα): 'king'; the object of the sinful request, the recurring keyword of the chapter.

καὶ ἐπεκαλέσατο Σαμουηλ τὸν κύριον καὶ ἔδωκεν κύριος φωνὰς καὶ ὑετὸν ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐκείνῃ καὶ ἐφοβήθησαν πᾶς ὁ λαὸς τὸν κύριον σφόδρα καὶ τὸν Σαμουηλ

And Samuel called upon the LORD, and the LORD sent thunder and rain on that day; and all the people feared the LORD greatly, and Samuel.

Fulfilment of the sign and the people's fear (main narrative)καὶ ἐπεκαλέσατο Σαμουηλ

The sign is fulfilled point for point: Samuel 'called upon' (ἐπεκαλέσατο, answering ἐπικαλέσομαι v. 17) and the LORD 'sent' (ἔδωκεν, answering δώσει) thunder and rain. The effect is awe — ἐφοβήθησαν … σφόδρα ('feared greatly') — directed both at the LORD and at his prophet, vindicating Samuel's standing and setting up the people's plea for intercession.

Word-by-word analysis· 26 words

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἐπεκαλέσατοcalled uponAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἐπικαλέωmain verb (Samuel's intercessory invocation)→ verbal action or stateἐπικαλέω (aor. mid. ἐπεκαλέσατο): 'call upon / invoke'; the fulfilment of Samuel's promise in v. 17 (ἐπικαλέσομαι); the prophet's word is enacted, demonstrating his intercessory authority.

ΣαμουηλSamuelsubject (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΣαμουηλ: indeclinable; the prophet whose invocation brings the sign.

τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with κύριον)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

κύριονthe LORDAccusativedirect object of ἐπεκαλέσατο→ object specificationκύριος (acc. κύριον): the Tetragrammaton; the One Samuel invoked.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction (the LORD's response)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἔδωκενsent / gaveAor Act Indic 3 Sg · δίδωμιmain verb (the LORD grants the sign)→ verbal action or stateδίδωμι (aor. ἔδωκεν): 'give / send'; fulfils δώσει of v. 17 — the LORD sends thunder and rain exactly as announced, validating both prophet and word.

κύριοςthe LORDNominativesubject of ἔδωκεν→ participant prominenceκύριος: the Tetragrammaton; the giver of the sign.

φωνὰςthunder / voicesAccusativedirect object of ἔδωκεν→ object specificationφωνή (acc. pl. φωνὰς): 'thunderclaps'; the divine 'voices', as in v. 17.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ὑετὸνrainAccusativedirect object of ἔδωκεν (coordinate with φωνὰς)→ object specificationὑετός: 'rain'; the prodigy of rain in the dry harvest season, as promised.

ἐνonpreposition + dative (temporal: 'on that day')→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'on'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (temporal: 'on that day').

τῇtheDativearticle (with ἡμέρᾳ)→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἡμέρᾳdayDativedative of time (when the sign occurred)→ sphere or referenceἡμέρα: 'day'; ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐκείνῃ ('on that day') fixes the prodigy to the very day of the assembly, matching σήμερον of v. 17.

ἐκείνῃthatDativedemonstrative adjective (modifying ἡμέρᾳ)→ sphere or referenceἐκεῖνος: 'that'; the distal demonstrative marking the specific day of the sign.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction (the people's reaction)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἐφοβήθησανfearedAor Pass Indic 3 Pl · φοβέομαιmain verb (the people's awe; plural verb with collective subject)→ verbal action or stateφοβέομαι (aor. pass. ἐφοβήθησαν): 'fear / be afraid'; the plural verb with the collective 'all the people' (constructio ad sensum); the sign produces immediate awe, the very 'fear of the LORD' Samuel had commended in v. 14 — though here as terror rather than reverence.

πᾶςallNominativeattributive adjective (modifying λαὸς: 'all the people')→ participant prominenceπᾶς: 'all'; the whole assembly, without exception, is gripped by fear.

ὁtheNominativearticle (with λαὸς)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

λαὸςpeopleNominativesubject (collective, with plural verb)→ participant prominenceλαός: 'people'; the collective subject 'all the people', construed with the plural verb ἐφοβήθησαν.

τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with κύριον)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

κύριονthe LORDAccusativedirect object of ἐφοβήθησαν→ object specificationκύριος (acc. κύριον): the Tetragrammaton; the chief object of the people's fear.

σφόδραgreatlyadverb of degree (intensifying ἐφοβήθησαν)→ clausal contributionσφόδρα: 'very / exceedingly'; renders מְאֹד; marks the intensity of the people's fear at the prodigy.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction (second object of fear)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with Σαμουηλ)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ΣαμουηλSamueldirect object of ἐφοβήθησαν (indeclinable, marked accusative by τόν)→ participant identificationΣαμουηλ: indeclinable; the people fear Samuel too, recognising the prophet whose word commanded the storm — his authority is divinely vindicated.

καὶ εἶπαν πᾶς ὁ λαὸς πρὸς Σαμουηλ πρόσευξαι ὑπὲρ τῶν δούλων σου πρὸς κύριον θεόν σου καὶ οὐ μὴ ἀποθάνωμεν ὅτι προστεθείκαμεν πρὸς πάσας τὰς ἁμαρτίας ἡμῶν κακίαν αἰτήσαντες ἑαυτοῖς βασιλέα

And all the people said to Samuel, 'Pray for your servants to the LORD your God, that we may not die; for we have added to all our sins this evil, in asking a king for ourselves.'

The people's plea for intercession and confession (response to the sign)καὶ εἶπαν πᾶς ὁ λαὸς πρὸς Σαμουηλ

Terrified, the people beg Samuel to intercede (πρόσευξαι ὑπὲρ τῶν δούλων σου) lest they die, and they confess that the kingship-demand has 'added evil' to all their sins (προστεθείκαμεν … κακίαν), echoing v. 17's αἰτήσαντες ἑαυτοῖς βασιλέα. The plea grounds the prophet's intercessory vow of v. 23 and shows the sign achieving its purpose — recognition of sin.

Word-by-word analysis· 31 words

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

εἶπανsaidAor Act Indic 3 Pl · λέγωmain verb (the people's plea; plural with collective subject)→ verbal action or stateλέγω (aor. 3 pl. εἶπαν): the people respond in fear with a plea for intercession.

πᾶςallNominativeattributive adjective (modifying λαὸς)→ participant prominenceπᾶς: 'all'; the whole assembly speaks as one.

ὁtheNominativearticle (with λαὸς)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

λαὸςpeopleNominativesubject (collective, with plural verb)→ participant prominenceλαός: 'people'; the collective subject with the plural εἶπαν.

ΣαμουηλSamuelaccusative object of πρός (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΣαμουηλ: indeclinable; the prophet whose intercession is now sought.

πρόσευξαιprayAor Mid Impv 2 Sg · προσεύχομαιmain verb (imperative: plea for intercession)→ verbal action or stateπροσεύχομαι (aor. mid. impv. πρόσευξαι): 'pray'; the deponent middle; the people beg Samuel to intercede on their behalf — the very office he affirms he will never abandon in v. 23 (τοῦ προσεύχεσθαι περὶ ὑμῶν).

ὑπὲρfor / on behalf ofpreposition + genitive (advantage: 'on behalf of')→ spatial or relational framingὑπέρ + gen.: 'on behalf of / for'; marks the intercession as made for the people's benefit.

τῶνtheGenitivearticle (with δούλων)→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

δούλωνservantsGenitivegenitive object of ὑπὲρ (those interceded for)→ relational specificationδοῦλος: 'servant / slave'; the people humbly call themselves 'your servants', a deferential self-designation expressing their chastened state before the prophet.

σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession (modifying δούλων)→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (modifying δούλων).

πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (direction of the prayer)→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction of the prayer).

κύριονthe LORDAccusativeaccusative object of πρός (the One prayed to)→ object specificationκύριος (acc. κύριον): the Tetragrammaton; the addressee of Samuel's intercession.

θεόνGodAccusativeaccusative in apposition to κύριον→ object specificationθεός: 'God'; 'the LORD your God' — the people address the LORD through Samuel's special relationship with him ('your God'), conscious of their own estrangement.

σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession (modifying θεόν)→ relational specificationσου: 'your'; the people say 'the LORD your God', deferring to Samuel's standing — a poignant contrast to the covenant 'the LORD our God' of v. 12.

καὶthat / andcoordinate conjunction (introducing purpose/result)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαί: here with the following οὐ μή it expresses the intended result ('so that we may not die').

οὐnotnegative particle (with μή: emphatic negation)→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐ: with μή forms the emphatic double negative οὐ μή.

μὴby no meansnegative particle (οὐ μή + subjunctive: emphatic denial)→ discourse linkage or contrastμή: οὐ μή with the aorist subjunctive is the strongest form of negation in Greek ('we shall surely not die'), expressing the people's hope of escaping the death they fear.

ἀποθάνωμενwe dieAor Act Subj 1 Pl · ἀποθνῄσκωverb of the οὐ μή clause (the feared outcome averted)→ verbal action or stateἀποθνῄσκω (aor. subj. ἀποθάνωμεν): 'die'; the people fear that their sin, exposed by the sign, exposes them to death; they seek Samuel's prayer to avert it.

ὅτιfor / becausecausal conjunction (grounds of their fear)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: 'for / because'; introduces the confession that explains their dread.

προστεθείκαμενwe have addedPerf Act Indic 1 Pl · προστίθημιverb of the causal clause (the confession)→ verbal action or stateπροστίθημι (perf. προστεθείκαμεν): 'add / put to'; renders יָסַף; the perfect marks the standing guilt — they have 'added' the kingship-evil 'to all their sins'; the same root recurs in the judgment-warning προστεθήσεσθε ('you will be swept away/added') of v. 25.

πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (addition: 'to all our sins')→ spatial or relational framingπρός + acc.: here marking accumulation, 'in addition to'; the new evil is heaped onto the existing sins.

πάσαςallAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying ἁμαρτίας)→ object specificationπᾶς (fem. acc. pl. πάσας): 'all'; the totality of their prior sins, to which the kingship-demand is now added.

τὰςtheAccusativearticle (with ἁμαρτίας)→ noun-phrase markingτὰς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἁμαρτίαςsinsAccusativeaccusative object of πρός (the sins added to)→ object specificationἁμαρτία: 'sin'; renders חַטָּאת; the people acknowledge a history of sin onto which the kingship-evil is now added.

ἡμῶνourGenitivegenitive of possession (modifying ἁμαρτίας)→ relational specificationἡμῶν: meaning 'our'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (modifying ἁμαρτίας).

κακίανevilAccusativedirect object of προστεθείκαμεν (the added evil)→ object specificationκακία: 'evil'; the specific evil added — the kingship-demand; echoes ἡ κακία ὑμῶν μεγάλη of v. 17, the people now owning what Samuel charged.

αἰτήσαντεςin asking / having askedAor Act Ptcp Nom Pl Masc · αἰτέωcircumstantial participle (specifying the evil: 'by asking a king')→ verbal action or stateαἰτέω (aor. ptcp. αἰτήσαντες): 'ask'; the participle repeats v. 17 verbatim (αἰτήσαντες ἑαυτοῖς βασιλέα), the people now confessing in Samuel's own words the evil he had named.

ἑαυτοῖςfor ourselvesDativedative of advantage (reflexive: 'for ourselves')→ sphere or referenceἑαυτοῦ (dat. pl. ἑαυτοῖς): reflexive 'for ourselves'; the self-serving dative, as in v. 17, marks the kingship as sought for the people's own ends.

βασιλέαa kingAccusativedirect object of αἰτήσαντες→ object specificationβασιλεύς (acc. βασιλέα): the object of the confessed request — the king.

καὶ εἶπεν Σαμουηλ πρὸς τὸν λαόν μὴ φοβεῖσθε ὑμεῖς πεποιήκατε τὴν πᾶσαν κακίαν ταύτην πλὴν μὴ ἐκκλίνητε ἀπὸ ὄπισθεν κυρίου καὶ δουλεύσατε τῷ κυρίῳ ἐν ὅλῃ καρδίᾳ ὑμῶν

And Samuel said to the people, 'Do not fear; you have done all this evil, yet do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart.'

Pastoral reassurance and exhortation (the prophet's answer to the terror)καὶ εἶπεν Σαμουηλ πρὸς τὸν λαόν

Samuel meets the people's terror with grace: μὴ φοβεῖσθε ('do not fear'). He concedes their guilt (ὑμεῖς πεποιήκατε τὴν πᾶσαν κακίαν ταύτην) but redirects them — πλήν ('only / yet') — from despair to renewed loyalty: do not turn aside (μὴ ἐκκλίνητε) but serve the LORD with all your heart. The exhortation marks the turn from judgment to the pastoral promise of vv. 22–24.

Word-by-word analysis· 28 words

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with λαόν)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

λαόνpeopleAccusativeaccusative object of πρός (addressee)→ object specificationλαός: 'people'; the terrified assembly Samuel now reassures.

μὴnotnegative particle (with imperative φοβεῖσθε)→ discourse linkage or contrastμή: the negative with the present imperative, prohibiting a continuing state — 'stop being afraid.'

φοβεῖσθεfearPres Mid Impv 2 Pl · φοβέομαιmain verb (prohibition: reassurance)→ verbal action or stateφοβέομαι (pres. impv. φοβεῖσθε): 'fear'; μὴ φοβεῖσθε ('do not fear') is the classic word of reassurance; pointedly, Samuel will redirect this same verb in v. 24 to its proper object — fear the LORD (in reverence), not the sign (in terror).

ὑμεῖςyouNominativesubject (emphatic: 'you indeed')→ participant referenceὑμεῖς: the emphatic pronoun concedes the people's guilt frankly — 'you (yourselves) have done all this evil' — yet without consigning them to despair.

πεποιήκατεyou have donePerf Act Indic 2 Pl · ποιέωmain verb (acknowledgment of guilt)→ verbal action or stateποιέω (perf. πεποιήκατε): 'do'; the perfect acknowledges the abiding fact of their sin; Samuel does not minimise it but frames it as a settled past from which they may yet turn.

τὴνtheAccusativearticle (with κακίαν)→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

πᾶσανallAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying κακίαν)→ object specificationπᾶς (fem. acc. πᾶσαν): 'all / the whole'; τὴν πᾶσαν κακίαν ('all this evil'); the totality of the guilt is conceded.

κακίανevilAccusativedirect object of πεποιήκατε→ object specificationκακία: 'evil'; the kingship-evil of vv. 17, 19, now named back to the people as a fact acknowledged but not fatal.

ταύτηνthisAccusativedemonstrative adjective (modifying κακίαν)→ participant referenceοὗτος (fem. acc. ταύτην): 'this'; the specific evil of demanding a king.

πλὴνyet / onlyadversative-restrictive particle (turning from concession to exhortation)→ discourse linkage or contrastπλήν: 'however / only / yet'; the restrictive particle pivots from acknowledging guilt to the path forward — 'nevertheless, only do not turn aside'; recurs at v. 24.

μὴnotnegative particle (with subjunctive ἐκκλίνητε: prohibition)→ discourse linkage or contrastμή: negates the prohibitive subjunctive.

ἐκκλίνητεturn asideAor Act Subj 2 Pl · ἐκκλίνωmain verb (prohibitive subjunctive: do not apostatise)→ verbal action or stateἐκκλίνω: 'turn aside / deviate / depart'; renders סוּר; 'do not turn aside from following the LORD' is the warning against apostasy — the very fault of the judges' cycle (vv. 9–10).

ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (separation: 'away from')→ spatial or relational framingἀπό: 'from'; with ὄπισθεν forms the idiom ἀπὸ ὄπισθεν ('from after / from following'), the Hebraism מֵאַחֲרֵי for turning away from following someone.

ὄπισθενafter / behindadverb (with ἀπό: 'from following')→ clausal contributionὄπισθεν: 'behind / after'; ἀπὸ ὄπισθεν κυρίου ('from following the LORD') is the negative counterpart of πορεύεσθαι ὀπίσω κυρίου ('walk after the LORD', v. 14) — do not abandon the covenant walk.

κυρίουthe LORDGenitivegenitive (object of the ὄπισθεν phrase: the One followed)→ relational specificationκύριος (gen. κυρίου): the Tetragrammaton; the One from whose following they must not turn aside.

καὶbut / andcoordinate conjunction (positive counterpart to the prohibition)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'but'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

δουλεύσατεserveAor Act Impv 2 Pl · δουλεύωmain verb (positive imperative: covenant service)→ verbal action or stateδουλεύω (aor. impv. δουλεύσατε): 'serve'; the positive command balancing the prohibition — 'serve the LORD'; the covenant keyword, repeated as imperative in v. 24, reversing the false service of v. 10.

τῷtheDativearticle (with κυρίῳ)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

κυρίῳthe LORDDativedative object of δουλεύσατε (the One served)→ sphere or referenceκύριος (dat. κυρίῳ): the Tetragrammaton; the proper object of Israel's service.

ἐνwithpreposition + dative (manner: 'with all your heart')→ spatial or relational framingἐν: here marking manner/instrument; ἐν ὅλῃ καρδίᾳ ('with the whole heart') is the Deuteronomic standard of wholehearted devotion (Deut 6:5; 10:12), recurring at v. 24.

ὅλῃwhole / allDativeattributive adjective (modifying καρδίᾳ)→ sphere or referenceὅλος: 'whole / entire'; renders כֹּל; 'with all your heart' demands undivided, total devotion to the LORD.

καρδίᾳheartDativedative of manner (the seat of devotion)→ sphere or referenceκαρδία: 'heart'; renders לֵב/לֵבָב; the inner center of will and devotion; wholehearted service is the antidote to the divided loyalty that led to apostasy.

ὑμῶνyourGenitivegenitive of possession (modifying καρδίᾳ)→ relational specificationὑμῶν: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (modifying καρδίᾳ).

καὶ μὴ παραβῆτε ὀπίσω τῶν μηθὲν ὄντων οἳ οὐ περανοῦσιν οὐθὲν καὶ οἳ οὐκ ἐξελοῦνται ὅτι οὐθέν εἰσιν

And do not turn aside after the things that are nothing, which accomplish nothing and cannot deliver, because they are nothing.

Warning against idols (the negative counterpart of the exhortation)καὶ μὴ παραβῆτε

The exhortation to serve the LORD (v. 20) is reinforced by a polemic against idols: do not 'transgress after' (παραβῆτε ὀπίσω) the things that are 'nothing' (τὰ μηθὲν ὄντα). The triple negation — they accomplish nothing (οὐ περανοῦσιν οὐθέν), cannot deliver (οὐκ ἐξελοῦνται), for they are nothing (οὐθέν εἰσιν) — is a compact statement of the futility of idolatry, contrasting the LORD who truly delivers (ἐξείλατο, v. 11).

Word-by-word analysis· 18 words

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

μὴnotnegative particle (with subjunctive παραβῆτε: prohibition)→ discourse linkage or contrastμή: negates the prohibitive subjunctive.

παραβῆτεturn aside / transgressAor Act Subj 2 Pl · παραβαίνωmain verb (prohibitive subjunctive: do not go astray)→ verbal action or stateπαραβαίνω: 'go aside / transgress / deviate'; with ὀπίσω ('after') it means 'turn away to follow'; renders סוּר/נָטָה; here turning to follow worthless idols, the apostasy warned against.

ὀπίσωafterpreposition + genitive ('after the nothings')→ spatial or relational framingὀπίσω: 'after / behind'; 'turning aside after' the idols is the dark mirror of 'walking after the LORD' (v. 14) — the same idiom of allegiance, here misdirected.

τῶνtheGenitivearticle (substantivising the participle phrase μηθὲν ὄντων)→ noun-phrase markingὁ + ptcp.: the article substantivises 'the things that are nothing' (τὰ μηθὲν ὄντα), a dismissive designation of idols.

μηθὲνnothingAccusativepredicate accusative (with ὄντων: 'being nothing')→ object specificationμηθείς (neut. μηθέν): Hellenistic byform of μηδείς (with θ for δ); 'nothing'; the idols are 'the things that are nothing' — a scornful denial of their reality and power (cf. the 'nothings' / אֱלִילִים of the prophets).

ὄντωνbeing / that arePres Act Ptcp Gen Pl Neut · εἰμίsubstantival participle (with article: 'the things that are nothing')→ verbal action or stateεἰμί (pres. ptcp. ὄντων): 'being'; τῶν μηθὲν ὄντων ('of the things being nothing') predicates non-entity of the idols — they have no real existence or power.

οἳwhichNominativerelative pronoun (nominative subject of περανοῦσιν)→ participant referenceὅς (nom. pl. οἳ): the relative introduces the first ground of the idols' futility — they accomplish nothing.

οὐnotnegative particle (with περανοῦσιν)→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

περανοῦσινthey accomplishFut Act Indic 3 Pl · περαίνωverb of the relative clause (the idols' impotence)→ verbal action or stateπεραίνω: 'accomplish / bring to completion / effect'; the idols 'will accomplish nothing' — they are powerless to act or help; the future has a gnomic, characterising force.

οὐθὲνnothingAccusativedirect object of περανοῦσιν (emphatic with οὐ)→ object specificationοὐθείς (neut. οὐθέν): Hellenistic byform of οὐδείς; 'nothing'; the double negative οὐ … οὐθέν emphatically denies any efficacy to the idols.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

οἳwhichNominativerelative pronoun (nominative subject of ἐξελοῦνται)→ participant referenceὅς (nom. pl. οἳ): the second relative introduces the idols' inability to deliver.

οὐκnotnegative particle (with ἐξελοῦνται)→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἐξελοῦνταιthey will deliverFut Mid Indic 3 Pl · ἐξαιρέωverb of the relative clause (the idols cannot rescue)→ verbal action or stateἐξαιρέω (fut. mid. ἐξελοῦνται): 'deliver / rescue'; the same verb used of the LORD's deliverance (ἐξείλατο, v. 11; ἐξελοῦ, v. 10) — pointedly, the idols 'will not deliver', for only the LORD can save.

ὅτιbecausecausal conjunction (grounds of the idols' impotence)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: 'because'; gives the root reason for the idols' futility — their very non-existence.

οὐθένnothingNominativepredicate nominative (with εἰσιν: 'they are nothing')→ participant prominenceοὐθείς (neut. οὐθέν): 'nothing'; the climactic predication — the idols 'are nothing'; their impotence flows from their nonentity, a theme developed in Isa 40–46.

εἰσινthey arePres Act Indic 3 Pl · εἰμίmain verb of the causal clause (predication of non-being)→ verbal action or stateεἰμί (pres. εἰσιν): 'they are'; the bare copula completes the verdict 'they are nothing' — idols have no being and therefore no power.

ὅτι οὐκ ἀπώσεται κύριος τὸν λαὸν αὐτοῦ διὰ τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ τὸ μέγα ὅτι ἐπιεικέως κύριος προσελάβετο ὑμᾶς αὑτῷ εἰς λαόν

For the LORD will not cast off his people for his great name's sake, because the LORD has graciously taken you to himself for a people.

Ground of assurance (the LORD's covenant faithfulness)ὅτι οὐκ ἀπώσεται κύριος

The causal ὅτι grounds the whole exhortation in the LORD's own fidelity: he will not cast off (οὐκ ἀπώσεται) his people — not for their merit but διὰ τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ τὸ μέγα ('for his great name's sake') — because he has graciously (ἐπιεικέως) taken them to himself as a people. This is the theological foundation of the chapter, cited by Paul at Rom 11:1–2 for the irrevocability of Israel's election.

Word-by-word analysis· 21 words

ὅτιforcausal conjunction (grounds of the assurance)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: 'for / because'; introduces the deepest ground of the exhortation — the LORD's unbreakable commitment to his people.

οὐκnotnegative particle (with ἀπώσεται)→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἀπώσεταιwill cast off / rejectFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἀπωθέωmain verb (the LORD's covenant fidelity stated negatively)→ verbal action or stateἀπωθέω (fut. mid. ἀπώσεται): 'push away / cast off / reject'; renders נָטַשׁ / זָנַח; the assurance οὐκ ἀπώσεται κύριος τὸν λαὸν αὐτοῦ ('the LORD will not cast off his people') is quoted by Paul at Rom 11:1–2 (and echoes Ps 94[93]:14) as the charter of Israel's irrevocable election.

κύριοςthe LORDNominativesubject of ἀπώσεται→ participant prominenceκύριος: the Tetragrammaton; the One whose faithfulness secures his people.

τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with λαὸν)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

λαὸνpeopleAccusativedirect object of ἀπώσεται→ object specificationλαός: 'people'; 'his people' — Israel as the LORD's own covenant possession, whom he will not abandon despite their sin.

αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession (modifying λαὸν)→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (modifying λαὸν).

διὰfor the sake ofpreposition + accusative (causal: 'on account of')→ spatial or relational framingδιά + acc.: 'because of / for the sake of'; grounds the LORD's fidelity not in Israel's worth but in his own name.

τὸtheAccusativearticle (with ὄνομα)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ὄνομαnameAccusativeaccusative object of διὰ (the ground of fidelity)→ object specificationὄνομα: 'name'; renders שֵׁם; the LORD acts 'for his great name's sake' — his reputation and self-revelation are at stake in his people's preservation (cf. Ezek 36:22; Josh 7:9).

αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession (modifying ὄνομα)→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (modifying ὄνομα).

τὸtheAccusativearticle (repeated with the attributive μέγα)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

μέγαgreatAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying ὄνομα: 'his great name')→ object specificationμέγας: 'great'; τὸ ὄνομα … τὸ μέγα ('his great name') — the LORD's renown, magnified by the very saving deeds the recital rehearsed; his honour guarantees Israel's security.

ὅτιbecausecausal conjunction (further ground: election)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: 'because'; introduces the second, deeper ground — the LORD's gracious election of Israel as his people.

ἐπιεικέωςgraciously / kindlyadverb of manner (modifying προσελάβετο)→ clausal contributionἐπιεικῶς (here spelled ἐπιεικέως): 'graciously / with kindness / fittingly'; from ἐπιεικής ('gentle, gracious'); stresses that the LORD's adoption of Israel was an act of free favour, not obligation — grace, not desert, undergirds the covenant.

κύριοςthe LORDNominativesubject of προσελάβετο→ participant prominenceκύριος: the Tetragrammaton; the gracious elector of Israel.

προσελάβετοtook to himselfAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · προσλαμβάνωmain verb (the LORD's gracious election)→ verbal action or stateπροσλαμβάνω (aor. mid. προσελάβετο): 'take to oneself / receive / adopt'; the middle 'took for himself'; renders לָקַח; the LORD 'took you to himself for a people' — the language of election and covenant adoption (cf. Exod 6:7; Deut 4:20); Paul uses the same verb of mutual acceptance at Rom 14:1; 15:7.

ὑμᾶςyouAccusativedirect object of προσελάβετο (the elect people)→ participant referenceὑμᾶς: the present generation, addressed as the recipients of the LORD's gracious election — the covenant is theirs.

αὑτῷto himselfDativedative of advantage (reflexive: 'for himself')→ participant reference or interestἑαυτοῦ (dat. αὑτῷ, with rough breathing = reflexive 'to/for himself'): the reflexive dative stresses that the LORD took Israel for his own possession — 'a people for himself' (λαὸς περιούσιος, cf. Exod 19:5; Deut 7:6).

εἰςforpreposition + accusative (predicative: 'as/for a people')→ spatial or relational framingεἰς + acc.: here predicative ('as / to be'), a Hebraism (לְ) — 'took you to be a people for himself'; the construction εἰς λαόν renders לְעָם.

λαόνa peopleAccusativepredicative accusative (the status conferred: 'for a people')→ object specificationλαός: 'people'; the covenant goal of election — Israel made the LORD's own people; the inclusio with τὸν λαὸν αὐτοῦ at the verse's start frames the whole assurance around Israel's identity as the LORD's people.

καὶ ἐμοὶ μηδαμῶς τοῦ ἁμαρτεῖν τῷ κυρίῳ ἀνιέναι τοῦ προσεύχεσθαι περὶ ὑμῶν καὶ δουλεύσω τῷ κυρίῳ καὶ δείξω ὑμῖν τὴν ὁδὸν τὴν ἀγαθὴν καὶ τὴν εὐθεῖαν

And as for me, far be it from me to sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you; and I will serve the LORD and will show you the good and straight way.

Samuel's intercessory vow (the prophet's pastoral commitment)καὶ ἐμοὶ μηδαμῶς

Answering the people's plea (v. 19), Samuel pledges his perpetual intercession: μηδαμῶς ('far be it') that he should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for them. The vow establishes intercession as a binding duty of the prophetic office — to stop praying would itself be sin. He further commits to serve the LORD and to teach them 'the good and straight way,' uniting prayer and instruction in his ongoing ministry.

Word-by-word analysis· 26 words

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἐμοὶas for meDativedative of reference (emphatic: 'for me / as for me')→ participant reference or interestἐγώ (emphatic dat. ἐμοί): 'for me'; the dative of reference fronts the prophet's personal commitment — 'as for me, far be it...'; the emphatic form (not enclitic μοι) underlines the solemnity of the vow.

μηδαμῶςfar be it / by no meansadverb (emphatic negation: oath-like refusal)→ clausal contributionμηδαμῶς: 'by no means / in no way'; here an emphatic deprecation, 'far be it from me' (rendering חָלִילָה לִי); the strongest possible refusal, framing the abandonment of intercession as unthinkable.

τοῦ(to)Genitivearticle (with the articular infinitive ἁμαρτεῖν)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ + inf.: the genitive articular infinitive expresses the act deprecated — 'far be it ... that I should sin'; a common LXX construction.

ἁμαρτεῖνto sinAor Act Inf · ἁμαρτάνωarticular infinitive (the act deprecated)→ verbal action or stateἁμαρτάνω (aor. inf. ἁμαρτεῖν): 'sin'; Samuel reckons ceasing to intercede as a sin against the LORD — the prophet's prayer is not optional piety but covenant duty.

τῷtheDativearticle (with κυρίῳ)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

κυρίῳagainst the LORDDativedative of disadvantage (the one sinned against)→ sphere or referenceκύριος (dat. κυρίῳ): the Tetragrammaton; 'to sin against the LORD' (ἁμαρτεῖν τῷ κυρίῳ) takes the dative for the one wronged; the LORD is the one offended by a neglect of intercession.

ἀνιέναιby ceasing / to ceasePres Act Inf · ἀνίημιcomplementary/epexegetic infinitive (defining the sin: 'by ceasing')→ verbal action or stateἀνίημι (pres. inf. ἀνιέναι): 'let go / relax / cease / abandon'; here 'to cease / leave off (praying)'; defines wherein the sin would consist — slackening or abandoning intercession; the present aspect marks it as ongoing neglect.

τοῦ(of)Genitivearticle (with the articular infinitive προσεύχεσθαι)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ + inf.: the genitive articular infinitive as object of ἀνιέναι — 'to cease from praying.'

προσεύχεσθαιprayingPres Mid Inf · προσεύχομαιarticular infinitive (the activity not to be abandoned)→ verbal action or stateπροσεύχομαι (pres. inf. προσεύχεσθαι): 'pray'; answers the people's plea πρόσευξαι (v. 19); the present aspect marks intercession as a continual ministry; Samuel's standing as intercessor recurs at 1 Kgdms 7:5; 15:11; cf. Jer 15:1; Ps 99[98]:6.

περὶforpreposition + genitive (concerning: 'for you')→ spatial or relational framingπερί + gen.: 'concerning / for'; marks the beneficiaries of the intercession.

ὑμῶνyouGenitivegenitive object of περὶ (those prayed for)→ relational specificationὑμῶν: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive object of περὶ (those prayed for).

καὶandcoordinate conjunction (positive commitments)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

δουλεύσωI will serveFut Act Indic 1 Sg · δουλεύωmain verb (Samuel's pledge of service)→ verbal action or stateδουλεύω (fut. δουλεύσω): 'serve'; Samuel models the very covenant service he commands the people (vv. 20, 24) — the prophet serves the LORD as he calls Israel to do.

τῷtheDativearticle (with κυρίῳ)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

κυρίῳthe LORDDativedative object of δουλεύσω (the One served)→ sphere or referenceκύριος (dat. κυρίῳ): the Tetragrammaton; the object of Samuel's own service.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

δείξωI will show / teachFut Act Indic 1 Sg · δείκνυμιmain verb (Samuel's pledge to instruct)→ verbal action or stateδείκνυμι (fut. δείξω): 'show / point out / teach'; renders יָרָה / הוֹדִיעַ; Samuel pledges instruction alongside intercession — to 'show the good and straight way' is the teaching office of the prophet (cf. Exod 18:20; Ps 25[24]:8).

ὑμῖνyouDativedative indirect object (those taught)→ participant reference or interestὑμῖν: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative indirect object (those taught).

τὴνtheAccusativearticle (with ὁδὸν)→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ὁδὸνwayAccusativedirect object of δείξω (the way to be taught)→ object specificationὁδός: 'way / road / path'; renders דֶּרֶךְ; the 'way' as a metaphor for the manner of life pleasing to the LORD; the 'good and straight way' is the path of covenant obedience.

τὴνtheAccusativearticle (repeated with the attributive ἀγαθὴν)→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἀγαθὴνgoodAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying ὁδὸν)→ object specificationἀγαθός (fem. ἀγαθήν): 'good'; renders טוֹב; the 'good way' is the morally and covenantally right path; cf. Jer 6:16 ('ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is').

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

τὴνtheAccusativearticle (with the attributive εὐθεῖαν)→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

εὐθεῖανstraight / uprightAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying ὁδὸν: 'the straight way')→ object specificationεὐθύς (fem. εὐθεῖαν): 'straight / level / upright'; renders יָשָׁר; the 'straight way' is the direct, righteous path without deviation — the opposite of 'turning aside' (ἐκκλίνητε, v. 20; παραβῆτε, v. 21).

πλὴν φοβεῖσθε τὸν κύριον καὶ δουλεύσατε αὐτῷ ἐν ἀληθείᾳ καὶ ἐν ὅλῃ καρδίᾳ ὑμῶν ὅτι εἴδετε ἃ ἐμεγάλυνεν μεθ᾿ ὑμῶν

Only fear the LORD and serve him in truth and with all your heart; for you have seen the great things he did among you.

Climactic exhortation (the heart of the charge)πλὴν φοβεῖσθε τὸν κύριον

πλήν ('only', as in v. 20) introduces the chapter's climactic, distilled charge: fear the LORD and serve him 'in truth and with all your heart.' The imperatives φοβεῖσθε and δουλεύσατε gather the covenant demand into two verbs, grounded (ὅτι) in the people's own experience of the LORD's great deeds (ἃ ἐμεγάλυνεν μεθ᾿ ὑμῶν) — the recital of vv. 6–11 now made the motive of obedience.

Word-by-word analysis· 20 words

πλὴνonlyrestrictive particle (introducing the essential charge)→ discourse linkage or contrastπλήν: 'only / however'; as in v. 20, it focuses the exhortation on the one essential thing — wholehearted fear and service of the LORD.

φοβεῖσθεfearPres Mid Impv 2 Pl · φοβέομαιmain verb (positive imperative: reverent fear)→ verbal action or stateφοβέομαι (pres. impv. φοβεῖσθε): 'fear / revere'; the same verb prohibited in v. 20 (μὴ φοβεῖσθε, of terror) is now commanded in its proper sense — reverent covenant fear of the LORD, the foundation of obedience (cf. v. 14).

τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with κύριον)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

κύριονthe LORDAccusativedirect object of φοβεῖσθε→ object specificationκύριος (acc. κύριον): the Tetragrammaton; the object of reverent fear.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

δουλεύσατεserveAor Act Impv 2 Pl · δουλεύωmain verb (positive imperative: covenant service)→ verbal action or stateδουλεύω (aor. impv. δουλεύσατε): 'serve'; the covenant keyword, repeating the charge of v. 20; fear and service together summarise the whole duty of Israel.

αὐτῷhimDativedative object of δουλεύσατε (the LORD served)→ participant reference or interestαὐτῷ: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative object of δουλεύσατε (the LORD served).

ἐνinpreposition + dative (manner: 'in truth')→ spatial or relational framingἐν: marking manner; ἐν ἀληθείᾳ ('in truth / faithfully') qualifies the service as sincere and reliable.

ἀληθείᾳtruth / faithfulnessDativedative of manner (the quality of service)→ sphere or referenceἀλήθεια: 'truth / faithfulness / reliability'; renders אֱמֶת; serving 'in truth' means with integrity and steadfast loyalty, not mere outward conformity (cf. Josh 24:14).

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἐνwithpreposition + dative (manner: 'with all your heart')→ spatial or relational framingἐν ὅλῃ καρδίᾳ: 'with the whole heart'; repeats the Deuteronomic standard of v. 20.

ὅλῃwhole / allDativeattributive adjective (modifying καρδίᾳ)→ sphere or referenceὅλος: 'whole'; total devotion 'with all your heart', as in v. 20.

καρδίᾳheartDativedative of manner (the seat of devotion)→ sphere or referenceκαρδία: 'heart'; the inner center of will; wholehearted service is the mark of true covenant fidelity.

ὅτιforcausal conjunction (the motive of obedience)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: 'for / because'; grounds the charge in the people's own experience of the LORD's mighty deeds.

εἴδετεyou have seenAor Act Indic 2 Pl · ὁράωverb of the causal clause (appeal to experience)→ verbal action or stateὁράω (aor. εἴδετε): 'see'; the people have 'seen' the LORD's great deeds — both the recital's history (v. 7, ἐποίησεν) and the present sign (v. 18); experience grounds the call to obedience.

ἃwhat great thingsAccusativerelative pronoun (neuter plural, object of ἐμεγάλυνεν)→ participant referenceὅς (neut. pl. ἃ): the relative 'the things which'; with ἐμεγάλυνεν it denotes the great deeds the LORD magnified among them.

ἐμεγάλυνενhe did great things / magnifiedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · μεγαλύνωverb of the relative clause (the LORD's mighty acts)→ verbal action or stateμεγαλύνω: 'make great / magnify / do great things'; renders הִגְדִּיל; 'the great things he did among you' — the LORD's mighty saving acts (cf. Ps 126[125]:2–3, μεγαλύνω); the motive for wholehearted service is the greatness of what the LORD has done.

μεθ᾿among / withpreposition + genitive (association: 'with/among you'; elided)→ spatial or relational framingμετά + gen. (elided μεθ᾿): 'with / among'; 'the great things he did with/among you' — the LORD's deeds done in the people's midst and on their behalf; elided to μεθ᾿ before the aspirated ὑμῶν.

ὑμῶνyouGenitivegenitive object of μεθ᾿ (those among whom the deeds were done)→ relational specificationὑμῶν: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive object of μεθ᾿ (those among whom the deeds were done).

καὶ ἐὰν κακίᾳ κακοποιήσητε καὶ ὑμεῖς καὶ ὁ βασιλεὺς ὑμῶν προστεθήσεσθε

But if you do evil with wickedness, both you and your king will be swept away.

Closing warning (the final covenant alternative)καὶ ἐὰν κακίᾳ κακοποιήσητε

The address closes with a sober conditional warning, balancing the assurance of v. 22: if you persist in evil (κακίᾳ κακοποιήσητε, a cognate construction intensifying the threat), both you and your king will be swept away (προστεθήσεσθε). The pairing of people and king echoes vv. 14–15, and the verb προστεθήσεσθε grimly answers the people's own προστεθείκαμεν of v. 19 — to add evil is to be 'added' to destruction.

Word-by-word analysis· 11 words

καὶbut / andcoordinate conjunction (introducing the closing condition)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'but'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἐὰνifconditional conjunction (protasis + subjunctive)→ discourse linkage or contrastἐάν: 'if'; introduces the final conditional warning, the dark counterpart of the assurance and exhortation of vv. 22–24.

κακίᾳwith wickednessDativedative of manner (cognate with κακοποιήσητε: emphatic)→ sphere or referenceκακία (dat. κακίᾳ): 'evil / wickedness'; the cognate dative with κακοποιήσητε ('do evil with evil') is a Hebraizing intensifier (rendering an infinitive-absolute-like emphasis) — 'if you keep on doing evil / do utter evil'; κακία is the chapter's keyword for sin (vv. 17, 19, 20).

κακοποιήσητεyou do evilAor Act Subj 2 Pl · κακοποιέωverb of the protasis (the condition of persistent evil)→ verbal action or stateκακοποιέω: 'do evil / do wrong / act wickedly'; renders הֵרַע / עָשָׂה רַע; the cognate phrase κακίᾳ κακοποιήσητε ('do evil with wickedness') stresses deliberate, persistent wrongdoing as the trigger of judgment.

καὶbothcorrelative conjunction (καὶ ... καὶ: 'both ... and')→ discourse linkage or contrastκαί ... καί: the correlative 'both ... and', joining people and king as co-subjects of the judgment, as in v. 14.

ὑμεῖςyouNominativesubject (emphatic, with the king)→ participant referenceὑμεῖς: the emphatic plural pronoun; the people as one party under the warning.

καὶandcorrelative conjunction (second member: 'and the king')→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ὁtheNominativearticle (with βασιλεὺς)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

βασιλεὺςkingNominativesubject (coordinate with ὑμεῖς)→ participant prominenceβασιλεύς: the king, sharing the people's fate under judgment — the chapter's final occurrence of its keyword, sealing the theme that monarch and nation stand or fall together before the LORD.

ὑμῶνyourGenitivegenitive of possession (modifying βασιλεὺς)→ relational specificationὑμῶν: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (modifying βασιλεὺς).

προστεθήσεσθεyou will be swept away / destroyedFut Pass Indic 2 Pl · προστίθημιmain verb of the apodosis (the threatened judgment)→ verbal action or stateπροστίθημι (fut. pass. προστεθήσεσθε): lit. 'you will be added'; here in the idiomatic sense 'you will be swept away / perish' (the Hebrew סָפָה, 'be swept away/consumed', which the LXX often renders with προστίθημι); grimly echoes the people's confession προστεθείκαμεν ('we have added', v. 19) — those who add evil will themselves be 'added' to destruction; the somber final word of Samuel's farewell address.

The First Book of Kingdoms, Chapter 12ΒΑΣΙΛΕΙΩΝ Α′ ΙΒ′

Theme

Translation & textual notes