1 Kingdoms 16 — 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 κύριος πρὸς Σαμουηλ ἕως πότε σὺ πενθεῖς ἐπὶ Σαουλ κἀγὼ ἐξουδένωκα αὐτὸν μὴ βασιλεύειν ἐπὶ Ισραηλ πλῆσον τὸ κέρας σου ἐλαίου καὶ δεῦρο ἀποστείλω σε πρὸς Ιεσσαι ἕως εἰς Βηθλεεμ ὅτι ἑόρακα ἐν τοῖς υἱοῖς αὐτοῦ ἐμοὶ βασιλεύειν

And the LORD said to Samuel, 'How long will you mourn over Saul, while I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and come — let me send you to Jesse, as far as Bethlehem, for I have seen among his sons one to reign for me.'

New divine speech-act opening the chapter (main narrative)καὶ εἶπεν κύριος

The καί-paratactic formula καὶ εἶπεν κύριος πρὸς Σαμουηλ resumes direct YHWH-speech after the rejection of Saul in ch. 15; the rhetorical question ἕως πότε ('how long') rebukes Samuel's grief and pivots the narrative from Saul's deposition to David's election. The horn-of-oil command and the commission to Jesse set the chapter's whole agenda.

Word-by-word analysis· 40 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: the aorist εἶπεν introduces direct YHWH-speech; the formula καὶ εἶπεν κύριος πρὸς Σαμουηλ recurs at each new divine word to the prophet (cf. 1 Kgds 15:10; 16:7).

κύριοςLORDNominativesubject→ participant prominenceκύριος: the standard LXX rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה; the nominative subject marks this as unmediated YHWH-speech to Samuel.

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

ΣαμουηλSamuelaccusative object of πρός (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΣαμουηλ: transliteration of Hebrew שְׁמוּאֵל; indeclinable in the LXX (case shown by context and the governing preposition); Samuel is the last judge and the prophet who both anointed and now must replace Saul.

ἕωςuntilparticle in temporal interrogative (with πότε: 'how long?')→ discourse linkage or contrastἕως πότε: 'how long? / until when?'; renders Hebrew עַד־מָתַי; a rhetorical-reproachful question demanding that Samuel cease his mourning.

πότεwheninterrogative adverb (temporal, with ἕως)→ clausal contributionπότε: interrogative 'when?'; in the idiom ἕως πότε it forms the rebuke 'how long will you go on grieving?'

σὺyouNominativesubject (emphatic second-person pronoun)→ participant referenceσύ: the explicit pronoun is emphatic, throwing weight on Samuel personally — 'you, of all people, the one who anointed him.'

πενθεῖςmournPres Act Indic 2 Sg · πενθέωmain verb of the rhetorical question→ verbal action or stateπενθέω: 'mourn / grieve / lament'; renders Hebrew אבל; the present tense marks Samuel's continuing grief over Saul (cf. 15:35, 'Samuel mourned for Saul'); YHWH calls it to an end.

ἐπὶoverpreposition + accusative (object of grief)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'over'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (object of grief).

ΣαουλSaulaccusative object of ἐπί (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΣαουλ: transliteration of Hebrew שָׁאוּל ('asked-for'); indeclinable in the LXX; Israel's first king, now rejected, is the object of Samuel's grief and the foil to David throughout the chapter.

κἀγὼwhile INominativesubject pronoun (crasis of καί + ἐγώ, concessive-adversative)→ participant referenceκἀγώ: crasis of καὶ ἐγώ ('and I / while I'); the emphatic pronoun sets YHWH's settled verdict against Samuel's lingering grief — the king Samuel mourns has already been rejected by God.

ἐξουδένωκαI have rejectedPerf Act Indic 1 Sg · ἐξουδενόωmain verb (divine declaration of rejection)→ verbal action or stateἐξουδενόω: 'count as nothing / reject / despise'; renders Hebrew מאס ('reject'); the perfect ἐξουδένωκα marks Saul's deposition (cf. 15:23, 26) as an accomplished and irreversible reality — the ground for ending the mourning.

αὐτὸνhimAccusativedirect object (Saul)→ participant referenceαὐτὸν: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object (Saul).

μὴnotnegative with the articular/epexegetic infinitive (result-of-rejection)→ clausal qualification or emphasisμή: the negative with βασιλεύειν expresses the content/result of the rejection — 'rejected him so as not to reign,' i.e. from being king over Israel.

βασιλεύεινto reignPres Act Inf · βασιλεύωcomplementary/epexegetic infinitive (defining the rejection)→ verbal action or stateβασιλεύω: 'be king / reign'; renders Hebrew מלך; the infinitive specifies that Saul is rejected from the office of kingship — the negated infinitive sets up the positive ἐμοὶ βασιλεύειν of the chosen son at the verse's end.

ἐπὶoverpreposition + accusative (sphere of rule)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'over'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (sphere of rule).

ΙσραηλIsraelaccusative object of ἐπί (indeclinable proper noun, sphere of kingship)→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: transliteration of Hebrew יִשְׂרָאֵל; indeclinable; the covenant people over whom kingship is exercised; Saul's rejection is precisely from reigning ἐπὶ Ισραηλ.

πλῆσονfillAor Act Impv 2 Sg · πίμπλημιmain verb (divine command to Samuel)→ verbal action or stateπίμπλημι: 'fill / make full'; renders Hebrew מלא; the aorist imperative πλῆσον commands the filling of the horn with anointing oil — the instrument of royal consecration, contrasting with the flask used for Saul (10:1).

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

κέραςhornAccusativedirect object of πλῆσον→ object specificationκέρας: 'horn'; renders Hebrew קֶרֶן; the horn of oil is the vessel of royal anointing; 'horn' also carries symbolic overtones of strength and enduring dynasty (cf. the contrast with Saul's mere φακός, flask, in 10:1).

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

ἐλαίουwith oilGenitivegenitive of content (with πλῆσον: 'fill with oil')→ relational specificationἔλαιον: 'olive oil'; renders Hebrew שֶׁמֶן; the genitive of content denotes what fills the horn; the anointing oil is the medium by which the Spirit's election is sacramentally enacted in v. 13.

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

δεῦροcomeadverb of command (interjectional: 'come!')→ clausal contributionδεῦρο: 'come (here)!'; an adverb used as a hortatory interjection, renders Hebrew לֵךְ / בֹּא; here it summons Samuel to action before the dispatch to Jesse.

ἀποστείλωlet me sendAor Act Subj 1 Sg · ἀποστέλλωhortatory subjunctive (first-person divine resolve)→ verbal action or stateἀποστέλλω: 'send / dispatch (with a commission)'; renders Hebrew שלח; the first-person subjunctive expresses YHWH's resolve to send Samuel on the prophetic-royal errand to Bethlehem.

σεyouAccusativedirect object (Samuel sent)→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object (Samuel sent).

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

ΙεσσαιJesseaccusative object of πρός (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΙεσσαι: transliteration of Hebrew יִשַׁי; indeclinable in the LXX; the Bethlehemite father of David, through whom the Davidic line and (in NT typology) the messianic 'root of Jesse' (Isa 11:1, 10; Rom 15:12) descends.

ἕωςas far aspreposition/particle of extent (with εἰς: 'as far as')→ spatial or relational framingἕως: 'as far as / up to'; the pleonastic ἕως εἰς Βηθλεεμ ('as far as to Bethlehem') is a Hebraizing rendering of עַד; it stresses the full extent of the journey to Jesse's town.

εἰςtopreposition + accusative (goal of motion, with ἕως)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (goal of motion, with ἕως).

ΒηθλεεμBethlehemaccusative object of εἰς (indeclinable place-name)→ participant identificationΒηθλεεμ: transliteration of Hebrew בֵּית לֶחֶם ('house of bread'); indeclinable; Jesse's town in Judah, the place of David's anointing and, in NT fulfilment, of the Messiah's birth (Mic 5:1; Matt 2:6).

ὅτιforcausal conjunction (grounds for the sending)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: 'because / for'; introduces the reason for the dispatch — YHWH has already 'seen' the future king among Jesse's sons.

ἑόρακαI have seenPerf Act Indic 1 Sg · ὁράωmain verb of causal clause (divine election by 'seeing')→ verbal action or stateὁράω: 'see / perceive'; renders Hebrew ראה; the perfect ἑόρακα signals that YHWH's selection is already accomplished — divine 'seeing' here is election, and it anticipates the v. 7 maxim that God's seeing penetrates to the heart.

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

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

υἱοῖςsonsDativedative object of ἐν (the field of election)→ sphere or referenceυἱός: 'son'; renders Hebrew בֵּן; the sons of Jesse are the pool from which the chosen king will be drawn — the chapter's drama is which of them YHWH has 'seen.'

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

ἐμοὶfor meDativedative of advantage (with βασιλεύειν: 'to reign for me')→ participant reference or interestἐγώ (dat. ἐμοί): the emphatic dative of advantage marks the chosen son as YHWH's own king — he will reign 'for me,' a stark contrast to Saul, the king the people had demanded.

βασιλεύεινto reignPres Act Inf · βασιλεύωepexegetic infinitive (purpose/content of the 'seeing')→ verbal action or stateβασιλεύω: the infinitive defines what YHWH has seen — a king 'to reign for me'; the positive ἐμοὶ βασιλεύειν answers and reverses the negated μὴ βασιλεύειν of Saul earlier in the verse.

καὶ εἶπεν Σαμουηλ πῶς πορευθῶ καὶ ἀκούσεται Σαουλ καὶ ἀποκτενεῖ με καὶ εἶπεν κύριος δάμαλιν βοῶν λαβὲ ἐν τῇ χειρί σου καὶ ἐρεῖς θῦσαι τῷ κυρίῳ ἥκω

And Samuel said, 'How shall I go? For Saul will hear of it and kill me.' And the LORD said, 'Take a heifer of the herd in your hand, and you shall say, "I have come to sacrifice to the LORD."'

Prophetic objection and divine reply (dialogue exchange)καὶ εἶπεν Σαμουηλ

Samuel's deliberative question πῶς πορευθῶ voices the real political danger: a public anointing would be treason against the reigning Saul. YHWH answers not by dismissing the danger but by providing a true cover-act — a sacrifice — under which the anointing can be concealed.

Word-by-word analysis· 27 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 stateλέγω: introduces Samuel's reply to the divine commission.

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

πῶςhowinterrogative adverb (deliberative question)→ clausal contributionπῶς: 'how?'; introduces a deliberative question expressing Samuel's perplexity and fear about undertaking the errand.

πορευθῶshall I goAor Pass Subj 1 Sg · πορεύομαιdeliberative subjunctive (main verb of the question)→ verbal action or stateπορεύομαι: 'go / travel'; renders Hebrew הלך; the deliberative subjunctive expresses Samuel's quandary — going to anoint a rival king risks Saul's lethal reaction.

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

ἀκούσεταιwill hearFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἀκούωmain verb (anticipated consequence)→ verbal action or stateἀκούω: 'hear / learn of'; the future-middle deponent here means Saul 'will get word of it'; Samuel fears the anointing cannot stay secret.

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

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

ἀποκτενεῖwill killFut Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀποκτείνωmain verb (feared lethal consequence)→ verbal action or stateἀποκτείνω: 'kill / put to death'; renders Hebrew הרג; Samuel's fear is well-founded given Saul's later murderous jealousy of David (chs. 18–19).

μεmeAccusativedirect object (Samuel)→ participant referenceμε: meaning 'me'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object (Samuel).

καὶandnarrative conjunction (introducing divine reply)→ 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 stateλέγω: introduces YHWH's response to Samuel's fear.

κύριοςLORDNominativesubject (divine speaker)→ participant prominenceκύριος: the Tetragrammaton; YHWH answers Samuel's fear with a practical stratagem of concealment.

δάμαλινheiferAccusativedirect object of λαβέ (fronted for emphasis)→ object specificationδάμαλις: 'heifer / young cow'; renders Hebrew עֶגְלָה; the sacrificial animal that provides the legitimate pretext for Samuel's journey to Bethlehem.

βοῶνof the herdGenitivepartitive/descriptive genitive (with δάμαλιν: 'a heifer of the cattle')→ relational specificationβοῦς (gen. pl. βοῶν): 'ox / head of cattle'; the genitive βοῶν specifies the heifer as one of the herd — a fitting and unremarkable sacrificial offering.

λαβὲtakeAor Act Impv 2 Sg · λαμβάνωmain verb (divine command)→ verbal action or stateλαμβάνω: 'take / receive'; renders Hebrew לקח; the aorist imperative directs Samuel to take the heifer as the visible justification for his journey.

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

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

χειρίhandDativedative of place (with ἐν: 'in your hand')→ sphere or referenceχείρ: 'hand'; the idiom ἐν τῇ χειρί σου ('in your hand') renders Hebrew בְּיָדְךָ — to take/lead along with oneself.

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

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

ἐρεῖςyou shall sayFut Act Indic 2 Sg · λέγωmain verb (future used as command)→ verbal action or stateλέγω (fut. ἐρῶ): 'say'; the future ἐρεῖς functions as a command — the words Samuel is to speak as his stated purpose for coming.

θῦσαιto sacrificeAor Act Inf · θύωinfinitive of purpose (with ἥκω: 'I have come to sacrifice')→ verbal action or stateθύω: 'sacrifice / offer'; renders Hebrew זבח; the infinitive of purpose states the cover-reason; the sacrifice is genuine, so the statement is not a falsehood but a partial disclosure.

τῷto theDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

κυρίῳLORDDativedative indirect object (recipient of sacrifice)→ sphere or referenceκύριος (dat. κυρίῳ): the Tetragrammaton; the sacrifice is offered 'to the LORD' — a genuine act of worship that masks the anointing's true purpose.

ἥκωI have comePres Act Indic 1 Sg · ἥκωmain verb of the quoted declaration→ verbal action or stateἥκω: 'have come / be present'; the present has a perfective sense ('I have arrived and am here'); the declaration Samuel will make to the Bethlehemites.

καὶ καλέσεις τὸν Ιεσσαι εἰς τὴν θυσίαν καὶ γνωριῶ σοι ἃ ποιήσεις καὶ χρίσεις ὃν ἐὰν εἴπω πρὸς σέ

'And you shall call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will make known to you what you are to do; and you shall anoint for me the one whom I tell you.'

Continuation of divine instruction (sequential commands)καὶ καλέσεις

YHWH completes the stratagem: Jesse is to be invited to the sacrifice, where the divine disclosure (γνωριῶ) will identify the chosen son. The open-ended ὃν ἐὰν εἴπω keeps the identity hidden until the decisive moment of v. 12, building narrative suspense.

Word-by-word analysis· 19 words

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

καλέσειςyou shall callFut Act Indic 2 Sg · καλέωmain verb (imperatival future)→ verbal action or stateκαλέω: 'call / invite / summon'; renders Hebrew קרא; Samuel is to invite Jesse specifically to the sacrificial meal, the setting for the disclosure.

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

ΙεσσαιJesseaccusative object of καλέσεις (indeclinable; case marked by article)→ participant identificationΙεσσαι: indeclinable proper noun; the article τόν supplies the accusative case-marking for the invitation.

εἰςtopreposition + accusative (goal/occasion)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (goal/occasion).

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

θυσίανsacrificeAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς (the sacrificial occasion)→ object specificationθυσία: 'sacrifice / offering'; renders Hebrew זֶבַח; the cultic meal serves as the discreet venue for the anointing.

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

γνωριῶI will make knownFut Act Indic 1 Sg · γνωρίζωmain verb (divine promise of disclosure)→ verbal action or stateγνωρίζω: 'make known / reveal'; renders Hebrew ידע (Hiphil); YHWH reserves the disclosure of the chosen one to the decisive moment, guiding Samuel step by step.

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

ἃwhatAccusativerelative pronoun (neuter pl., object of ποιήσεις)→ participant referenceὅς (neut. pl. ἅ): 'the things which'; the relative clause specifies the content of the divine disclosure — the actions Samuel is to perform.

ποιήσειςyou shall doFut Act Indic 2 Sg · ποιέωverb of relative clause→ verbal action or stateποιέω: 'do / make'; renders Hebrew עשה; what Samuel is 'to do' will be revealed in due course — namely, to anoint the one God indicates.

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

χρίσειςyou shall anointFut Act Indic 2 Sg · χρίωmain verb (imperatival future: the central commission)→ verbal action or stateχρίω: 'anoint'; renders Hebrew משח; the root of χριστός ('anointed one / Messiah'); the act of anointing confers the Spirit-empowered kingship and stands at the theological centre of the chapter (fulfilled v. 13).

ὃνwhomAccusativerelative pronoun (object of χρίσεις, antecedent indefinite)→ participant referenceὅς (acc. ὅν): 'whom'; with ἐάν + subjunctive forms a generalizing relative clause ('whomever I tell you'), deliberately leaving the chosen one's identity open.

ἐὰνeverconditional particle (generalizing the relative clause)→ discourse linkage or contrastἐάν: with the subjunctive in a relative clause yields the indefinite 'whomever'; the suspense of David's identity is built into the very grammar.

εἴπωI tellAor Act Subj 1 Sg · λέγωverb of indefinite relative clause (subjunctive with ἐάν)→ verbal action or stateλέγω: the aorist subjunctive εἴπω with ἐάν marks the divine indication as a future, as-yet-unspecified word — Samuel must wait on God's signal.

σέyouAccusativeaccusative object of πρός (emphatic form)→ participant referenceσέ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as accusative object of πρός (emphatic form).

καὶ ἐποίησεν Σαμουηλ πάντα ἃ ἐλάλησεν αὐτῷ κύριος καὶ ἦλθεν εἰς Βηθλεεμ καὶ ἐξέστησαν οἱ πρεσβύτεροι τῆς πόλεως τῇ ἀπαντήσει αὐτοῦ καὶ εἶπαν εἰρήνη ἡ εἴσοδός σου ὁ βλέπων

And Samuel did all that the LORD spoke to him, and came to Bethlehem; and the elders of the city were amazed at meeting him, and said, 'Is your coming in peace, O seer?'

Obedience-fulfilment and arrival scene (main narrative)καὶ ἐποίησεν Σαμουηλ

The obedience formula ἐποίησεν … πάντα ἃ ἐλάλησεν αὐτῷ κύριος marks Samuel's full compliance. The elders' trembling (ἐξέστησαν) and anxious question reveal that a visit from the formidable prophet — possibly in judgment — provokes fear; their address ὁ βλέπων ('the seer') uses the old title for a prophet (cf. 9:9).

Word-by-word analysis· 29 words

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

ἐποίησενdidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ποιέωmain verb (obedience-fulfilment)→ verbal action or stateποιέω: 'do / perform'; the obedience formula ἐποίησεν πάντα ἃ ἐλάλησεν … κύριος is standard LXX language for exact compliance with a divine command (cf. Exod 7:6; 39:43).

πάνταallAccusativedirect object (substantival: 'all things')→ object specificationπᾶς (neut. pl. πάντα): 'all things'; the totality emphasises Samuel's complete obedience to the divine instructions of vv. 1–3.

ἃthatAccusativerelative pronoun (object of ἐλάλησεν)→ participant referenceὅς (neut. pl. ἅ): 'which things'; the relative clause defines πάντα as precisely what YHWH had spoken.

ἐλάλησενspokeAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λαλέωverb of relative clause→ verbal action or stateλαλέω: 'speak'; renders Hebrew דבר (Piel); refers back to the divine commission of vv. 1–3.

αὐτῷto himDativedative indirect object (Samuel)→ participant reference or interestαὐτῷ: meaning 'to him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative indirect object (Samuel).

κύριοςLORDNominativesubject of ἐλάλησεν (divine speaker)→ participant prominenceκύριος: the Tetragrammaton; the source of the commands Samuel obeys.

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

ἦλθενcameAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἔρχομαιmain verb (arrival)→ verbal action or stateἔρχομαι: 'come / go'; renders Hebrew בוא; marks Samuel's arrival at Bethlehem, fulfilling the dispatch of v. 1.

εἰςtopreposition + accusative (goal of motion)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (goal of motion).

ΒηθλεεμBethlehemaccusative object of εἰς (indeclinable place-name)→ participant identificationΒηθλεεμ: Jesse's town; Samuel's arrival sets the stage for the anointing.

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

ἐξέστησανwere amazedAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ἐξίστημιmain verb (reaction of the elders)→ verbal action or stateἐξίστημι: 'be amazed / be alarmed / be beside oneself'; renders Hebrew חרד ('tremble'); the elders' alarm signals that an unannounced visit from the prophet, who had recently hewn Agag in pieces (15:33), might portend judgment.

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

πρεσβύτεροιeldersNominativesubject (the city's elders)→ participant prominenceπρεσβύτερος: 'elder'; renders Hebrew זָקֵן; the civic leaders of Bethlehem, who meet the prophet on behalf of the town.

τῆςof theGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

πόλεωςcityGenitivegenitive of relationship (the elders of the city)→ relational specificationπόλις: 'city / town'; renders Hebrew עִיר; Bethlehem as a civic body whose elders represent it.

τῇat theDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἀπαντήσειmeetingDativedative of cause/occasion (at meeting him)→ sphere or referenceἀπάντησις: 'a meeting / encounter'; renders Hebrew קראת; the dative τῇ ἀπαντήσει αὐτοῦ gives the occasion of the elders' alarm — the very fact of going out to meet the prophet.

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

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

εἶπανsaidAor Act Indic 3 Pl · λέγωmain verb (speech-introduction)→ verbal action or stateλέγω: the Hellenistic first-aorist form εἶπαν (for εἶπον) is common in the LXX; introduces the elders' anxious question.

εἰρήνηpeaceNominativepredicate nominative (in verbless question: 'is ... peace?')→ participant prominenceεἰρήνη: 'peace / wellbeing'; renders Hebrew שָׁלוֹם; the elders ask whether the prophet comes peaceably (הֲשָׁלוֹם בּוֹאֶךָ) — a verbless question betraying their fear of judgment.

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

εἴσοδόςcomingNominativesubject of verbless question (your entrance/coming)→ participant prominenceεἴσοδος: 'entrance / coming-in'; renders Hebrew בּוֹא; 'is your coming peaceable?' — the polite-anxious greeting to an unexpected and formidable visitor.

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

ὁONominativearticle (with substantival participle, vocatival address)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

βλέπωνseerPres Act Ptcp Nom Sg Masc · βλέπωsubstantival participle (vocatival nominative: 'O seer')→ verbal action or stateβλέπω: 'see / look'; the substantival participle ὁ βλέπων ('the one who sees / the seer') renders the old prophetic title הָרֹאֶה (cf. 1 Kgds 9:9, 'the prophet was formerly called the seer'); the nominative for vocative is a Hebraism, addressing Samuel by his office.

καὶ εἶπεν εἰρήνη θῦσαι τῷ κυρίῳ ἥκω ἁγιάσθητε καὶ εὐφράνθητε μετ᾿ ἐμοῦ σήμερον καὶ ἡγίασεν τὸν Ιεσσαι καὶ τοὺς υἱοὺς αὐτοῦ καὶ ἐκάλεσεν αὐτοὺς εἰς τὴν θυσίαν

And he said, 'In peace. I have come to sacrifice to the LORD. Sanctify yourselves and rejoice with me today.' And he sanctified Jesse and his sons and called them to the sacrifice.

Reassurance and ritual preparation (main narrative)καὶ εἶπεν εἰρήνη

Samuel reassures the elders (εἰρήνη) and discloses his cover-purpose, then issues the cultic imperatives ἁγιάσθητε … εὐφράνθητε. The narrator's twin verbs ἡγίασεν … ἐκάλεσεν report Samuel's sanctifying of Jesse and his sons — the very household from which the king will come.

Word-by-word analysis· 27 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 stateλέγω: introduces Samuel's reassuring reply to the alarmed elders.

εἰρήνηpeaceNominativepredicate nominative / one-word answer ('[it is] peace')→ participant prominenceεἰρήνη: 'peace'; the terse answer εἰρήνη ('שָׁלוֹם') directly allays the elders' fear of v. 4 — Samuel comes not in judgment but to worship.

θῦσαιto sacrificeAor Act Inf · θύωinfinitive of purpose (with ἥκω)→ verbal action or stateθύω: 'sacrifice'; the stated purpose, repeating the cover-formula prescribed by YHWH in v. 2.

τῷto theDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

κυρίῳLORDDativedative indirect object (recipient of sacrifice)→ sphere or referenceκύριος: the Tetragrammaton; the sacrifice is genuinely offered to YHWH.

ἥκωI have comePres Act Indic 1 Sg · ἥκωmain verb of the declaration→ verbal action or stateἥκω: 'have come / be present'; Samuel publicly states his presence and purpose.

ἁγιάσθητεsanctify yourselvesAor Pass Impv 2 Pl · ἁγιάζωmain verb (cultic imperative)→ verbal action or stateἁγιάζω: 'sanctify / consecrate / make holy'; renders Hebrew קדש (Hithpael, 'consecrate yourselves'); the passive-reflexive imperative requires ritual purification before participating in the sacrificial meal (cf. Exod 19:10).

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

εὐφράνθητεrejoiceAor Pass Impv 2 Pl · εὐφραίνωmain verb (cultic imperative)→ verbal action or stateεὐφραίνω: 'gladden'; passive 'rejoice / make merry'; renders Hebrew שמח; the sacrificial meal is a joyful covenant occasion to which Jesse's household is invited.

μετ᾿withpreposition + genitive (accompaniment; elided before vowel)→ spatial or relational framingμετ᾿: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (accompaniment; elided before vowel).

ἐμοῦmeGenitivegenitive object of μετά (accompaniment)→ relational specificationἐμοῦ: meaning 'me'; it serves as genitive object of μετά (accompaniment).

σήμερονtodayadverb of time→ clausal contributionσήμερον: 'today'; renders Hebrew הַיּוֹם; sets the immediate occasion for the sacrificial gathering.

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

ἡγίασενhe sanctifiedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἁγιάζωmain verb (narrator's report of Samuel's act)→ verbal action or stateἁγιάζω: here active, 'he consecrated'; Samuel personally sanctifies Jesse and his sons, bringing the chosen household into the sphere of the sacred for the decisive moment.

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

ΙεσσαιJesseaccusative object of ἡγίασεν (indeclinable; case marked by article)→ participant identificationΙεσσαι: the father of David, sanctified together with his household.

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

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

υἱοὺςsonsAccusativedirect object (Jesse's sons, also sanctified)→ object specificationυἱός: 'son'; the sons of Jesse, the candidates among whom YHWH's chosen king is hidden.

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

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

ἐκάλεσενcalledAor Act Indic 3 Sg · καλέωmain verb (invitation to the sacrifice)→ verbal action or stateκαλέω: 'call / invite'; Samuel summons Jesse's household to the sacrificial meal, the setting for the divine disclosure of vv. 6–12.

αὐτοὺςthemAccusativedirect object (Jesse and his sons)→ participant referenceαὐτοὺς: meaning 'them'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object (Jesse and his sons).

εἰςtopreposition + accusative (goal/occasion)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (goal/occasion).

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

θυσίανsacrificeAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς→ object specificationθυσία: 'sacrifice'; the cultic meal at which the sons will pass before Samuel.

καὶ ἐγενήθη ἐν τῷ αὐτοὺς εἰσιέναι καὶ εἶδεν τὸν Ελιαβ καὶ εἶπεν ἀλλὰ καὶ ἐνώπιον κυρίου χριστὸς αὐτοῦ

And it came to pass, as they entered, that he saw Eliab and said, 'Surely the LORD's anointed is before him.'

Scene-setting temporal formula + Samuel's premature inference (main narrative)καὶ ἐγενήθη

The temporal formula καὶ ἐγενήθη ἐν τῷ + articular infinitive sets the scene of the sons' entrance. Samuel, seeing the eldest Eliab, jumps to a conclusion (ἀλλὰ καί, 'surely') based on outward impressiveness — the very error the next verse will correct.

Word-by-word analysis· 18 words

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

ἐγενήθηit came to passAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · γίνομαιmain verb (temporal scene-setting formula)→ verbal action or stateγίνομαι (aor. pass. ἐγενήθη): 'become / happen'; the formula καὶ ἐγενήθη … καί renders the Hebrew narrative וַיְהִי … wayyiqtol construction, a hallmark of LXX historical style.

ἐνinpreposition + dative articular infinitive (temporal: 'as / when')→ spatial or relational framingἐν τῷ + infinitive: a temporal construction ('while/when they were entering'), renders the Hebrew בְּ + infinitive construct.

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

αὐτοὺςtheyAccusativeaccusative subject of the articular infinitive→ participant referenceαὐτός: the accusative αὐτούς is the subject of the infinitive εἰσιέναι ('as they entered'), the standard construction with the articular infinitive.

εἰσιέναιto enterPres Act Inf · εἴσειμιarticular infinitive (temporal clause)→ verbal action or stateεἴσειμι: 'go in / enter'; the present infinitive depicts the sons' entrance as in progress when Samuel sees Eliab.

καὶandnarrative conjunction (apodosis after the temporal clause)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

εἶδενhe sawAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ὁράωmain verb (Samuel's perception)→ verbal action or stateὁράω (aor. εἶδον): 'see'; pointedly, Samuel 'sees' Eliab's outward form — the human seeing that v. 7 contrasts with God's seeing into the heart.

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

ΕλιαβEliabaccusative object of εἶδεν (indeclinable; case marked by article)→ participant identificationΕλιαβ: transliteration of Hebrew אֱלִיאָב ('my God is father'); the eldest son of Jesse (cf. 17:13), whose stature impresses Samuel but not God.

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 (Samuel's inner inference, spoken)→ verbal action or stateλέγω: introduces Samuel's mistaken conclusion about Eliab.

ἀλλὰsurelyasseverative particle (here emphatic: 'surely / indeed')→ discourse linkage or contrastἀλλά: usually adversative ('but'), here together with καί it is asseverative-emphatic ('surely indeed'), rendering Hebrew אַךְ; it conveys Samuel's confident but premature judgment.

καὶindeedadverbial intensifier (with ἀλλά)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαί: adverbial 'even / indeed' reinforcing ἀλλά; the pair underscores Samuel's certainty that this impressive man must be the chosen one.

ἐνώπιονbeforepreposition + genitive (in the presence of)→ spatial or relational framingἐνώπιον: 'before / in the presence of'; Hebraism rendering לִפְנֵי / נֶגֶד; here 'before the LORD stands his anointed' — Samuel's supposition that Eliab is the chosen king.

κυρίουthe LORDGenitivegenitive object of ἐνώπιον (also possessor of χριστός)→ relational specificationκύριος: the Tetragrammaton; the genitive does double duty — 'before the LORD' and 'the LORD's anointed.'

χριστὸςanointedNominativepredicate nominative (in verbless clause: 'his anointed [stands]')→ participant prominenceχριστός: 'anointed one'; verbal adjective of χρίω, renders Hebrew מָשִׁיחַ; the king-designate is YHWH's 'anointed'; Samuel wrongly applies the title to Eliab, but the word anticipates David and, ultimately, the messianic Χριστός.

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).

καὶ εἶπεν κύριος πρὸς Σαμουηλ μὴ ἐπιβλέψῃς ἐπὶ τὴν ὄψιν αὐτοῦ μηδὲ εἰς τὴν ἕξιν μεγέθους αὐτοῦ ὅτι ἐξουδένωκα αὐτόν ὅτι οὐχ ὡς ἐμβλέψεται ἄνθρωπος ὄψεται ὁ θεός ὅτι ἄνθρωπος ὄψεται εἰς πρόσωπον ὁ δὲ θεὸς ὄψεται εἰς καρδίαν

And the LORD said to Samuel, 'Do not look on his appearance nor on his great stature, for I have rejected him; for God does not see as man sees, for man looks on the face, but God looks on the heart.'

Divine correction: the theological centre of the chapter (main narrative)καὶ εἶπεν κύριος

YHWH's intervention overturns Samuel's outward judgment and states the chapter's governing maxim. The double prohibition (μὴ … μηδέ) bars reliance on appearance and height; the triple ὅτι builds the reasoning to its climax — the antithesis of human seeing (εἰς πρόσωπον) and divine seeing (εἰς καρδίαν).

Word-by-word analysis· 39 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 stateλέγω: introduces the decisive divine correction.

κύριοςLORDNominativesubject (divine speaker)→ participant prominenceκύριος: the Tetragrammaton; in this verse YHWH is referred to as both κύριος and ὁ θεός — the same God who sees the heart.

ΣαμουηλSamuelaccusative object of πρός (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΣαμουηλ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as accusative object of πρός (indeclinable proper noun).

μὴdo notnegative with prohibitive subjunctive→ clausal qualification or emphasisμή: negative of prohibition; with the aorist subjunctive ἐπιβλέψῃς it forbids the act outright.

ἐπιβλέψῃςlookAor Act Subj 2 Sg · ἐπιβλέπωprohibitive subjunctive (main verb)→ verbal action or stateἐπιβλέπω: 'look upon / regard'; renders Hebrew נבט (Hiphil); YHWH forbids Samuel from being swayed by Eliab's external appearance.

ἐπὶonpreposition + accusative (object of looking)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'on'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (object of looking).

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

ὄψινappearanceAccusativeaccusative object of ἐπί (what is not to be regarded)→ object specificationὄψις: 'appearance / face / outward look'; renders Hebrew מַרְאֶה; the outward impressiveness that misleads human judgment.

μηδὲnornegative connective (continuing the prohibition)→ discourse linkage or contrastμηδέ: 'and not / nor'; extends the prohibition to a second object — the man's height.

εἰςonpreposition + accusative (object of looking)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'on'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (object of looking).

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

ἕξινcondition / buildAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς (physical bearing)→ object specificationἕξις: 'condition / habit / physical state'; here the bodily 'build / bearing'; the phrase ἕξιν μεγέθους ('the condition of [his] greatness/height') renders the Hebrew reference to Eliab's stature — exactly the trait that had recommended Saul (10:23).

μεγέθουςof statureGenitivegenitive of quality (with ἕξιν: 'build of height')→ relational specificationμέγεθος: 'greatness / size / height'; the genitive describes the impressive tallness of Eliab — a deliberate echo of Saul's height, the criterion God now rejects.

ὅτιforcausal conjunction (first reason: rejection of Eliab)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: 'because / for'; introduces the first ground for the prohibition — God has rejected Eliab.

ἐξουδένωκαI have rejectedPerf Act Indic 1 Sg · ἐξουδενόωmain verb of causal clause→ verbal action or stateἐξουδενόω: 'reject / despise / count as nothing'; the same verb used of Saul in v. 1, now applied to Eliab — God's verdict, not human estimation, decides.

αὐτόνhimAccusativedirect object (Eliab)→ participant referenceαὐτόν: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object (Eliab).

ὅτιforcausal conjunction (second reason: the maxim)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: introduces the deeper ground — the difference between human and divine perception.

οὐχnotnegative (with ὡς … ὄψεται)→ clausal qualification or emphasisοὐ (οὐχ before rough breathing): negates the comparison — God does not see in the way man sees.

ὡςascomparative particle (introducing the human standard of seeing)→ discourse linkage or contrastὡς: 'as / in the manner that'; sets up the antithesis between human and divine sight.

ἐμβλέψεταιlooksFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἐμβλέπωverb of the comparative clause (human seeing)→ verbal action or stateἐμβλέπω: 'look at / gaze upon'; the gnomic future expresses a general truth: a human being looks at surfaces, the visible exterior.

ἄνθρωποςmanNominativesubject of ἐμβλέψεται (human subject)→ participant prominenceἄνθρωπος: 'man / human being'; renders Hebrew אָדָם; the generic 'man' whose limited vision is contrasted with God's.

ὄψεταιseesFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · ὁράωmain verb (divine seeing, contrasted)→ verbal action or stateὁράω (fut. mid. ὄψεται): 'see / perceive'; the divine 'seeing' penetrates beyond appearance; the gnomic future states God's characteristic mode of perception.

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

θεόςGodNominativesubject of ὄψεται (divine subject)→ participant prominenceθεός: 'God'; renders Hebrew אֱלֹהִים; here identified with κύριος of the verse's opening — the God whose vision reaches the heart.

ὅτιforcausal/explanatory conjunction (third ὅτι: the maxim spelled out)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: introduces the explanatory restatement of the antithesis in its sharpest form.

ἄνθρωποςmanNominativesubject (human seeing restated)→ participant prominenceἄνθρωπος: the generic man, here paired antithetically with ὁ θεός in the chapter's famous maxim.

ὄψεταιlooksFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · ὁράωmain verb (human seeing: 'on the face')→ verbal action or stateὁράω: the same verb now used of human seeing — man's gaze terminates on πρόσωπον, the outward face.

εἰςonpreposition + accusative (object of human seeing)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'on'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (object of human seeing).

πρόσωπονthe faceAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς (the outward, what man sees)→ object specificationπρόσωπον: 'face / countenance / surface'; renders Hebrew פָּנִים (and here Hebrew עֵינַיִם, 'eyes'); the visible exterior — the limit of human discernment.

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

δὲbutadversative particle (post-positive, marking the antithesis)→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: the adversative that turns the maxim on its hinge — 'but God …'; it sets divine perception against human.

θεὸςGodNominativesubject (divine seeing restated)→ participant prominenceθεός: God, whose seeing reaches the inner person.

ὄψεταιlooksFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · ὁράωmain verb (divine seeing: 'on the heart')→ verbal action or stateὁράω: God's seeing penetrates εἰς καρδίαν — to the inner disposition and character that determine fitness for kingship.

εἰςonpreposition + accusative (object of divine seeing)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'on'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (object of divine seeing).

καρδίανthe heartAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς (the inner person, what God sees)→ object specificationκαρδία: 'heart'; renders Hebrew לֵבָב; in OT anthropology the seat of will, thought, and character — the locus of true worth that God alone perceives; the climactic word of the maxim.

καὶ ἐκάλεσεν Ιεσσαι τὸν Αμιναδαβ καὶ παρῆλθεν κατὰ πρόσωπον Σαμουηλ καὶ εἶπεν οὐδὲ τοῦτον ἐξελέξατο κύριος

And Jesse called Aminadab, and he passed before the face of Samuel; and he said, 'Neither has the LORD chosen this one.'

First in the series of rejected sons (repetitive narrative pattern)καὶ ἐκάλεσεν Ιεσσαι

The verse begins the formulaic passing of the sons (called → passes before Samuel → rejected). The verdict οὐδὲ τοῦτον ἐξελέξατο κύριος ('neither this one') establishes the refrain that will recur in vv. 9–10, heightening suspense toward the absent youngest son.

Word-by-word analysis· 16 words

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

ἐκάλεσενcalledAor Act Indic 3 Sg · καλέωmain verb (Jesse presents a son)→ verbal action or stateκαλέω: 'call / summon'; Jesse calls forward each son in turn to pass before the prophet.

ΙεσσαιJessesubject (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΙεσσαι: the father presenting his sons to Samuel.

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

ΑμιναδαβAminadabaccusative object of ἐκάλεσεν (indeclinable; case marked by article)→ participant identificationΑμιναδαβ: transliteration of Hebrew אֲבִינָדָב ('my father is noble'); the second son of Jesse (cf. 17:13), called and rejected in turn.

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

παρῆλθενpassedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · παρέρχομαιmain verb (the son passes before Samuel)→ verbal action or stateπαρέρχομαι: 'pass by / go past'; renders Hebrew עבר; the formulaic 'passing before' Samuel for inspection, repeated for each son.

κατὰbeforepreposition + accusative (in front of)→ spatial or relational framingκατά + acc.: in the idiom κατὰ πρόσωπον, 'before / in the presence of'; renders Hebrew לִפְנֵי.

πρόσωπονthe faceAccusativeaccusative in prepositional idiom (κατὰ πρόσωπον: 'before')→ spatial or relational framingπρόσωπον: 'face'; in κατὰ πρόσωπον Σαμουηλ it is the formulaic 'before Samuel'; the recurrence of πρόσωπον subtly recalls v. 7 — these sons present only their faces.

Σαμουηλof Samuelgenitive in the idiom κατὰ πρόσωπον (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΣαμουηλ: indeclinable; the prophet before whom each son passes for divine inspection.

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

εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb (Samuel's verdict)→ verbal action or stateλέγω: introduces Samuel's rejection verdict, declaring the divine choice.

οὐδὲneithernegative connective (adding to the rejection series)→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐδέ: 'neither / not even'; marks Aminadab as another in the line of those not chosen, building the cumulative refrain.

τοῦτονthis oneAccusativedirect object (demonstrative: Aminadab)→ participant referenceοὗτος (acc. τοῦτον): the demonstrative emphatically singles out Aminadab as the one God has not chosen.

ἐξελέξατοhas chosenAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἐκλέγομαιmain verb (divine election, negated)→ verbal action or stateἐκλέγομαι: 'choose / select for oneself'; renders Hebrew בחר; the key verb of divine election in the chapter; its negation (οὐκ/οὐδὲ … ἐξελέξατο) recurs through vv. 8–10 as the rejection refrain.

κύριοςLORDNominativesubject (divine elector)→ participant prominenceκύριος: the Tetragrammaton; the sole agent of the choice — the human criteria of stature and age are irrelevant to YHWH's election.

καὶ παρήγαγεν Ιεσσαι τὸν Σαμα καὶ εἶπεν καὶ ἐν τούτῳ οὐκ ἐξελέξατο κύριος

And Jesse brought Sama forward, and he said, 'Neither in this one has the LORD chosen.'

Second rejection in the series (repetitive pattern)καὶ παρήγαγεν Ιεσσαι

The pattern continues with Sama (Shammah), the third son. The verb shifts to παράγω ('lead forward') and the verdict varies slightly (ἐν τούτῳ, 'in this one'), but the refrain οὐκ ἐξελέξατο κύριος is constant — the rejections accumulate toward the surprise of the youngest.

Word-by-word analysis· 13 words

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

παρήγαγενbrought forwardAor Act Indic 3 Sg · παράγωmain verb (presenting the son)→ verbal action or stateπαράγω: 'lead/bring forward / cause to pass by'; a variation on παρέρχομαι of v. 8 for the same formulaic presentation of a son before Samuel.

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

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

ΣαμαSamaaccusative object of παρήγαγεν (indeclinable; case marked by article)→ participant identificationΣαμα: transliteration of Hebrew שַׁמָּה / Shammah (cf. 17:13, also called Shimea); the third son of Jesse, likewise passed over.

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 (Samuel's verdict)→ verbal action or stateλέγω: introduces the recurring rejection verdict.

καὶalsoadverbial intensifier ('also / neither in this one')→ discourse linkage or contrastκαί: adverbial 'also / even'; with ἐν τούτῳ it marks Sama as one more in the rejected series.

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

τούτῳthis oneDativedative object of ἐν (demonstrative: Sama)→ participant reference or interestοὗτος (dat. τούτῳ): the demonstrative singles out Sama; the construction ἐν τούτῳ ('in this one') varies the verdict-formula across the series.

οὐκnotnegative (with ἐξελέξατο)→ clausal qualification or emphasisοὐκ: meaning 'not'; it negates or qualifies the assertion of the clause.

ἐξελέξατοhas chosenAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἐκλέγομαιmain verb (divine election, negated)→ verbal action or stateἐκλέγομαι: 'choose'; the election-verb again negated, sustaining the rejection refrain.

κύριοςLORDNominativesubject (divine elector)→ participant prominenceκύριος: the Tetragrammaton; the one who chooses.

καὶ παρήγαγεν Ιεσσαι τοὺς ἑπτὰ υἱοὺς αὐτοῦ ἐνώπιον Σαμουηλ καὶ εἶπεν Σαμουηλ οὐκ ἐξελέξατο κύριος ἐν τούτοις

And Jesse brought his seven sons forward before Samuel; and Samuel said, 'The LORD has not chosen among these.'

Summative rejection of all seven sons (climax of the negative series)καὶ παρήγαγεν Ιεσσαι

The verse sums up the whole parade: all seven of Jesse's present sons have passed, and none is chosen (οὐκ ἐξελέξατο κύριος ἐν τούτοις). The number ἑπτά rounds off the series of those examined and creates the dramatic vacuum that the youngest, still absent, will fill.

Word-by-word analysis· 17 words

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

παρήγαγενbrought forwardAor Act Indic 3 Sg · παράγωmain verb (presenting the sons)→ verbal action or stateπαράγω: 'bring forward'; here summarising the presentation of the whole group of sons.

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

ἑπτὰsevenindeclinable numeral (attributive: 'seven sons')→ measure or countἑπτά: 'seven'; indeclinable cardinal numeral; renders Hebrew שִׁבְעָה; the seven sons presented exclude David, the eighth (cf. 17:12), so that the number underlines that the chosen one is the one not yet seen.

υἱοὺςsonsAccusativedirect object (the seven sons)→ object specificationυἱός: 'son'; the seven elder sons collectively rejected.

ἐνώπιονbeforepreposition + genitive (in the presence of)→ spatial or relational framingἐνώπιον: 'before / in the presence of'; the sons pass in review before the prophet.

ΣαμουηλSamuelgenitive object of ἐνώπιον (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΣαμουηλ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as genitive object of ἐνώπιον (indeclinable).

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 (Samuel's summative verdict)→ verbal action or stateλέγω: introduces the concluding verdict over all seven.

οὐκnotnegative (with ἐξελέξατο)→ clausal qualification or emphasisοὐκ: meaning 'not'; it negates or qualifies the assertion of the clause.

ἐξελέξατοhas chosenAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἐκλέγομαιmain verb (divine election, negated and summative)→ verbal action or stateἐκλέγομαι: 'choose'; the final negation of the refrain — none of the seven is YHWH's chosen.

κύριοςLORDNominativesubject (divine elector)→ participant prominenceκύριος: the Tetragrammaton; the elector whose silence over the seven points beyond them.

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

τούτοιςtheseDativedative object of ἐν (demonstrative: the seven sons)→ sphere or referenceοὗτος (dat. pl. τούτοις): the demonstrative gathers all seven into a single rejected set — 'among these' the chosen one is not to be found.

καὶ εἶπεν Σαμουηλ πρὸς Ιεσσαι ἐκλελοίπασιν τὰ παιδάρια καὶ εἶπεν ἔτι ὁ μικρὸς ἰδοὺ ποιμαίνει ἐν τῷ ποιμνίῳ καὶ εἶπεν Σαμουηλ πρὸς Ιεσσαι ἀπόστειλον καὶ λαβὲ αὐτόν ὅτι οὐ μὴ κατακλιθῶμεν ἕως τοῦ ἐλθεῖν αὐτόν

And Samuel said to Jesse, 'Are the boys all here?' And he said, 'There still remains the youngest; behold, he is shepherding in the flock.' And Samuel said to Jesse, 'Send and fetch him, for we will not sit down until he comes.'

Resolution of the suspense: the absent youngest is summoned (dialogue)καὶ εἶπεν Σαμουηλ πρὸς Ιεσσαι

Samuel's question (ἐκλελοίπασιν τὰ παιδάρια — 'are the boys finished/all here?') uncovers the missing son; Jesse's reply (ἔτι ὁ μικρός … ποιμαίνει) reveals the youngest at the flock. Samuel's emphatic οὐ μὴ κατακλιθῶμεν ('we will by no means recline') halts the sacrificial meal until the chosen one arrives.

Word-by-word analysis· 35 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 (Samuel's question)→ verbal action or stateλέγω: introduces Samuel's probing question to Jesse.

ΙεσσαιJesseaccusative object of πρός (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΙεσσαι: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as accusative object of πρός (indeclinable).

ἐκλελοίπασινare at an endPerf Act Indic 3 Pl · ἐκλείπωmain verb (Samuel's question, expecting more)→ verbal action or stateἐκλείπω: 'fail / come to an end / be exhausted'; the perfect ἐκλελοίπασιν asks whether the supply of sons is finished — i.e. 'are these all the boys?', renders Hebrew הֲתַמּוּ; Samuel senses the chosen one is still missing.

τὰtheNominativearticle (neuter plural)→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

παιδάριαboysNominativesubject (the young men/sons)→ participant prominenceπαιδάριον: diminutive of παῖς, 'boy / lad / young man'; renders Hebrew נְעָרִים; here the sons collectively — Samuel asks whether they are all present.

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 (Jesse's reply)→ verbal action or stateλέγω: introduces Jesse's answer revealing the youngest son.

ἔτιstilladverb (temporal: 'there yet remains')→ clausal contributionἔτι: 'still / yet'; renders Hebrew עוֹד; signals that one son is left over and unaccounted for — the decisive remainder.

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

μικρὸςyoungestNominativesubject (substantival adjective: 'the little/young one')→ participant prominenceμικρός: 'small / little / young(est)'; renders Hebrew קָטָן; ὁ μικρός designates David as the youngest and least-regarded son — precisely the one God's heart-seeing election will choose (cf. the maxim of v. 7).

ἰδοὺbeholdpresentative interjection→ clausal contributionἰδού: 'behold / look'; renders Hebrew הִנֵּה; a presentative particle drawing attention to David's present whereabouts at the flock.

ποιμαίνειhe is shepherdingPres Act Indic 3 Sg · ποιμαίνωmain verb (David's present activity)→ verbal action or stateποιμαίνω: 'shepherd / tend a flock'; renders Hebrew רעה; David the shepherd-boy — an image that becomes the abiding metaphor of his kingship (cf. 2 Kgds 5:2; Ps 77[78]:70–72) and of the messianic shepherd.

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

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

ποιμνίῳflockDativedative of place (with ἐν: 'in/with the flock')→ sphere or referenceποίμνιον: 'flock'; cognate with ποιμαίνω; the lowly pastoral setting from which the future king is called — a deliberate contrast to royal pomp.

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 (Samuel's command)→ verbal action or stateλέγω: introduces Samuel's order to fetch David.

ἀπόστειλονsendAor Act Impv 2 Sg · ἀποστέλλωmain verb (command)→ verbal action or stateἀποστέλλω: 'send'; Samuel urgently orders Jesse to send for the absent son.

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

λαβὲfetchAor Act Impv 2 Sg · λαμβάνωmain verb (command)→ verbal action or stateλαμβάνω: 'take / fetch'; here 'bring him (here)'; the pair ἀπόστειλον καὶ λαβέ ('send and fetch') conveys urgent insistence.

αὐτόνhimAccusativedirect object (David)→ participant referenceαὐτόν: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object (David).

ὅτιforcausal conjunction (grounds for the urgency)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: 'because'; gives the reason for the haste — the meal cannot begin without him.

οὐnotnegative (part of emphatic οὐ μή)→ participant referenceοὐ: with μή forms the emphatic double negation οὐ μή ('by no means').

μὴby no meansnegative (emphatic οὐ μή with subjunctive)→ clausal qualification or emphasisμή: the second member of οὐ μή; with the aorist subjunctive κατακλιθῶμεν it expresses strong denial — 'we will certainly not sit down.'

κατακλιθῶμενwe sit downAor Pass Subj 1 Pl · κατακλίνωmain verb (emphatic future denial with οὐ μή)→ verbal action or stateκατακλίνω: 'lay down / recline (at table)'; passive 'recline / take one's place at the meal'; renders the sense of Hebrew נסב; the sacrificial feast will not commence until David is present — his arrival is indispensable.

ἕωςuntilconjunction + articular infinitive (temporal limit)→ discourse linkage or contrastἕως: 'until'; with τοῦ + infinitive forms a temporal clause ('until he comes'); renders Hebrew עַד־בֹּאוֹ.

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

ἐλθεῖνto comeAor Act Inf · ἔρχομαιarticular infinitive (temporal clause with ἕως τοῦ)→ verbal action or stateἔρχομαι: 'come'; the articular infinitive ἕως τοῦ ἐλθεῖν αὐτόν ('until his coming') sets the term of the delay.

αὐτόνheAccusativeaccusative subject of the infinitive ἐλθεῖν→ participant referenceαὐτός: the accusative subject of the infinitive ('until he comes').

καὶ ἀπέστειλεν καὶ εἰσήγαγεν αὐτόν καὶ οὗτος πυρράκης μετὰ κάλλους ὀφθαλμῶν καὶ ἀγαθὸς ὁράσει κυρίῳ καὶ εἶπεν κύριος πρὸς Σαμουηλ ἀνάστα καὶ χρῖσον τὸν Δαυιδ ὅτι οὗτος ἀγαθός ἐστιν

And he sent and brought him in. And he was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and good of appearance to the LORD. And the LORD said to Samuel, 'Arise, anoint David, for this is the one.'

Arrival, description, and divine designation of David (narrative climax)καὶ ἀπέστειλεν

David finally appears, his physical beauty described (πυρράκης … κάλλους ὀφθαλμῶν … ἀγαθὸς ὁράσει) — yet, in tension with v. 7, his fair appearance is noted only after his heart-based election is settled. The decisive divine word ἀνάστα καὶ χρῖσον … ὅτι οὗτός ἐστιν resolves the chapter's suspense.

Word-by-word analysis· 29 words

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

ἀπέστειλενhe sentAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀποστέλλωmain verb (Jesse acts on the command)→ verbal action or stateἀποστέλλω: 'send'; Jesse sends for David as Samuel ordered.

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

εἰσήγαγενbrought inAor Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰσάγωmain verb (David is brought to the gathering)→ verbal action or stateεἰσάγω: 'bring in / lead in'; renders Hebrew בוא (Hiphil); David is brought from the field into the assembly for the decisive moment.

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

οὗτοςheNominativesubject (demonstrative in a verbless descriptive clause)→ participant referenceοὗτος: 'this one / he'; the demonstrative introduces the description of David's appearance in a verbless clause ('and he was ...').

πυρράκηςruddyNominativepredicate adjective (David's complexion)→ participant prominenceπυρράκης: 'ruddy / reddish'; renders Hebrew אַדְמוֹנִי; describes David's healthy, reddish-bronzed complexion (cf. 17:42); a mark of youthful vigour and beauty.

μετὰwithpreposition + genitive (accompaniment/quality)→ spatial or relational framingμετὰ: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (accompaniment/quality).

κάλλουςbeautyGenitivegenitive object of μετά (quality: 'with beauty of eyes')→ relational specificationκάλλος: 'beauty / loveliness'; the phrase μετὰ κάλλους ὀφθαλμῶν ('with beauty of eyes') renders Hebrew יְפֵה עֵינַיִם ('beautiful of eyes').

ὀφθαλμῶνof eyesGenitivegenitive (specifying the beauty: 'of eyes')→ relational specificationὀφθαλμός: 'eye'; David's beautiful eyes — ironically the very 'face' (cf. πρόσωπον/ὄψις, v. 7) which God had said not to judge by, here described only because the heart-choice is already made.

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

ἀγαθὸςgoodNominativepredicate adjective (good of appearance)→ participant prominenceἀγαθός: 'good / fine / fair'; here 'good/fair of appearance'; the same adjective recurs in the divine verdict οὗτος ἀγαθός ἐστιν, linking David's outward goodness with his fitness in God's sight.

ὁράσειin appearanceDativedative of respect (good with respect to appearance)→ sphere or referenceὅρασις: 'sight / appearance / look'; the dative of respect ('good in appearance'); renders Hebrew טוֹב רֹאִי ('good of appearance').

κυρίῳto the LORDDativedative of reference (good of appearance 'to/before the LORD')→ sphere or referenceκύριος (dat. κυρίῳ): the Tetragrammaton; the LXX adds 'to the LORD,' a striking note that David's goodness is reckoned in YHWH's estimation — the divine seeing of v. 7 now approves him.

καὶandnarrative conjunction (introducing divine word)→ 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 stateλέγω: introduces the climactic divine command to anoint.

κύριοςLORDNominativesubject (divine speaker)→ participant prominenceκύριος: the Tetragrammaton; YHWH at last names the chosen one to Samuel.

ΣαμουηλSamuelaccusative object of πρός (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΣαμουηλ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as accusative object of πρός (indeclinable).

ἀνάσταariseAor Act Impv 2 Sg · ἀνίστημιmain verb (command to act)→ verbal action or stateἀνίστημι: 'rise / stand up'; the short second-aorist imperative ἀνάστα ('arise!'); a summons to immediate action before the central command χρῖσον.

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

χρῖσονanointAor Act Impv 2 Sg · χρίωmain verb (the central divine command)→ verbal action or stateχρίω: 'anoint'; renders Hebrew משח; the decisive command of the whole chapter — David is to be anointed king; the act will be carried out in v. 13, accompanied by the descent of the Spirit.

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

ΔαυιδDavidaccusative object of χρῖσον (indeclinable; case marked by article)→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: transliteration of Hebrew דָּוִד ('beloved'); indeclinable in the LXX; named here for the first time in the chapter — the chosen king, ancestor of the messianic line (cf. Matt 1:1; Rom 1:3).

ὅτιforcausal conjunction (grounds for the command)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: 'because'; gives the ground for the command — this is the chosen one.

οὗτοςthisNominativesubject (demonstrative: David)→ participant referenceοὗτος: 'this one'; the emphatic demonstrative identifies David as the elect — answering the negated τοῦτον/τούτοις of the rejected brothers (vv. 8–10).

ἀγαθόςthe good oneNominativepredicate adjective (with ἐστιν)→ participant prominenceἀγαθός: 'good'; the divine verdict οὗτος ἀγαθός ἐστιν ('this is the good one / this is he') confirms David's election; the LXX's ἀγαθός renders the Hebrew identification 'this is he' (זֶה הוּא), and ties David's 'goodness' to God's own approval.

ἐστινisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίcopula (predicate construction)→ verbal action or stateεἰμί: 'be'; the copula joining οὗτος and ἀγαθός in the divine identification of David.

καὶ ἔλαβεν Σαμουηλ τὸ κέρας τοῦ ἐλαίου καὶ ἔχρισεν αὐτὸν ἐν μέσῳ τῶν ἀδελφῶν αὐτοῦ καὶ ἐφήλατο πνεῦμα κυρίου ἐπὶ Δαυιδ ἀπὸ τῆς ἡμέρας ἐκείνης καὶ ἐπάνω καὶ ἀνέστη Σαμουηλ καὶ ἀπῆλθεν εἰς Αρμαθαιμ

And Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day onward. And Samuel arose and went away to Armathaim.

The anointing and the Spirit's descent (climax of section B)καὶ ἔλαβεν Σαμουηλ

The commission of v. 1 is fulfilled: Samuel takes the horn (cf. πλῆσον τὸ κέρας, v. 1) and anoints David in the midst of his brothers. The vivid ἐφήλατο πνεῦμα κυρίου ('the Spirit rushed/leaped upon him') marks the abiding empowerment 'from that day onward' (ἀπὸ τῆς ἡμέρας ἐκείνης καὶ ἐπάνω), the inverse of the Spirit's departure from Saul in v. 14.

Word-by-word analysis· 34 words

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

ἔλαβενtookAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λαμβάνωmain verb (Samuel takes the horn)→ verbal action or stateλαμβάνω: 'take'; Samuel takes up the horn of oil prepared at YHWH's command (v. 1), enacting the anointing.

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

κέραςhornAccusativedirect object of ἔλαβεν→ object specificationκέρας: 'horn'; the horn of anointing oil, fulfilling πλῆσον τὸ κέρας σου ἐλαίου of v. 1; its symbolism of strength fits the enduring Davidic dynasty.

τοῦof theGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἐλαίουoilGenitivegenitive of content (the horn of oil)→ relational specificationἔλαιον: 'olive oil'; the anointing medium; its application is the outward sign of the inward gift of the Spirit that immediately follows.

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

ἔχρισενanointedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · χρίωmain verb (the act of anointing)→ verbal action or stateχρίω: 'anoint'; renders Hebrew משח; the central act of the chapter, performed in obedience to v. 12; David is now χριστὸς κυρίου, the LORD's anointed.

αὐτὸνhimAccusativedirect object (David)→ participant referenceαὐτὸν: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object (David).

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

μέσῳthe midstDativedative of place (ἐν μέσῳ: 'in the midst of')→ sphere or referenceμέσος: 'middle / midst'; the anointing ἐν μέσῳ τῶν ἀδελφῶν ('in the midst of his brothers') is semi-public among the family, yet the political secrecy from Saul is preserved.

τῶνof theGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἀδελφῶνbrothersGenitivegenitive of relationship (in the midst of his brothers)→ relational specificationἀδελφός: 'brother'; renders Hebrew אָח; the seven elder brothers who had each been passed over now witness the anointing of the youngest.

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

ἐφήλατοrushed uponAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἐφάλλομαιmain verb (the Spirit's descent)→ verbal action or stateἐφάλλομαι: 'leap/spring upon'; renders Hebrew צלח ('rush upon'); the vivid verb portrays the Spirit seizing David with sudden empowering force — the same idiom used of the Spirit and Saul earlier (10:6, 10) and of Samson (Judg 14:6).

πνεῦμαSpiritNominativesubject (the Spirit of the LORD)→ participant prominenceπνεῦμα: 'spirit / breath / wind'; renders Hebrew רוּחַ; here the Spirit of YHWH, the divine empowerment for kingship that henceforth rests on David.

κυρίουof the LORDGenitivegenitive of source/possession (the LORD's Spirit)→ relational specificationκύριος: the Tetragrammaton; πνεῦμα κυρίου ('the Spirit of the LORD') is the very gift that v. 14 reports departing from Saul — the chapter pivots on this transfer.

ἐπὶuponpreposition + accusative (the one seized)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'upon'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (the one seized).

ΔαυιδDavidaccusative object of ἐπί (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: the anointed one upon whom the Spirit now rushes — the abiding endowment that marks him as YHWH's king.

ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (temporal starting point)→ spatial or relational framingἀπὸ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (temporal starting point).

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

ἡμέραςdayGenitivegenitive of time (with ἀπό: 'from that day')→ relational specificationἡμέρα: 'day'; the phrase ἀπὸ τῆς ἡμέρας ἐκείνης καὶ ἐπάνω ('from that day and onward') marks the permanence of the Spirit's resting on David — in contrast to its intermittent rushing on Saul.

ἐκείνηςthatGenitivedemonstrative (modifying ἡμέρας)→ relational specificationἐκεῖνος: 'that'; the demonstrative fixes the day of anointing as the inaugural moment of David's Spirit-endowed life.

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

ἐπάνωonwardadverb (in the idiom 'from that day and onward')→ clausal contributionἐπάνω: 'above / beyond / onward'; the idiom καὶ ἐπάνω renders Hebrew וָמָעְלָה ('and upward/onward'), expressing continuance from the anointing day into all that follows.

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

ἀνέστηaroseAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀνίστημιmain verb (Samuel departs)→ verbal action or stateἀνίστημι: 'rise / set out'; Samuel rises and leaves, his commission discharged; the verb marks narrative closure of the anointing scene.

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

ἀπῆλθενwent awayAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀπέρχομαιmain verb (Samuel's return home)→ verbal action or stateἀπέρχομαι: 'go away / depart'; Samuel returns to his home town, ending his role until the later narrative.

εἰςtopreposition + accusative (goal of motion)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (goal of motion).

ΑρμαθαιμArmathaimaccusative object of εἰς (indeclinable place-name)→ participant identificationΑρμαθαιμ: the LXX form of Ramah (Hebrew הָרָמָתָה / Ramathaim), Samuel's home town (cf. 1 Kgds 1:1, 19; 7:17); indeclinable; familiar in the NT as Arimathea (Matt 27:57).

καὶ πνεῦμα κυρίου ἀπέστη ἀπὸ Σαουλ καὶ ἔπνιγεν αὐτὸν πνεῦμα πονηρὸν παρὰ κυρίου

And the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD was choking him.

The inverse of v. 13: the Spirit's withdrawal from Saul (main narrative, new section)καὶ πνεῦμα κυρίου ἀπέστη

This verse mirrors v. 13 by exact inversion: where the Spirit rushed upon David, it now departs (ἀπέστη) from Saul, and an evil spirit παρὰ κυρίου ('from the LORD') takes its place. The fronting of πνεῦμα κυρίου and the imperfect ἔπνιγεν ('kept choking/tormenting') frame Saul's new affliction as ongoing.

Word-by-word analysis· 13 words

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

πνεῦμαSpiritNominativesubject (fronted for contrast with v. 13)→ participant prominenceπνεῦμα: 'spirit'; the same πνεῦμα κυρίου that rushed on David now leaves Saul — the literary hinge of the chapter's two halves.

κυρίουof the LORDGenitivegenitive of source (the LORD's Spirit)→ relational specificationκύριος: the Tetragrammaton; the departing Spirit is YHWH's own — the withdrawal signals the loss of divine empowerment for kingship.

ἀπέστηdepartedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀφίστημιmain verb (the Spirit's withdrawal)→ verbal action or stateἀφίστημι: 'withdraw / depart / stand off'; renders Hebrew סוּר; the same root recurs at v. 23 (ἀφίστατο, of the evil spirit) — the chapter is bracketed by spirits 'departing.'

ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (source of departure)→ spatial or relational framingἀπὸ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (source of departure).

ΣαουλSaulgenitive object of ἀπό (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΣαουλ: the rejected king from whom the Spirit now departs — the divine abandonment that opens his tragic decline.

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

ἔπνιγενwas chokingImperf Act Indic 3 Sg · πνίγωmain verb (the evil spirit's ongoing torment)→ verbal action or stateπνίγω: 'choke / throttle / suffocate'; the LXX's vivid rendering (Hebrew בעת, 'terrify') depicts the evil spirit's affliction as a strangling oppression; the imperfect ἔπνιγεν marks it as a recurring torment, set up to be relieved by David's music (v. 23).

πνεῦμαspiritNominativesubject (the evil spirit)→ participant prominenceπνεῦμα: here the 'evil spirit' that replaces the departed Spirit of the LORD; the same noun used antithetically within one verse heightens the reversal.

πονηρὸνevilNominativeattributive adjective (modifying πνεῦμα)→ participant prominenceπονηρός: 'evil / harmful / malignant'; renders Hebrew רָעָה; the qualifier distinguishes this spirit from the Spirit of the LORD; its provenance παρὰ κυρίου raises the chapter's sharpest theological tension.

παρὰfrompreposition + genitive (source: 'from beside the LORD')→ spatial or relational framingπαρά + gen.: 'from / from beside'; that the evil spirit comes παρὰ κυρίου ('from the LORD') expresses the OT conviction of YHWH's comprehensive sovereignty even over afflicting spirits (cf. 18:10; 19:9; Judg 9:23).

κυρίουthe LORDGenitivegenitive object of παρά (source of the evil spirit)→ relational specificationκύριος: the Tetragrammaton; the affirmation that even the tormenting spirit is sent 'from the LORD' underscores divine control over Saul's judgment, without making YHWH the author of moral evil.

καὶ εἶπαν οἱ παῖδες Σαουλ πρὸς αὐτόν ἰδοὺ δὴ πνεῦμα κυρίου πονηρὸν πνίγει σε

And the servants of Saul said to him, 'Behold now, an evil spirit from the LORD is choking you.'

The servants diagnose the affliction (dialogue)καὶ εἶπαν οἱ παῖδες Σαουλ

Saul's courtiers name the cause of his torment (πνεῦμα κυρίου πονηρόν) and, with ἰδοὺ δή, prepare to propose a remedy. Their observation sets up the prescription of vv. 16–17 that will bring David to court.

Word-by-word analysis· 14 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 (speech-introduction)→ verbal action or stateλέγω: the Hellenistic aorist εἶπαν; introduces the courtiers' diagnosis and proposal.

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

παῖδεςservantsNominativesubject (Saul's attendants)→ participant prominenceπαῖς: 'servant / attendant'; renders Hebrew עֶבֶד; the royal courtiers who attend Saul and counsel him in his affliction.

Σαουλof Saulgenitive of possession (indeclinable: 'Saul's servants')→ participant identificationΣαουλ: indeclinable; the king whom these servants attend.

αὐτόνhimAccusativeaccusative object of πρός (Saul)→ participant referenceαὐτόν: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as accusative object of πρός (Saul).

ἰδοὺbeholdpresentative interjection→ clausal contributionἰδού: 'behold'; renders Hebrew הִנֵּה; draws the king's attention to their diagnosis.

δὴnowemphatic/hortatory particle (politely urging)→ discourse linkage or contrastδή: enclitic particle of entreaty/urgency, 'now / pray'; renders Hebrew נָא; softens and presses the courtiers' address to the king.

πνεῦμαspiritNominativesubject (the tormenting spirit)→ participant prominenceπνεῦμα: 'spirit'; the courtiers identify the evil spirit as the cause of Saul's distress.

κυρίουfrom the LORDGenitivegenitive of source (the spirit's origin)→ relational specificationκύριος: the Tetragrammaton; the courtiers echo the narrator's attribution (v. 14) that the spirit is 'of/from the LORD.'

πονηρὸνevilNominativeattributive adjective (modifying πνεῦμα)→ participant prominenceπονηρός: 'evil / harmful'; qualifies the spirit afflicting Saul.

πνίγειis chokingPres Act Indic 3 Sg · πνίγωmain verb (present affliction)→ verbal action or stateπνίγω: 'choke / throttle'; the present tense voices the courtiers' perception of Saul's affliction as a present, recurring reality (cf. the imperfect ἔπνιγεν, v. 14).

σεyouAccusativedirect object (Saul)→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object (Saul).

εἰπάτωσαν δὴ οἱ δοῦλοί σου ἐνώπιόν σου καὶ ζητησάτωσαν τῷ κυρίῳ ἡμῶν ἄνδρα εἰδότα ψάλλειν ἐν κινύρᾳ καὶ ἔσται ἐν τῷ εἶναι πνεῦμα πονηρὸν ἐπὶ σοὶ καὶ ψαλεῖ ἐν τῇ κινύρᾳ αὐτοῦ καὶ ἀγαθόν σοι ἔσται καὶ ἀναπαύσει σε

'Let your servants now speak before you, and let them seek for our lord a man skilled to play on the lyre; and it shall be, when the evil spirit is upon you, that he will play on his lyre, and it will be well with you, and he will give you relief.'

The servants' remedy: a skilled lyre-player (proposal within dialogue)εἰπάτωσαν δὴ οἱ δοῦλοί σου

The courtiers propose the cure with deferential third-person imperatives (εἰπάτωσαν … ζητησάτωσαν) and the human honorific τῷ κυρίῳ ἡμῶν ('for our lord/master', i.e. Saul). The conditional protasis (ἐν τῷ εἶναι πνεῦμα πονηρόν) and the chain of futures map out the therapeutic music that will give Saul relief (ἀναπαύσει).

Word-by-word analysis· 39 words

εἰπάτωσανlet them speakAor Act Impv 3 Pl · λέγωmain verb (deferential third-person imperative)→ verbal action or stateλέγω: the third-person imperative is a courtly, indirect way of making the request — the servants ask leave to speak before the king.

δὴnowentreaty particle (politely urging)→ discourse linkage or contrastδή: 'now / pray'; renders Hebrew נָא; lends a tone of respectful urgency to the petition.

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

δοῦλοίservantsNominativesubject (the servants referring to themselves)→ participant prominenceδοῦλος: 'slave / servant'; renders Hebrew עֶבֶד; the courtiers humbly call themselves Saul's δοῦλοι, a self-deprecating court idiom paired with the honorific τῷ κυρίῳ ἡμῶν.

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

ἐνώπιόνbeforepreposition + genitive (in the presence of)→ spatial or relational framingἐνώπιον: 'before / in the presence of'; the servants ask to speak 'before you' — a deferential framing of their counsel.

σουyouGenitivegenitive object of ἐνώπιον (Saul)→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive object of ἐνώπιον (Saul).

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

ζητησάτωσανlet them seekAor Act Impv 3 Pl · ζητέωmain verb (third-person imperative: the proposal)→ verbal action or stateζητέω: 'seek / search for'; renders Hebrew בקש; the servants propose a search for a suitable musician to soothe the king.

τῷfor theDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

κυρίῳlordDativedative of advantage (for our lord/master = Saul)→ sphere or referenceκύριος (here HUMAN): 'lord / master'; in τῷ κυρίῳ ἡμῶν ('for our lord') the title is a human honorific addressed to Saul, NOT the Tetragrammaton; renders Hebrew אֲדֹנֵנוּ ('our lord'), the deferential court address of servant to king.

ἡμῶνourGenitivegenitive of possession (our lord)→ relational specificationἐγώ (gen. pl. ἡμῶν): 'our'; binds the courtiers to Saul as 'our lord/master,' confirming the human sense of κυρίῳ here.

ἄνδραa manAccusativedirect object of ζητησάτωσαν (the man to be sought)→ object specificationἀνήρ: 'man'; renders Hebrew אִישׁ; the object of the search — a competent lyre-player; the same word recurs in the courtier's description of David (v. 18).

εἰδόταskilledPerf Act Ptcp Acc Sg Masc · οἶδαattributive participle (modifying ἄνδρα: 'knowing how')→ verbal action or stateοἶδα: 'know'; the perfect participle εἰδότα with the infinitive ψάλλειν means 'one who knows how to play / is skilled at playing'; renders Hebrew יֹדֵעַ; the same idiom describes David in v. 18 (εἰδότα ψαλμόν).

ψάλλεινto playPres Act Inf · ψάλλωcomplementary infinitive (with εἰδότα: 'skilled to play')→ verbal action or stateψάλλω: 'pluck (strings) / play a stringed instrument / sing to the harp'; renders Hebrew נגן; the source of 'psalm' (ψαλμός); the skill that fits David for both court service and his later psalmody.

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

κινύρᾳthe lyreDativedative of instrument (with which one plays)→ sphere or referenceκινύρα: 'lyre / harp'; renders Hebrew כִּנּוֹר (kinnor), the stringed instrument associated with David (cf. Ps 150:3); the instrument of his therapeutic music for Saul.

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

ἔσταιit shall beFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (apodosis-introducing formula 'and it shall be')→ verbal action or stateεἰμί (fut. ἔσται): 'be'; the formula καὶ ἔσται renders Hebrew וְהָיָה, the standard introduction to a future scenario/apodosis.

ἐνwhenpreposition + dative articular infinitive (temporal: 'when')→ spatial or relational framingἐν τῷ + infinitive: temporal construction, 'when/while the spirit is upon you'; renders the Hebrew בְּ + infinitive construct.

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

εἶναιto bePres Act Inf · εἰμίarticular infinitive (temporal clause)→ verbal action or stateεἰμί: 'be'; the infinitive in ἐν τῷ εἶναι ('when ... is') governs the accusative subject πνεῦμα — 'when the evil spirit is upon you.'

πνεῦμαspiritAccusativeaccusative subject of the infinitive εἶναι→ object specificationπνεῦμα: 'spirit'; the accusative subject of the articular infinitive — the evil spirit whose onsets the music is meant to counter.

πονηρὸνevilAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying πνεῦμα)→ object specificationπονηρός: 'evil'; qualifies the afflicting spirit, as in vv. 14–15.

ἐπὶuponpreposition + dative (position: 'upon you')→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'upon'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (position: 'upon you').

σοὶyouDativedative object of ἐπί (Saul)→ participant reference or interestσοὶ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative object of ἐπί (Saul).

καὶthenapodotic conjunction (introducing the consequent)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαί: here apodotic, introducing the main clause after the temporal protasis ('... then he will play').

ψαλεῖhe will playFut Act Indic 3 Sg · ψάλλωmain verb (the player's response)→ verbal action or stateψάλλω: 'play the lyre'; the musician will play to dispel the affliction — the therapeutic action at the heart of the proposal.

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

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

κινύρᾳlyreDativedative of instrument (his lyre)→ sphere or referenceκινύρα: 'lyre'; the instrument the player wields; 'his lyre' anticipates David's own instrument (v. 23).

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

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

ἀγαθόνwellNominativepredicate adjective (neuter: 'it will be good')→ participant prominenceἀγαθός (neut. ἀγαθόν): 'good / well'; the impersonal ἀγαθόν σοι ἔσται ('it will be well with you') promises relief; the recurring ἀγαθός links David's effect on Saul with his own divinely-approved 'goodness' (v. 12).

σοιwith youDativedative of advantage (well with/for you)→ participant reference or interestσοι: meaning 'with you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative of advantage (well with/for you).

ἔσταιit will beFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (predicted benefit)→ verbal action or stateεἰμί (fut. ἔσται): 'be'; the promised good outcome of the music for the king.

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

ἀναπαύσειhe will give reliefFut Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀναπαύωmain verb (the music's effect on Saul)→ verbal action or stateἀναπαύω: 'give rest / refresh / relieve'; renders Hebrew רוח / נוח; the music will 'give relief' to Saul — fulfilled in the report of v. 23 (ἀνέψυχεν Σαουλ).

σεyouAccusativedirect object (Saul)→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object (Saul).

καὶ εἶπεν Σαουλ πρὸς τοὺς παῖδας αὐτοῦ ἴδετε δή μοι ἄνδρα ὀρθῶς ψάλλοντα καὶ εἰσαγάγετε αὐτὸν πρὸς ἐμέ

And Saul said to his servants, 'Provide me now a man who plays well, and bring him to me.'

Saul accepts the proposal and issues the order (dialogue)καὶ εἶπεν Σαουλ

Saul adopts the courtiers' remedy with two imperatives: ἴδετε ('look out for / provide') and εἰσαγάγετε ('bring in'). His request for a man who plays ὀρθῶς ('well, skilfully') sets in motion the search that one servant immediately answers by naming David.

Word-by-word analysis· 18 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 stateλέγω: introduces Saul's order to his servants.

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

παῖδαςservantsAccusativeaccusative object of πρός (Saul's attendants)→ object specificationπαῖς: 'servant / attendant'; the same courtiers who made the proposal in vv. 15–16.

ἴδετεprovideAor Act Impv 2 Pl · ὁράωmain verb (command: 'look out for / select')→ verbal action or stateὁράω (aor. impv. ἴδετε): 'see / look'; here in the idiomatic sense 'look out for / provide / select' (cf. Hebrew ראה used of choosing); Saul commands the servants to find such a musician.

δήnowparticle of urgency (with imperative)→ discourse linkage or contrastδή: 'now / then'; lends urgency to the command.

μοιfor meDativedative of advantage (Saul)→ participant reference or interestμοι: meaning 'for me'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative of advantage (Saul).

ἄνδραa manAccusativedirect object (the man to be provided)→ object specificationἀνήρ: 'man'; the musician Saul requires; the term echoes the courtiers' ἄνδρα (v. 16).

ὀρθῶςwelladverb of manner (modifying ψάλλοντα)→ clausal contributionὀρθῶς: 'rightly / well / skilfully'; specifies the quality of playing required — a competent, accomplished musician.

ψάλλονταwho playsPres Act Ptcp Acc Sg Masc · ψάλλωattributive participle (modifying ἄνδρα: 'a man playing well')→ verbal action or stateψάλλω: 'play the lyre'; the attributive participle describes the man by his skill — 'one who plays well.'

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

εἰσαγάγετεbringAor Act Impv 2 Pl · εἰσάγωmain verb (second command)→ verbal action or stateεἰσάγω: 'bring in / lead in'; Saul orders the chosen musician brought to him — fulfilled by David's arrival in vv. 21–22.

αὐτὸνhimAccusativedirect object (the man)→ participant referenceαὐτὸν: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object (the man).

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

ἐμέmeAccusativeaccusative object of πρός (emphatic form: Saul)→ participant referenceἐμέ: meaning 'me'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as accusative object of πρός (emphatic form: Saul).

καὶ ἀπεκρίθη εἷς τῶν παιδαρίων αὐτοῦ καὶ εἶπεν ἰδοὺ ἑόρακα υἱὸν τῷ Ιεσσαι Βηθλεεμίτην καὶ αὐτὸν εἰδότα ψαλμόν καὶ ὁ ἀνὴρ συνετός καὶ ὁ ἀνὴρ πολεμιστὴς καὶ σοφὸς λόγῳ καὶ ἀνὴρ ἀγαθὸς τῷ εἴδει καὶ κύριος μετ᾿ αὐτοῦ

And one of his servants answered and said, 'Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, and he is skilled in playing; and the man is prudent, and the man is a warrior, and wise in speech, and a man good of form, and the LORD is with him.'

A servant names David: the sixfold commendation (dialogue)καὶ ἀπεκρίθη εἷς

One servant supplies the answer in a remarkable sixfold portrait of David — musician, prudent, warrior, wise of speech, fair of form — capped by the theologically decisive καὶ κύριος μετ᾿ αὐτοῦ ('and the LORD is with him'), which discloses to the reader the secret of v. 13: the Spirit-anointed David is the very man Saul now unknowingly seeks.

Word-by-word analysis· 38 words

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

ἀπεκρίθηansweredAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · ἀποκρίνομαιmain verb (a servant responds)→ verbal action or stateἀποκρίνομαι: 'answer / reply'; the aorist-passive deponent ἀπεκρίθη is the standard LXX form; introduces the servant's recommendation of David.

εἷςoneNominativesubject (substantival numeral: 'one of the servants')→ measure or countεἷς: 'one'; cardinal numeral used substantivally with the partitive genitive — 'one of the young men' steps forward to answer.

τῶνof theGenitivearticle (partitive)→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

παιδαρίωνservantsGenitivepartitive genitive (one of the attendants)→ relational specificationπαιδάριον: 'young man / servant-lad'; the partitive genitive 'one of his servants'; one of Saul's retinue who knows David personally.

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

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 stateλέγω: introduces the servant's commendation.

ἰδοὺbeholdpresentative interjection→ clausal contributionἰδού: 'behold'; introduces the report of a suitable candidate already known to the speaker.

ἑόρακαI have seenPerf Act Indic 1 Sg · ὁράωmain verb (the servant's firsthand knowledge)→ verbal action or stateὁράω: 'see'; the perfect ἑόρακα ('I have seen / I know firsthand'); ironically the human 'seeing' here lights upon the very man God had 'seen' (same verb in v. 1).

υἱὸνa sonAccusativedirect object of ἑόρακα→ object specificationυἱός: 'son'; the servant identifies the man as a son of Jesse — David, though here unnamed.

τῷofDativearticle (with Ιεσσαι, dative of possession)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ΙεσσαιJessedative of possession (indeclinable: 'a son belonging to Jesse')→ participant identificationΙεσσαι: indeclinable; the dative τῷ Ιεσσαι ('a son to/of Jesse') is a Hebraizing dative of possession, identifying David's father.

Βηθλεεμίτηνthe BethlehemiteAccusativeattributive (gentilic adjective modifying υἱόν/Ιεσσαι)→ object specificationΒηθλεεμίτης: 'Bethlehemite'; gentilic from Βηθλεεμ; the declinable form (acc. -ην) locates Jesse and his son in Bethlehem (cf. 17:58).

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

αὐτὸνhimAccusativeaccusative subject of the participle εἰδότα (continuing ἑόρακα: 'seen him to be skilled')→ participant referenceαὐτός: the resumptive accusative carries the construction forward — 'and [I have seen] him skilled in playing.'

εἰδόταskilled inPerf Act Ptcp Acc Sg Masc · οἶδαparticiple (predicate to αὐτόν: 'knowing/skilled')→ verbal action or stateοἶδα: 'know'; the perfect participle εἰδότα ψαλμόν ('skilled in playing/song'), echoing the courtiers' specification εἰδότα ψάλλειν (v. 16) — David fits the bill exactly.

ψαλμόνplayingAccusativedirect object of εἰδότα (the art he knows)→ object specificationψαλμός: 'a striking of strings / song to the harp / psalm'; the object of David's skill; the very word that titles the Davidic Psalter (ψαλμοί), here naming his musicianship.

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

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

ἀνὴρmanNominativesubject (verbless clause: 'the man [is] prudent')→ participant prominenceἀνήρ: 'man'; the catalogue shifts to verbless predications describing David's character; the threefold ἀνήρ structures the list.

συνετόςprudentNominativepredicate adjective (the man is prudent)→ participant prominenceσυνετός: 'intelligent / prudent / understanding'; renders Hebrew נָבוֹן; David's discernment is a kingly virtue (cf. Solomon's request, 3 Kgds 3:9).

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

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

ἀνὴρmanNominativesubject (verbless clause: 'the man [is] a warrior')→ participant prominenceἀνήρ: the second member of the catalogue.

πολεμιστὴςa warriorNominativepredicate nominative (the man is a warrior)→ participant prominenceπολεμιστής: 'warrior / man of war'; renders Hebrew אִישׁ מִלְחָמָה; anticipates David's martial career — already valid before the Goliath episode (ch. 17), suggesting a thematic, not strictly chronological, ordering.

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

σοφὸςwiseNominativepredicate adjective (wise in speech)→ participant prominenceσοφός: 'wise / skilful'; renders Hebrew חָכָם; with λόγῳ ('in word'), David's eloquence and good judgment in speech.

λόγῳin speechDativedative of respect (wise with respect to word)→ sphere or referenceλόγος: 'word / speech'; the dative of respect specifies the sphere of David's wisdom — articulate, persuasive speech.

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

ἀνὴρa manNominativesubject (verbless clause: 'a man good of form')→ participant prominenceἀνήρ: the third member of the catalogue (here anarthrous).

ἀγαθὸςgoodNominativepredicate adjective (good of form)→ participant prominenceἀγαθός: 'good / fine'; here 'fair / handsome of form'; the recurring ἀγαθός (cf. vv. 12, 16) ties David's outward comeliness to his divinely-reckoned goodness.

τῷinDativearticle (with εἴδει, dative of respect)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

εἴδειformDativedative of respect (good with respect to appearance)→ sphere or referenceεἶδος: 'form / appearance / look'; the dative τῷ εἴδει ('in form') describes David's handsome appearance, echoing the description of v. 12.

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

κύριοςthe LORDNominativesubject (verbless clause: 'the LORD [is] with him')→ participant prominenceκύριος: the Tetragrammaton; the climactic καὶ κύριος μετ᾿ αὐτοῦ ('and the LORD is with him') is the theological key — a recurring formula for David's divinely-favoured success (cf. 18:12, 14; 2 Kgds 5:10); to the reader it confirms the Spirit's resting on David (v. 13).

αὐτοῦhimGenitivegenitive object of μετά (David)→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive object of μετά (David).

καὶ ἀπέστειλεν Σαουλ ἀγγέλους πρὸς Ιεσσαι λέγων ἀπόστειλον πρός με τὸν υἱόν σου Δαυιδ τὸν ἐν τῷ ποιμνίῳ σου

And Saul sent messengers to Jesse, saying, 'Send to me your son David, who is with your flock.'

Saul summons David from the flock (main narrative)καὶ ἀπέστειλεν Σαουλ

Saul dispatches messengers with the imperative ἀπόστειλον. The identifying clause τὸν ἐν τῷ ποιμνίῳ ('who is with the flock') again ties David to his shepherd identity (cf. v. 11), even as he is summoned from the pasture to the royal court.

Word-by-word analysis· 19 words

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

ἀπέστειλενsentAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀποστέλλωmain verb (Saul dispatches messengers)→ verbal action or stateἀποστέλλω: 'send'; Saul sends official envoys to fetch David.

ἀγγέλουςmessengersAccusativedirect object (the envoys sent)→ object specificationἄγγελος: 'messenger / envoy'; renders Hebrew מַלְאָךְ; here human royal messengers (not 'angels'); the official summons gives David's move to court a formal character.

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

ΙεσσαιJesseaccusative object of πρός (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΙεσσαι: David's father, to whom the request for his son is addressed.

λέγωνsayingPres Act Ptcp Nom Sg Masc · λέγωparticiple of speech (introducing direct discourse)→ verbal action or stateλέγω: the participle λέγων ('saying') introduces the content of the message, a Hebraism rendering לֵאמֹר.

ἀπόστειλονsendAor Act Impv 2 Sg · ἀποστέλλωmain verb of the message (command to Jesse)→ verbal action or stateἀποστέλλω: 'send'; the king's command that Jesse send David to court.

πρόςtopreposition + accusative (goal)→ spatial or relational framingπρός: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (goal).

μεmeAccusativeaccusative object of πρός (Saul)→ participant referenceμε: meaning 'me'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as accusative object of πρός (Saul).

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

υἱόνsonAccusativedirect object of ἀπόστειλον→ object specificationυἱός: 'son'; David identified as Jesse's son.

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

ΔαυιδDavidaccusative in apposition to υἱόν (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: indeclinable; named in apposition — Saul knows David by name even before meeting him.

τὸνthe oneAccusativearticle (substantivizing the following phrase: 'the one who is...')→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἐνwithpreposition + dative (location, attributive phrase)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (location, attributive phrase).

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

ποιμνίῳflockDativedative of place (with ἐν: 'with the flock')→ sphere or referenceποίμνιον: 'flock'; the identifying detail 'who is with your flock' again marks David as the shepherd-boy (cf. v. 11), the lowly origin of the future king.

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

καὶ ἔλαβεν Ιεσσαι γομορ ἄρτων καὶ ἀσκὸν οἴνου καὶ ἔριφον αἰγῶν ἕνα καὶ ἐξαπέστειλεν ἐν χειρὶ Δαυιδ τοῦ υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ πρὸς Σαουλ

And Jesse took a homer of bread and a skin of wine and one kid of the goats, and sent them by the hand of David his son to Saul.

Jesse's compliance with a gift (main narrative)καὶ ἔλαβεν Ιεσσαι

Jesse responds to the royal summons with a customary gift of provisions (bread, wine, a kid), sent ἐν χειρὶ Δαυιδ ('by the hand of David'). The gifts function as a respectful tribute that accompanies and legitimates David's arrival at court.

Word-by-word analysis· 22 words

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

ἔλαβενtookAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λαμβάνωmain verb (Jesse prepares the gift)→ verbal action or stateλαμβάνω: 'take'; Jesse gathers the provisions to send with David.

γομορa homerdirect object of ἔλαβεν (indeclinable measure-term)→ clausal contributionγομορ: transliteration of Hebrew חֹמֶר / עֹמֶר (a dry measure); indeclinable in the LXX; here 'a homer/donkey-load of bread' — a quantity of provisions (the Hebrew has 'a donkey laden with bread').

ἄρτωνof breadGenitivegenitive of content (with γομορ: 'a homer of loaves')→ relational specificationἄρτος: 'loaf / bread'; renders Hebrew לֶחֶם; the staple provision in the gift.

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

ἀσκὸνa skinAccusativedirect object of ἔλαβεν (a wineskin)→ object specificationἀσκός: 'leather bag / wineskin'; renders Hebrew נֹאד; the container for the wine in the gift (cf. the 'new wineskins' of Matt 9:17).

οἴνουof wineGenitivegenitive of content (a skin of wine)→ relational specificationοἶνος: 'wine'; renders Hebrew יַיִן; the second item in the gift.

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

ἔριφονa kidAccusativedirect object of ἔλαβεν (a young goat)→ object specificationἔριφος: 'kid / young goat'; renders Hebrew גְּדִי; the third item of the gift — a modest but proper offering.

αἰγῶνof goatsGenitivepartitive genitive (a kid of the goats)→ relational specificationαἴξ (gen. pl. αἰγῶν): 'goat'; the genitive specifies the kid as one of the goats — a Hebraizing idiom (גְּדִי עִזִּים).

ἕναoneAccusativenumeral (modifying ἔριφον: 'one kid')→ measure or countεἷς (acc. ἕνα): 'one'; the numeral specifies a single kid; its post-positive placement follows the Hebrew word order.

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

ἐξαπέστειλενsentAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐξαποστέλλωmain verb (Jesse sends the gift with David)→ verbal action or stateἐξαποστέλλω: 'send off / send away'; the compound ἐξαπο- marks the dispatch from home; Jesse sends both gift and son to the king.

ἐνbypreposition + dative (agency/means: 'by the hand of')→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'by'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (agency/means: 'by the hand of').

χειρὶthe handDativedative of means (ἐν χειρί: 'by the hand of')→ sphere or referenceχείρ: 'hand'; the idiom ἐν χειρί ('by the hand of') renders Hebrew בְּיַד, meaning 'by means of / through the agency of' David, who carries the gift.

ΔαυιδDavidgenitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'the hand of David')→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: indeclinable; David is the bearer of the gift, his arrival at court thereby framed as a son's dutiful errand.

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

υἱοῦsonGenitivegenitive in apposition to Δαυιδ ('David his son')→ relational specificationυἱός: 'son'; the apposition 'David his son' underlines the family relationship and David's status as Jesse's representative.

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

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

ΣαουλSaulaccusative object of πρός (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΣαουλ: the king to whom David and the gift are sent.

καὶ εἰσῆλθεν Δαυιδ πρὸς Σαουλ καὶ παρειστήκει ἐνώπιον αὐτοῦ καὶ ἠγάπησεν αὐτὸν σφόδρα καὶ ἐγενήθη αὐτῷ αἴρων τὰ σκεύη αὐτοῦ

And David came to Saul and attended before him; and Saul loved him greatly, and he became his armor-bearer.

David enters Saul's service and favor (main narrative)καὶ εἰσῆλθεν Δαυιδ

David's arrival fulfils Saul's summons. The pluperfect παρειστήκει ('he stood in attendance') marks settled court service; Saul's strong love (ἠγάπησεν … σφόδρα) is poignant given the coming enmity, and David's appointment as armor-bearer (αἴρων τὰ σκεύη) brings the anointed king-to-be into the closest proximity to the rejected king.

Word-by-word analysis· 20 words

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

εἰσῆλθενcameAor Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰσέρχομαιmain verb (David arrives at court)→ verbal action or stateεἰσέρχομαι: 'enter / come in'; renders Hebrew בוא; David's entry into Saul's presence and service.

ΔαυιδDavidsubject (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: indeclinable; the anointed shepherd now enters the royal court.

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

ΣαουλSaulaccusative object of πρός (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΣαουλ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as accusative object of πρός (indeclinable).

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

παρειστήκειattendedPlpf Act Indic 3 Sg · παρίστημιmain verb (David's settled court service)→ verbal action or stateπαρίστημι: 'stand by / attend / serve'; the pluperfect (with present/imperfect force) παρειστήκει denotes David's established role as a personal attendant standing before the king — the technical posture of court service.

ἐνώπιονbeforepreposition + genitive (in the presence of)→ spatial or relational framingἐνώπιον: 'before / in the presence of'; David serves 'before' Saul, in immediate attendance.

αὐτοῦhimGenitivegenitive object of ἐνώπιον (Saul)→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive object of ἐνώπιον (Saul).

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

ἠγάπησενlovedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀγαπάωmain verb (Saul's affection for David)→ verbal action or stateἀγαπάω: 'love'; renders Hebrew אהב; Saul's deep love for David — heavily ironic in view of the murderous jealousy that will later consume him (chs. 18–19).

σφόδραgreatlyadverb of degree (intensifying ἠγάπησεν)→ clausal contributionσφόδρα: 'exceedingly / greatly'; renders Hebrew מְאֹד; intensifies Saul's love to its height.

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

ἐγενήθηhe becameAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · γίνομαιmain verb (David's new role)→ verbal action or stateγίνομαι (aor. pass. ἐγενήθη): 'become'; with the dative αὐτῷ and the participle αἴρων, 'he became to him one bearing his armor' — i.e. David became Saul's armor-bearer.

αὐτῷto himDativedative of advantage/relationship (to/for Saul)→ participant reference or interestαὐτῷ: meaning 'to him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative of advantage/relationship (to/for Saul).

αἴρωνbearingPres Act Ptcp Nom Sg Masc · αἴρωpredicate participle (with ἐγενήθη: 'became one bearing')→ verbal action or stateαἴρω: 'lift / take up / carry'; the participle ὁ αἴρων τὰ σκεύη ('the one carrying the gear/armor') is the standard idiom for an armor-bearer (cf. 14:1; 31:4), a position of trust and intimacy with the king.

τὰtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

σκεύηarmorAccusativedirect object of αἴρων (the weapons/gear)→ object specificationσκεῦος (pl. σκεύη): 'implement / gear / weapons'; here the king's armor/weapons; the office of armor-bearer placed David at Saul's side in battle and at court.

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

καὶ ἀπέστειλεν Σαουλ πρὸς Ιεσσαι λέγων παριστάσθω δὴ Δαυιδ ἐνώπιον ἐμοῦ ὅτι εὗρεν χάριν ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖς μου

And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, 'Let David now stand in attendance before me, for he has found favor in my eyes.'

Saul requests David's permanent service (dialogue)καὶ ἀπέστειλεν Σαουλ

Saul formally asks Jesse to release David for permanent court service (παριστάσθω δή). The reason — εὗρεν χάριν ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖς μου ('he has found favor in my eyes') — uses the classic favor idiom; ironically Saul's 'eyes' approve the very man whose election rested not on what eyes see but on the heart (v. 7).

Word-by-word analysis· 17 words

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

ἀπέστειλενsentAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀποστέλλωmain verb (Saul sends a message)→ verbal action or stateἀποστέλλω: 'send'; Saul sends word to Jesse requesting David's continued service.

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

ΙεσσαιJesseaccusative object of πρός (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΙεσσαι: David's father, whose consent is sought for his son's permanent service.

λέγωνsayingPres Act Ptcp Nom Sg Masc · λέγωparticiple of speech (introducing direct discourse)→ verbal action or stateλέγω: λέγων ('saying') introduces the message, rendering Hebrew לֵאמֹר.

παριστάσθωlet him attendPres Mid/Pass Impv 3 Sg · παρίστημιmain verb of the message (third-person imperative)→ verbal action or stateπαρίστημι: 'stand by / attend / serve'; the present middle imperative παριστάσθω ('let him keep standing in attendance') requests David's ongoing court service, continuing the role of v. 21.

δὴnowparticle of entreaty (with imperative)→ discourse linkage or contrastδή: 'now / pray'; lends a tone of request to the king's word to Jesse.

ΔαυιδDavidsubject of παριστάσθω (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: indeclinable; the one Saul wishes to retain in service.

ἐνώπιονbeforepreposition + genitive (in the presence of)→ spatial or relational framingἐνώπιον: 'before'; David is to attend 'before me,' in the king's personal presence.

ἐμοῦmeGenitivegenitive object of ἐνώπιον (Saul, emphatic form)→ relational specificationἐμοῦ: meaning 'me'; it serves as genitive object of ἐνώπιον (Saul, emphatic form).

ὅτιforcausal conjunction (grounds for the request)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: 'because'; gives the reason — David has won Saul's favor.

εὗρενhe has foundAor Act Indic 3 Sg · εὑρίσκωmain verb of causal clause→ verbal action or stateεὑρίσκω: 'find'; the idiom εὗρεν χάριν ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖς ('found favor in the eyes of') renders Hebrew מָצָא חֵן בְּעֵינֵי — a stock expression for winning someone's goodwill.

χάρινfavorAccusativedirect object of εὗρεν (favor found)→ object specificationχάρις: 'grace / favor / goodwill'; renders Hebrew חֵן; David's having found favor with Saul recalls the broader theme of David as the favored one — with God and now with men.

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

ὀφθαλμοῖςeyesDativedative of place (in the idiom 'in my eyes')→ sphere or referenceὀφθαλμός: 'eye'; the idiom ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖς μου ('in my eyes / in my estimation'); the mention of 'eyes' subtly recalls the maxim of v. 7 — human eyes now favor the man God's heart-seeing had chosen.

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

καὶ ἐγενήθη ἐν τῷ εἶναι πνεῦμα πονηρὸν ἐπὶ Σαουλ καὶ ἐλάμβανεν Δαυιδ τὴν κινύραν καὶ ἔψαλλεν ἐν τῇ χειρὶ αὐτοῦ καὶ ἀνέψυχεν Σαουλ καὶ ἀγαθὸν αὐτῷ καὶ ἀφίστατο ἀπ᾿ αὐτοῦ τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ πονηρόν

And it came to pass, whenever the evil spirit was upon Saul, that David would take the lyre and play with his hand, and Saul would be refreshed and it would be well with him, and the evil spirit would depart from him.

Concluding summary: David's music gives Saul relief (iterative closure)καὶ ἐγενήθη

The chapter closes with an iterative summary fulfilling the courtiers' proposal (v. 16): the chain of imperfects (ἐλάμβανεν … ἔψαλλεν … ἀνέψυχεν … ἀφίστατο) depicts the recurring therapy whenever the evil spirit came. The final clause — ἀφίστατο … τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ πονηρόν ('the evil spirit would depart') — mirrors v. 14 (ἀπέστη … πνεῦμα κυρίου), closing the chapter on the theme of departing spirits and David's beneficent presence.

Word-by-word analysis· 34 words

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

ἐγενήθηit came to passAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · γίνομαιmain verb (temporal scene-setting formula)→ verbal action or stateγίνομαι (aor. pass.): 'happen'; the formula καὶ ἐγενήθη … καί (Hebrew וַיְהִי) here frames a habitual, recurring situation.

ἐνwhenpreposition + dative articular infinitive (temporal: 'whenever')→ spatial or relational framingἐν τῷ + infinitive: temporal 'when/whenever the spirit was upon Saul'; here with iterative force given the surrounding imperfects.

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

εἶναιbeingPres Act Inf · εἰμίarticular infinitive (temporal clause)→ verbal action or stateεἰμί: 'be'; the infinitive governs the accusative subject πνεῦμα — 'when the evil spirit was upon Saul'; echoes the courtiers' wording in v. 16.

πνεῦμαspiritAccusativeaccusative subject of the infinitive εἶναι→ object specificationπνεῦμα: 'spirit'; the evil spirit whose recurring onsets occasion David's playing.

πονηρὸνevilAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying πνεῦμα)→ object specificationπονηρός: 'evil'; the affliction repeatedly returns until David's music dispels it.

ἐπὶuponpreposition + accusative (position)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'upon'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (position).

ΣαουλSaulaccusative object of ἐπί (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΣαουλ: the afflicted king, repeatedly relieved by David's lyre.

καὶthenapodotic conjunction (introducing the recurring response)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαί: apodotic, introducing the main clause after the temporal protasis.

ἐλάμβανενwould takeImperf Act Indic 3 Sg · λαμβάνωmain verb (iterative action)→ verbal action or stateλαμβάνω: 'take'; the imperfect ἐλάμβανεν marks habitual repetition — each time the spirit came, David would take up the lyre.

ΔαυιδDavidsubject (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: the lyre-player whose music brings relief.

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

κινύρανlyreAccusativedirect object of ἐλάμβανεν (the instrument)→ object specificationκινύρα: 'lyre / harp' (Hebrew כִּנּוֹר); David's instrument, fulfilling the courtiers' prescription of vv. 16–17.

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

ἔψαλλενwould playImperf Act Indic 3 Sg · ψάλλωmain verb (iterative action)→ verbal action or stateψάλλω: 'play the lyre'; the imperfect continues the habitual picture — David repeatedly playing to soothe the king.

ἐνwithpreposition + dative (instrumental: 'with his hand')→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (instrumental: 'with his hand').

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

χειρὶhandDativedative of means (with his hand)→ sphere or referenceχείρ: 'hand'; the phrase ἐν τῇ χειρὶ αὐτοῦ ('with his hand') describes David's skilled playing — a Hebraizing 'by/with his hand.'

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

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

ἀνέψυχενwould be refreshedImperf Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀναψύχωmain verb (the effect on Saul, iterative)→ verbal action or stateἀναψύχω: 'revive / refresh / give relief'; renders Hebrew רוח; the music's effect — Saul finds breathing-room and relief, fulfilling the promise ἀναπαύσει σε (v. 16); cognate with the NT ἀνάψυξις ('refreshing', Acts 3:20).

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

ἀγαθὸνwellNominativepredicate adjective (impersonal: 'it was well')→ participant prominenceἀγαθός (neut. ἀγαθόν): 'good / well'; the impersonal ἀγαθὸν αὐτῷ ('it was well with him') fulfils the courtiers' καὶ ἀγαθόν σοι ἔσται (v. 16); the recurring ἀγαθός is the chapter's quiet refrain of David's good effect.

αὐτῷwith himDativedative of advantage (well with/for Saul)→ participant reference or interestαὐτῷ: meaning 'with him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative of advantage (well with/for Saul).

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

ἀφίστατοwould departImperf Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἀφίστημιmain verb (the spirit's recurring withdrawal)→ verbal action or stateἀφίστημι: 'withdraw / depart'; the imperfect ἀφίστατο depicts the evil spirit's repeated retreat; the verb deliberately echoes ἀπέστη of v. 14 (the Spirit of the LORD departing from Saul), bracketing the chapter's spirit-theme.

ἀπ᾿frompreposition + genitive (separation; elided before vowel)→ spatial or relational framingἀπ᾿: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (separation; elided before vowel).

αὐτοῦhimGenitivegenitive object of ἀπό (Saul)→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive object of ἀπό (Saul).

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

πνεῦμαspiritNominativesubject of ἀφίστατο (the evil spirit)→ participant prominenceπνεῦμα: 'spirit'; the afflicting spirit that retreats before David's music — the chapter's last subject, departing as the Spirit of the LORD had departed from Saul (v. 14).

τὸtheNominativearticle (attributive, with πονηρόν)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

πονηρόνevilNominativeattributive adjective (second-attributive position: 'the evil spirit')→ participant prominenceπονηρός: 'evil'; the repeated article (τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ πονηρόν) gives the full attributive construction 'the evil spirit'; its departure is the chapter's closing note — David's beneficent presence stands over the tormented king.

The First Book of Kingdoms, Chapter 16ΒΑΣΙΛΕΙΩΝ Α′ ΙϚ′

Theme

Translation & textual notes