2 Samuel 1:20

Authorized King James Version

Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#2
תַּגִּ֣ידֽוּ
Tell
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
#3
בְגַ֔ת
it not in Gath
gath, a philistine city
#4
אַֽל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#5
תְּבַשְּׂר֖וּ
publish
properly, to be fresh, i.e., full (rosy, figuratively cheerful); to announce (glad news)
#6
בְּחוּצֹ֣ת
it not in the streets
properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors
#7
אַשְׁקְל֑וֹן
of Askelon
ashkelon, a place in palestine
#8
פֶּן
properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest
#9
תִּשְׂמַ֙חְנָה֙
rejoice
probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
#10
בְּנ֥וֹת
lest the daughters
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#11
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
of the Philistines
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
#12
פֶּֽן
properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest
#13
תַּעֲלֹ֖זְנָה
triumph
to jump for joy, i.e., exult
#14
בְּנ֥וֹת
lest the daughters
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#15
הָֽעֲרֵלִֽים׃
of the uncircumcised
properly, exposed, i.e., projecting loose (as to the prepuce); used only technically, uncircumcised (i.e., still having the prepuce uncurtailed)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Samuel. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 2 Samuel Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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