2 Samuel 1:25

Authorized King James Version

How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! O Jonathan, thou wast slain in thine high places.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֵ֚יךְ
how? or how!; also where
#2
נָֽפְל֣וּ
fallen
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#3
גִבֹּרִ֔ים
How are the mighty
powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant
#4
בְּת֖וֹךְ
in the midst
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#5
הַמִּלְחָמָ֑ה
of the battle
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
#6
יְה֣וֹנָתָ֔ן
O Jonathan
jehonathan, the name of four israelites
#7
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
בָּֽמוֹתֶ֖יךָ
in thine high places
an elevation
#9
חָלָֽל׃
thou wast slain
pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted

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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