2 Samuel 10:5

Authorized King James Version

When they told it unto David, he sent to meet them, because the men were greatly ashamed: and the king said, Tarry at Jericho until your beards be grown, and then return.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּגִּ֤דוּ
When they told
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
#2
לְדָוִד֙
it unto David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#3
וַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח
he sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#4
לִקְרָאתָ֔ם
to meet
an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)
#5
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#6
הָי֥וּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#7
הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֖ים
them because the men
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
#8
נִכְלָמִ֣ים
ashamed
properly, to wound; but only figuratively, to taunt or insult
#9
מְאֹ֑ד
were greatly
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
#10
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#11
הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙
and the king
a king
#12
שְׁב֣וּ
Tarry
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#13
בִֽירֵח֔וֹ
at Jericho
jericho or jerecho, a place in palestine
#14
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#15
יְצַמַּ֥ח
be grown
to sprout (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)
#16
זְקַנְכֶ֖ם
until your beards
the beard (as indicating age)
#17
וְשַׁבְתֶּֽם׃
and then return
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

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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