2 Samuel 11:2

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִ֣י׀
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
לְעֵ֣ת
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
#3
הָעֶ֗רֶב
And it came to pass in an eveningtide
dusk
#4
וַיָּ֨קָם
arose
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#5
דָּוִ֜ד
that David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#6
מֵעַ֤ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
מִשְׁכָּבוֹ֙
from off his bed
a bed (figuratively, a bier); abstractly, sleep; by euphemism, carnal intercourse
#8
וַיִּתְהַלֵּךְ֙
and walked
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#9
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
הַגָּ֑ג
and from the roof
a roof; by analogy, the top of an altar
#11
בֵּית
house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#12
הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ
of the king's
a king
#13
וַיַּ֥רְא
he saw
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#14
וְהָ֣אִשָּׁ֔ה
a woman
a woman
#15
רֹחֶ֖צֶת
washing
to lave (the whole or a part of a thing)
#16
מֵעַ֣ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#17
הַגָּ֑ג
and from the roof
a roof; by analogy, the top of an altar
#18
וְהָ֣אִשָּׁ֔ה
a woman
a woman
#19
טוֹבַ֥ת
beautiful
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
#20
מַרְאֶ֖ה
to look upon
a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),
#21
מְאֹֽד׃
was very
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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