2 Samuel 11:23

Authorized King James Version

And the messenger said unto David, Surely the men prevailed against us, and came out unto us into the field, and we were upon them even unto the entering of the gate.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
הַמַּלְאָךְ֙
And the messenger
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
דָּוִ֔ד
unto David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#5
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#6
גָבְר֤וּ
prevailed
to be strong; by implication, to prevail, act insolently
#7
עָלֵ֙ינוּ֙
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֔ים
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#9
וַיֵּֽצְא֥וּ
against us and came out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#10
אֵלֵ֖ינוּ
near, with or among; often in general, to
#11
הַשָּׂדֶ֑ה
unto us into the field
a field (as flat)
#12
וַנִּֽהְיֶ֥ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#13
עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#14
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#15
פֶּ֥תַח
and we were upon them even unto the entering
an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way
#16
הַשָּֽׁעַר׃
of the gate
an opening, i.e., door or gate

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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