2 Samuel 12:1

Authorized King James Version

And the LORD sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּשְׁלַ֧ח
sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#2
יְהוָ֛ה
And the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
נָתָ֖ן
Nathan
nathan, the name of five israelites
#5
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#6
דָּוִ֑ד
unto David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#7
וַיָּבֹ֣א
And he came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#8
אֵלָ֗יו
near, with or among; often in general, to
#9
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר
unto him and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#10
לוֹ֙
H0
#11
שְׁנֵ֣י
unto him There were two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#12
אֲנָשִׁ֗ים
men
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
#13
הָיוּ֙
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#14
בְּעִ֣יר
city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#15
וְאֶחָ֥ד
and the other
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#16
וְאֶחָ֥ד
and the other
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#17
עָשִׁ֖יר
rich
rich, whether literal or figurative (noble)
#18
וְאֶחָ֥ד
and the other
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#19
רָֽאשׁ׃
poor
to be destitute

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Samuel. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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