2 Samuel 12:16

Authorized King James Version

David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְבַקֵּ֥שׁ
therefore besought
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
#2
דָּוִד֙
David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֖ים
God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#5
בְּעַ֣ד
in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc
#6
הַנָּ֑עַר
for the child
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
#7
וַיָּ֤צָם
fasted
to cover over (the mouth), i.e., to fast
#8
דָּוִד֙
David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#9
צ֔וֹם
a fast
#10
וּבָ֥א
and went in
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#11
וְלָ֖ן
all night
to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)
#12
וְשָׁכַ֥ב
and lay
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
#13
אָֽרְצָה׃
upon the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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 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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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