2 Samuel 12:21

Authorized King James Version

Then said his servants unto him, What thing is this that thou hast done? thou didst fast and weep for the child, while it was alive; but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּֽאמְר֤וּ
Then said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
עֲבָדָיו֙
his servants
a servant
#3
אֵלָ֔יו
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
מָֽה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#5
הַדָּבָ֥ר
unto him What thing
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#6
הַזֶּ֖ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#7
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#8
עָשִׂ֑יתָה
is this that thou hast done
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#9
בַּֽעֲב֞וּר
properly, crossed, i.e., (abstractly) transit; used only adverbially, on account of, in order that
#10
הַיֶּ֔לֶד
but when the child
something born, i.e., a lad or offspring
#11
חַי֙
while it was alive
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#12
צַ֣מְתָּ
thou didst fast
to cover over (the mouth), i.e., to fast
#13
וַתֵּ֔בְךְּ
and weep
to weep; generally to bemoan
#14
וְכַֽאֲשֶׁר֙
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#15
מֵ֣ת
was dead
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#16
הַיֶּ֔לֶד
but when the child
something born, i.e., a lad or offspring
#17
קַ֖מְתָּ
thou didst rise
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#18
וַתֹּ֥אכַל
and eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#19
לָֽחֶם׃
bread
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 2 Samuel.

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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