2 Samuel 12:22

Authorized King James Version

And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether GOD will be gracious to me, that the child may live?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אָמַ֙רְתִּי֙
And he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
בְּעוֹד֙
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
#3
הַיָּֽלֶד׃
While the child
something born, i.e., a lad or offspring
#4
וְחַ֥י
may live
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#5
צַ֖מְתִּי
I fasted
to cover over (the mouth), i.e., to fast
#6
וָֽאֶבְכֶּ֑ה
and wept
to weep; generally to bemoan
#7
כִּ֤י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#8
אָמַ֙רְתִּי֙
And he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#9
מִ֣י
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#10
יוֹדֵ֔עַ
Who can tell
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#11
יְחַנַּ֥נִי
will be gracious
properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e., move to favor by petition)
#12
יְהוָ֖ה
whether GOD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#13
וְחַ֥י
may live
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#14
הַיָּֽלֶד׃
While the child
something born, i.e., a lad or offspring

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 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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