2 Samuel 12:4

Authorized King James Version

And there came a traveller unto the rich man, and he spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd, to dress for the wayfaring man that was come unto him; but took the poor man's lamb, and dressed it for the man that was come to him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הַבָּ֥א
And there came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
הֵלֶךְ֮
a traveller
properly, a journey, i.e., (by implication) a wayfarer; also a flowing
#3
לָאִ֖ישׁ
it for the man
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)
#4
הֶֽעָשִׁיר֒
unto the rich
rich, whether literal or figurative (noble)
#5
וַיַּחְמֹ֗ל
and he spared
to commiserate; by implication, to spare
#6
וַיִּקַּ֗ח
to take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#7
מִצֹּאנוֹ֙
of his own flock
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
#8
וּמִבְּקָר֔וֹ
and of his own herd
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
#9
וַֽיַּעֲשֶׂ֔הָ
and dressed
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#10
לָֽאֹרֵ֖חַ
for the wayfaring man
to travel
#11
הַבָּ֥א
And there came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#12
ל֑וֹ
H0
#13
וַיִּקַּ֗ח
to take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#14
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
כִּבְשַׂת֙
lamb
a ewe
#16
לָאִ֖ישׁ
it for the man
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)
#17
הָרָ֔אשׁ
the poor
to be destitute
#18
וַֽיַּעֲשֶׂ֔הָ
and dressed
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#19
לָאִ֖ישׁ
it for the man
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)
#20
הַבָּ֥א
And there came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#21
אֵלָֽיו׃
near, with or among; often in general, to

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 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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