2 Samuel 13:18

Authorized King James Version

And she had a garment of divers colours upon her: for with such robes were the king's daughters that were virgins apparelled. Then his servant brought her out, and bolted the door after her.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְעָלֶ֙יהָ֙
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#2
כְּתֹ֣נֶת
And she had a garment
a shirt
#3
פַּסִּ֔ים
of divers colours
a long and sleeved tunic (perhaps simply a wide one; from the original sense of the root, i.e., of many breadths)
#4
כִּי֩
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#5
כֵ֨ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#6
תִּלְבַּ֧שְׁןָ
apparelled
properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively
#7
בְנוֹת
daughters
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#8
הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ
were the king's
a king
#9
הַבְּתוּלֹ֖ת
that were virgins
a virgin (from her privacy); sometimes (by continuation) a bride; also (figuratively) a city or state
#10
מְעִילִ֑ים
upon her for with such robes
a robe (i.e., upper and outer garment)
#11
וַיֹּצֵ֨א
brought
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#12
אוֹתָ֤הּ
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
מְשָֽׁרְתוֹ֙
Then his servant
to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to
#14
הַח֔וּץ
her out
properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors
#15
וְנָעַ֥ל
and bolted
properly, to fasten up, i.e., with a bar or cord; hence, to sandal, i.e., furnish with slippers
#16
הַדֶּ֖לֶת
the door
something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door
#17
אַֽחֲרֶֽיהָ׃
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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

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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