2 Samuel 13:30

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, while they were in the way, that tidings came to David, saying, Absalom hath slain all the king's sons, and there is not one of them left.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽיְהִי֙
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
הֵ֣מָּה
they (only used when emphatic)
#3
בַדֶּ֔רֶךְ
And it came to pass while they were in the way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#4
וְהַשְּׁמֻעָ֣ה
that tidings
something heard, i.e., an announcement
#5
בָ֔אָה
came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#6
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#7
דָּוִ֖ד
to David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#8
לֵאמֹ֑ר
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#9
הִכָּ֤ה
hath slain
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#10
אַבְשָׁלוֹם֙
H53
Absalom
abshalom, a son of david; also (the fuller form) a later israelite
#11
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#13
בְּנֵ֣י
sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#14
הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ
all the king's
a king
#15
וְלֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#16
נוֹתַ֥ר
of them left
to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively to leave, cause to abound, preserve
#17
מֵהֶ֖ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#18
אֶחָֽד׃
and there is not one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Samuel. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. 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

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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