2 Samuel 13:34

Authorized King James Version

But Absalom fled. And the young man that kept the watch lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came much people by the way of the hill side behind him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּבְרַ֖ח
fled
to bolt, i.e., figuratively, to flee suddenly
#2
אַבְשָׁל֑וֹם
H53
But Absalom
abshalom, a son of david; also (the fuller form) a later israelite
#3
וַיִּשָּׂ֞א
lifted up
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#4
הַנַּ֤עַר
And the young man
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
#5
הַצֹּפֶה֙
that kept the watch
properly, to lean forward, i.e., to peer into the distance; by implication, to observe, await
#6
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
עֵינָ֔ו
his eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#8
וַיַּ֗רְא
and looked
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#9
וְהִנֵּ֨ה
lo!
#10
עַם
people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#11
רַ֜ב
much
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#12
הֹֽלְכִ֥ים
and behold there came
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#13
מִדֶּ֛רֶךְ
by the way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#14
אַֽחֲרָ֖יו
behind
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#15
מִצַּ֥ד
side
a side; figuratively, an adversary
#16
הָהָֽר׃
of the hill
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Samuel. The concept of covenant community 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

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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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