2 Samuel 14:13

Authorized King James Version

And the woman said, Wherefore then hast thou thought such a thing against the people of God? for the king doth speak this thing as one which is faulty, in that the king doth not fetch home again his banished.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתֹּ֙אמֶר֙
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
הָֽאִשָּׁ֔ה
And the woman
a woman
#3
וְלָ֧מָּה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#4
חָשַׁ֛בְתָּה
Wherefore then hast thou thought
properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou
#5
כָּזֹ֖את
this (often used adverb)
#6
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
עַ֣ם
such a thing against the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#8
אֱלֹהִ֑ים
of God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#9
וּמִדַּבֵּ֨ר
doth speak
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#10
הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ
for the king
a king
#11
הַדָּבָ֤ר
this thing
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#12
הַזֶּה֙
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#13
כְּאָשֵׁ֔ם
as one which is faulty
guilty; hence, presenting a sin-offering
#14
לְבִלְתִּ֛י
properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n
#15
הָשִׁ֥יב
doth not fetch home again
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#16
הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ
for the king
a king
#17
אֶֽת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#18
נִדְּחֽוֹ׃
his banished
to push off; used in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (to expel, mislead, strike, inflict, etc.)

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

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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources