2 Samuel 14:31

Authorized King James Version

Then Joab arose, and came to Absalom unto his house, and said unto him, Wherefore have thy servants set my field on fire?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּ֣קָם
arose
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#2
יוֹאָ֔ב
Then Joab
joab, the name of three israelites
#3
וַיָּבֹ֥א
and came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#4
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#5
אַבְשָׁל֖וֹם
H53
to Absalom
abshalom, a son of david; also (the fuller form) a later israelite
#6
הַבָּ֑יְתָה
unto his house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#7
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#8
אֵלָ֔יו
near, with or among; often in general, to
#9
לָ֣מָּה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#10
הִצִּ֧יתוּ
set
to burn or set on fire; figuratively, to desolate
#11
עֲבָדֶ֛יךָ
unto him Wherefore have thy servants
a servant
#12
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
הַחֶלְקָ֥ה
my field
properly, smoothness; figuratively, flattery
#14
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#15
לִ֖י
H0
#16
בָּאֵֽשׁ׃
on fire
fire (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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