2 Samuel 14:4

Authorized King James Version

And when the woman of Tekoah spake to the king, she fell on her face to the ground, and did obeisance, and said, Help, O king.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתֹּ֖אמֶר
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
הָֽאִשָּׁ֤ה
And when the woman
a woman
#3
הַתְּקֹעִית֙
of Tekoah
a tekoite or inhabitant of tekoah
#4
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#5
הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃
O king
a king
#6
וַתִּפֹּ֧ל
she fell
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#7
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
אַפֶּ֛יהָ
on her face
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
#9
אַ֖רְצָה
to the ground
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#10
וַתִּשְׁתָּ֑חוּ
and did obeisance
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
#11
וַתֹּ֖אמֶר
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#12
הוֹשִׁ֥עָה
Help
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor
#13
הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃
O king
a king

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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 2 Samuel Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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