2 Samuel 14:6

Authorized King James Version

And thy handmaid had two sons, and they two strove together in the field, and there was none to part them, but the one smote the other, and slew him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּלְשִׁפְחָֽתְךָ֙
And thy handmaid
a female slave (as a member of the household)
#2
שְׁנֵיהֶם֙
and they two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#3
בָנִ֔ים
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
#4
וַיִּנָּצ֤וּ
strove together
properly, to go forth, i.e., (by implication) to be expelled, and (consequently) desolate; causatively, to lay waste; also (specifically), to quarrel
#5
שְׁנֵיהֶם֙
and they two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#6
בַּשָּׂדֶ֔ה
in the field
a field (as flat)
#7
וְאֵ֥ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#8
מַצִּ֖יל
and there was none to part
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense
#9
בֵּֽינֵיהֶ֑ם
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#10
וַיַּכּ֧וֹ
smote
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#11
הָֽאֶחָ֖ד
the other
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#12
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
הָֽאֶחָ֖ד
the other
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#14
וַיָּ֥מֶת
and slew
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#15
אֹתֽוֹ׃
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

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

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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