2 Samuel 15:16

Authorized King James Version

And the king went forth, and all his household after him. And the king left ten women, which were concubines, to keep the house.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֵּצֵ֥א
went forth
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#2
הַמֶּ֗לֶךְ
And the king
a king
#3
וְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#4
הַבָּֽיִת׃
and all his household
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#5
בְּרַגְלָ֑יו
after
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
#6
וַיַּֽעֲזֹ֣ב
left
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
#7
הַמֶּ֗לֶךְ
And the king
a king
#8
אֵ֣ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
עֶ֧שֶׂר
ten
ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)
#10
נָשִׁ֛ים
women
a woman
#11
פִּֽלַגְשִׁ֖ים
which were concubines
a concubine; also (masculine) a paramour
#12
לִשְׁמֹ֥ר
to keep
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#13
הַבָּֽיִת׃
and all his household
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

Analysis

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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