2 Samuel 15:23

Authorized King James Version

And all the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people passed over: the king also himself passed over the brook Kidron, and all the people passed over, toward the way of the wilderness.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#2
הָאָ֗רֶץ
And all the country
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#3
בּוֹכִים֙
wept
to weep; generally to bemoan
#4
ק֣וֹל
voice
a voice or sound
#5
גָּד֔וֹל
with a loud
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#6
וְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#7
הָעָם֙
and all the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#8
עֹֽבְרִ֔ים
also himself passed over
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#9
וְהַמֶּ֗לֶךְ
the king
a king
#10
עֹֽבְרִ֔ים
also himself passed over
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#11
בְּנַ֣חַל
the brook
a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)
#12
קִדְר֔וֹן
Kidron
kidron, a brook near jerusalem
#13
וְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#14
הָעָם֙
and all the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#15
עֹֽבְרִ֔ים
also himself passed over
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#16
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#17
פְּנֵי
toward
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#18
דֶ֖רֶךְ
the way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#19
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#20
הַמִּדְבָּֽר׃
of the wilderness
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Samuel. The concept of covenant community 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

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

People

Study Resources