2 Samuel 15:27

Authorized King James Version

The king said also unto Zadok the priest, Art not thou a seer? return into the city in peace, and your two sons with you, Ahimaaz thy son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙
The king
a king
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
צָד֣וֹק
also unto Zadok
tsadok, the name of eight or nine israelites
#5
הַכֹּהֵ֔ן
the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#6
הֲרוֹאֶ֣ה
Art not thou a seer
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#7
אַתָּ֔ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#8
שֻׁ֥בָה
return
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#9
הָעִ֖יר
into the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#10
בְּשָׁל֑וֹם
in peace
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
#11
וַֽאֲחִימַ֨עַץ
with you Ahimaaz
achimaats, the name of three israelites
#12
בְנֵיכֶ֖ם
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
#13
וִיהֽוֹנָתָ֧ן
and Jonathan
jehonathan, the name of four israelites
#14
בְנֵיכֶ֖ם
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
#15
אֶבְיָתָ֛ר
H54
of Abiathar
ebjathar, an israelite
#16
שְׁנֵ֥י
and your two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#17
בְנֵיכֶ֖ם
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
#18
אִתְּכֶֽם׃
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Samuel. The concept of peace 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

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

Related Resources

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

People

Study Resources