2 Samuel 15:30

Authorized King James Version

And David went up by the ascent of mount Olivet, and wept as he went up, and had his head covered, and he went barefoot: and all the people that was with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they went up.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְדָוִ֡ד

H1732

And David

david, the youngest son of jesse

עָלֹ֖ה

H5927

and they went up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

בְמַֽעֲלֵ֨ה

H4608

by the ascent

an elevation, i.e., (concretely) acclivity or platform; abstractly (the relation or state) a rise or (figuratively) priority

הַזֵּיתִ֜ים

H2132

of mount Olivet

an olive (as yielding illuminating oil), the tree, the branch or the berry

עָלֹ֖ה

H5927

and they went up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

וּבָכֹֽה׃

H1058

and wept

to weep; generally to bemoan

רֹאשׁ֔וֹ

H7218

and had his head

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

לוֹ֙

חָפוּ֙

H2645

covered

to cover; by implication, to veil, to encase, protect

#10

וְה֖וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

#11

הֹלֵ֣ךְ

H1980

and he went

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#12

יָחֵ֑ף

H3182

barefoot

unsandalled

#13

וְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#14

הָעָ֣ם

H5971

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

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#16

אִתּ֗וֹ

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#17

חָפוּ֙

H2645

covered

to cover; by implication, to veil, to encase, protect

#18

אִ֣ישׁ

H376

every man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#19

רֹאשׁ֔וֹ

H7218

and had his head

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

#20

עָלֹ֖ה

H5927

and they went up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

#21

עָלֹ֖ה

H5927

and they went up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

#22

וּבָכֹֽה׃

H1058

and wept

to weep; generally to bemoan

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

How does this verse's literary context within 2 Samuel chapter 15 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant community address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

Related Resources

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

People

David

Study Resources

Biblical Maps