2 Samuel 16:11

Authorized King James Version

And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, which came forth of my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more now may this Benjamite do it? let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אָֽמַר
H559
hath bidden
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
דָּוִ֤ד
H1732
And David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#3
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
אֲבִישַׁי֙
H52
to Abishai
abishai, an israelite
#5
וְאֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#6
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#7
עֲבָדָ֔יו
H5650
and to all his servants
a servant
#8
הִנֵּ֥ה
H2009
lo!
#9
בְנִ֛י
H1121
Behold my son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#10
אֲשֶׁר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#11
יָצָ֥א
H3318
which came forth
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#12
מִמֵּעַ֖י
H4578
of my bowels
used only in plural the intestines, or (collectively) the abdomen, figuratively, sympathy; by implication, a vest; by extension the stomach, the uteru
#13
מְבַקֵּ֣שׁ
H1245
seeketh
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
#14
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
נַפְשִׁ֑י
H5315
my life
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#16
וְאַ֨ף
H637
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
#17
כִּֽי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#18
עַתָּ֜ה
H6258
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#19
בֶּן
H0
#20
הַיְמִינִ֗י
H1145
how much more now may this Benjamite
a benjaminite, or descendent of benjamin
#21
הַנִּ֤חוּ
H3240
do it let him alone
to deposit; by implication, to allow to stay
#22
לוֹ֙
H0
#23
וִֽיקַלֵּ֔ל
H7043
and let him curse
to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.)
#24
כִּ֥י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#25
אָֽמַר
H559
hath bidden
to say (used with great latitude)
#26
ל֖וֹ
H0
#27
יְהוָֽה׃
H3068
for the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of life connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about life, 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

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 life in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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