2 Samuel 16:19

Authorized King James Version

And again, whom should I serve? should I not serve in the presence of his son? as I have served in thy father's presence, so will I be in thy presence.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהַשֵּׁנִ֗ית
And again
properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again
#2
לְמִי֙
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#3
אֲנִ֣י
i
#4
עָבַ֙דְתִּי֙
as I have served
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
#5
הֲל֖וֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#6
לְפָנֶֽיךָ׃
presence
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#7
בְנ֑וֹ
of his 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
#8
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֤ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#9
עָבַ֙דְתִּי֙
as I have served
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
#10
לְפָנֶֽיךָ׃
presence
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#11
אָבִ֔יךָ
H1
in thy father's
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#12
כֵּ֖ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#13
אֶֽהְיֶ֥ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#14
לְפָנֶֽיךָ׃
presence
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

Analysis

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

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