2 Samuel 16:5

Authorized King James Version

And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, thence came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera: he came forth, and cursed still as he came.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּבָ֛א
came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
הַמֶּ֥לֶךְ
And when king
a king
#3
דָּוִ֖ד
David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#4
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#5
בַּֽחוּרִ֑ים
to Bahurim
bachurim, a place in palestine
#6
וְהִנֵּ֣ה
lo!
#7
מִשָּׁם֩
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#8
אִ֨ישׁ
a 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)
#9
יָצ֖וֹא
behold thence came out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#10
מִמִּשְׁפַּ֣חַת
of the family
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
#11
בֵּית
of the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#12
שָׁא֗וּל
of Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#13
וּשְׁמוֹ֙
whose name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#14
שִׁמְעִ֣י
was Shimei
shimi, the name of twenty israelites
#15
בֶן
the 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
#16
גֵּרָ֔א
of Gera
gera, the name of six israelites
#17
יָצ֖וֹא
behold thence came out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#18
יָצ֖וֹא
behold thence came out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#19
וּמְקַלֵּֽל׃
and cursed
to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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