2 Samuel 16:8

Authorized King James Version

The LORD hath returned upon thee all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose stead thou hast reigned; and the LORD hath delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom thy son: and, behold, thou art taken in thy mischief, because thou art a bloody man.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הֵשִׁיב֩

H7725

hath returned

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

עָלֶ֨יךָ

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יְהוָה֙

H3068

The LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

כֹּ֣ל׀

H3605

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

דָּמִ֖ים

H1818

because thou art a bloody

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

בֵית

H1004

of the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

שָׁא֗וּל

H7586

of Saul

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

אֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

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

מָלַ֙כְתָּ֙

H4427

in whose stead thou hast reigned

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

#10

תַּחְתָּ֔ו

H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

#11

וַיִּתֵּ֤ן

H5414

hath delivered

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#12

יְהוָה֙

H3068

The LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#13

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#14

הַמְּלוּכָ֔ה

H4410

the kingdom

something ruled, i.e., a realm

#15

בְּיַ֖ד

H3027

into the hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#16

אַבְשָׁל֣וֹם

H53

of Absalom

abshalom, a son of david; also (the fuller form) a later israelite

#17

בְּנֶ֑ךָ

H1121

thy 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

#18

וְהִנְּךָ֙

H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

#19

בְּרָ֣עָתֶ֔ךָ

H7451

and behold thou art taken in thy mischief

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

#20

כִּ֛י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#21

אִ֥ישׁ

H376

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)

#22

דָּמִ֖ים

H1818

because thou art a bloody

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

#23

אָֽתָּה׃

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

Analysis

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

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 imperial and royal imagery familiar to subjects of ancient monarchies, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of kingdom differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on kingdom address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

Related Resources

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