2 Samuel 17:8

Authorized King James Version

For, said Hushai, thou knowest thy father and his men, that they be mighty men, and they be chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field: and thy father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר
For said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
חוּשַׁ֗י
Hushai
chushai, an israelite
#3
אַתָּ֣ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#4
יָ֠דַעְתָּ
thou knowest
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#5
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
וְאָבִ֙יךָ֙
H1
and thy father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#7
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
אִ֣ישׁ
is 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
כִּ֧י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#10
גִבֹּרִ֣ים
that they be mighty men
powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant
#11
הֵ֗מָּה
they (only used when emphatic)
#12
וּמָרֵ֥י
and they be chafed
bitter (literally or figuratively); also (as noun) bitterness, or (adverbially) bitterly
#13
נֶ֙פֶשׁ֙
in their minds
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#14
הֵ֔מָּה
they (only used when emphatic)
#15
כְּדֹ֥ב
as a bear
the bear (as slow)
#16
שַׁכּ֖וּל
robbed
bereaved
#17
בַּשָּׂדֶ֑ה
of her whelps in the field
a field (as flat)
#18
וְאָבִ֙יךָ֙
H1
and thy father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#19
אִ֣ישׁ
is 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)
#20
מִלְחָמָ֔ה
of war
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
#21
וְלֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#22
יָלִ֖ין
and will not lodge
to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)
#23
אֶת
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#24
הָעָֽם׃
with the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing covenant community contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

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

People

Study Resources