2 Samuel 17:9

Authorized King James Version

Behold, he is hid now in some pit, or in some other place: and it will come to pass, when some of them be overthrown at the first, that whosoever heareth it will say, There is a slaughter among the people that follow Absalom.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הִנֵּ֨ה
lo!
#2
עַתָּ֤ה
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#3
הֽוּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#4
נֶחְבָּא֙
Behold he is hid
to secrete
#5
בְּאַחַ֣ד
now in some
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#6
הַפְּחָתִ֔ים
pit
a pit, especially for catching animals
#7
א֖וֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#8
בְּאַחַ֣ד
now in some
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#9
הַמְּקוֹמֹ֑ת
other place
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
#10
וְהָיָ֗ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#11
כִּנְפֹ֤ל
and it will come to pass when some of them be overthrown
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#12
בָּהֶם֙
H0
#13
בַּתְּחִלָּ֔ה
at the first
a commencement; relatively original (adverb, -ly)
#14
הַשֹּׁמֵ֙עַ֙
heareth
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#15
הַשֹּׁמֵ֙עַ֙
heareth
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#16
וְאָמַ֔ר
it will say
to say (used with great latitude)
#17
הָֽיְתָה֙
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#18
מַגֵּפָ֔ה
There is a slaughter
a pestilence; by analogy, defeat
#19
בָּעָ֕ם
among the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#20
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#21
אַֽחֲרֵ֥י
that follow
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#22
אַבְשָׁלֹֽם׃
H53
Absalom
abshalom, a son of david; also (the fuller form) a later israelite

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