2 Samuel 18:27

Authorized King James Version

And the watchman said, Me thinketh the running of the foremost is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok. And the king said, He is a good man, and cometh with good tidings.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
הַצֹּפֶ֔ה
And the watchman
properly, to lean forward, i.e., to peer into the distance; by implication, to observe, await
#3
אֲנִ֤י
i
#4
רֹאֶה֙
Me thinketh
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#5
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
כִּמְרֻצַ֖ת
is like the running
a race (the act), whether the manner or the progress
#7
הָֽרִאשׁ֔וֹן
of the foremost
first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)
#8
כִּמְרֻצַ֖ת
is like the running
a race (the act), whether the manner or the progress
#9
אֲחִימַ֣עַץ
of Ahimaaz
achimaats, the name of three israelites
#10
בֶּן
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
#11
צָד֑וֹק
of Zadok
tsadok, the name of eight or nine israelites
#12
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#13
הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙
And the king
a king
#14
אִֽישׁ
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)
#15
טוֹבָ֖ה
He is a good
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
#16
זֶ֔ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#17
וְאֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#18
בְּשׂוֹרָ֥ה
tidings
glad tidings; by implication, reward for good news
#19
טוֹבָ֖ה
He is a good
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
#20
יָבֽוֹא׃
and cometh
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

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 divine revelation 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

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

Related Resources

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

People

Study Resources