2 Samuel 18:33

Authorized King James Version

And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּרְגַּ֣ז
was much moved
to quiver (with any violent emotion, especially anger or fear)
#2
הַמֶּ֗לֶךְ
And the king
a king
#3
וַיַּ֛עַל
and went up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#4
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
עֲלִיַּ֥ת
to the chamber
something lofty, i.e., a stair-way; also a second-story room (or even one on the roof); figuratively, the sky
#6
הַשַּׁ֖עַר
over the gate
an opening, i.e., door or gate
#7
וַיֵּ֑בְךְּ
and wept
to weep; generally to bemoan
#8
וְכֹ֣ה׀
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#9
אָמַ֣ר
thus he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#10
בְּלֶכְתּ֗וֹ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#11
בְנִֽי׃
O my 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
#12
אַבְשָׁל֖וֹם
H53
Absalom
abshalom, a son of david; also (the fuller form) a later israelite
#13
בְנִֽי׃
O my 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
#14
בְנִֽי׃
O my 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
#15
אַבְשָׁל֖וֹם
H53
Absalom
abshalom, a son of david; also (the fuller form) a later israelite
#16
מִֽי
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#17
יִתֵּ֤ן
for thee
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#18
מוּתִי֙
would God I had died
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#19
אֲנִ֣י
i
#20
תַחְתֶּ֔יךָ
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#21
אַבְשָׁל֖וֹם
H53
Absalom
abshalom, a son of david; also (the fuller form) a later israelite
#22
בְנִֽי׃
O my 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
#23
בְנִֽי׃
O my 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

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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