2 Samuel 19:12

Authorized King James Version

Ye are my brethren, ye are my bones and my flesh: wherefore then are ye the last to bring back the king?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אַחַ֣י
Ye are my brethren
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#2
אַתֶּ֔ם
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#3
עַצְמִ֥י
ye are my bones
a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame
#4
וּבְשָׂרִ֖י
and my flesh
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
#5
אַתֶּ֑ם
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#6
וְלָ֧מָּה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#7
תִֽהְי֛וּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#8
אַֽחֲרֹנִ֖ים
wherefore then are ye the last
hinder; generally, late or last; specifically (as facing the east) western
#9
לְהָשִׁ֥יב
to bring back
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#10
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃
the king
a king

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

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 divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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