2 Samuel 19:13

Authorized King James Version

PDF

And say ye to Amasa, Art thou not of my bone, and of my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if thou be not captain of the host before me continually in the room of Joab.

Original Language Analysis

וְלַֽעֲמָשָׂא֙ ye to Amasa H6021
וְלַֽעֲמָשָׂא֙ ye to Amasa
Strong's: H6021
Word #: 1 of 22
amasa, the name of two israelites
תֹּֽמְר֔וּ And say H559
תֹּֽמְר֔וּ And say
Strong's: H559
Word #: 2 of 22
to say (used with great latitude)
הֲל֛וֹא H3808
הֲל֛וֹא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 3 of 22
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
עַצְמִ֥י Art thou not of my bone H6106
עַצְמִ֥י Art thou not of my bone
Strong's: H6106
Word #: 4 of 22
a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame
וּבְשָׂרִ֖י and of my flesh H1320
וּבְשָׂרִ֖י and of my flesh
Strong's: H1320
Word #: 5 of 22
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
אָ֑תָּה H859
אָ֑תָּה
Strong's: H859
Word #: 6 of 22
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
כֹּ֣ה H3541
כֹּ֣ה
Strong's: H3541
Word #: 7 of 22
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יַֽעֲשֶׂה do H6213
יַֽעֲשֶׂה do
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 8 of 22
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
לִּ֤י H0
לִּ֤י
Strong's: H0
Word #: 9 of 22
אֱלֹהִים֙ God H430
אֱלֹהִים֙ God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 10 of 22
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
וְכֹ֣ה H3541
וְכֹ֣ה
Strong's: H3541
Word #: 11 of 22
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יוֹסִ֔יף so to me and more H3254
יוֹסִ֔יף so to me and more
Strong's: H3254
Word #: 12 of 22
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
אִם H518
אִם
Strong's: H518
Word #: 13 of 22
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
לֹ֠א H3808
לֹ֠א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 14 of 22
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שַׂר also if thou be not captain H8269
שַׂר also if thou be not captain
Strong's: H8269
Word #: 15 of 22
a head person (of any rank or class)
צָבָ֞א of the host H6635
צָבָ֞א of the host
Strong's: H6635
Word #: 16 of 22
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
תִּֽהְיֶ֧ה H1961
תִּֽהְיֶ֧ה
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 17 of 22
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לְפָנַ֛י before H6440
לְפָנַ֛י before
Strong's: H6440
Word #: 18 of 22
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
כָּל H3605
כָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 19 of 22
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַיָּמִ֖ים me continually H3117
הַיָּמִ֖ים me continually
Strong's: H3117
Word #: 20 of 22
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
תַּ֥חַת in the room H8478
תַּ֥חַת in the room
Strong's: H8478
Word #: 21 of 22
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
יוֹאָֽב׃ of Joab H3097
יוֹאָֽב׃ of Joab
Strong's: H3097
Word #: 22 of 22
joab, the name of three israelites

Analysis & Commentary

And say ye to Amasa, Art thou not of my bone, and of my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if thou be not captain of the host before me continually in the room of Joab.

This verse contributes to the narrative of David's Return, emphasizing restoration, leadership wisdom. David's return to Jerusalem requires political wisdom as he navigates competing factions. His restoration of enemies (Shimei) and reward of supporters demonstrates leadership discernment. Theological themes include wise leadership during restoration, the complexity of post-crisis reconciliation, balancing justice and mercy, and the necessity of moving forward despite ongoing tensions.

Historical Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 19 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding restoration, leadership wisdom provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

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

People

Study Resources