2 Samuel 19:24

Authorized King James Version

And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king, and had neither dressed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came again in peace.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּמְפִבֹ֙שֶׁת֙
And Mephibosheth
mephibosheth, the name of two israelites
#2
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
#3
שָׁא֔וּל
of Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#4
יָרַ֖ד
came down
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
#5
לִקְרַ֣את
to meet
an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)
#6
הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ
the king
a king
#7
לֹ֣א
and had neither
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#8
עָשָׂ֣ה
dressed
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#9
רַגְלָ֜יו
his feet
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
#10
לֹ֣א
and had neither
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#11
עָשָׂ֣ה
dressed
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#12
שְׂפָמ֗וֹ
his beard
the beard (as a lippiece)
#13
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
בְּגָדָיו֙
his clothes
a covering, i.e., clothing
#15
לֹ֣א
and had neither
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#16
כִבֵּ֔ס
nor washed
to trample; hence, to wash (properly, by stamping with the feet), whether literal (including the fulling process) or figurative
#17
לְמִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#18
הַיּ֖וֹם
from the day
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
#19
לֶ֣כֶת
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#20
הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ
the king
a king
#21
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#22
הַיּ֖וֹם
from the day
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
#23
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#24
בָּ֥א
he came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#25
בְשָׁלֽוֹם׃
again in peace
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of peace connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about peace, 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

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

Questions for Reflection

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