2 Samuel 19:28

Authorized King James Version

For all of my father's house were but dead men before my lord the king: yet didst thou set thy servant among them that did eat at thine own table. What right therefore have I yet to cry any more unto the king?

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּי֩

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לֹ֨א

H3808

were but

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הָיָ֜ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

בֵּ֣ית

H1004

house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אָבִ֗י

For all of my father's

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

כִּ֤י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

אַנְשֵׁי

H376

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)

#10

מָ֙וֶת֙

H4194

dead

death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin

#11

לַֽאדֹנִ֣י

H113

before my lord

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

#12

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃

H4428

any more unto the king

a king

#13

וַתָּ֙שֶׁת֙

H7896

yet didst thou set

to place (in a very wide application)

#14

אֶֽת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#15

עַבְדְּךָ֔

H5650

thy servant

a servant

#16

בְּאֹֽכְלֵ֖י

H398

among them that did eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

#17

שֻׁלְחָנֶ֑ךָ

H7979

at thine own table

a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal

#18

וּמַה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

#19

יֶּשׁ

H3426

therefore have

there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)

#20

לִ֥י

#21

עוֹד֙

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

#22

צְדָקָ֔ה

H6666

What right

rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)

#23

וְלִזְעֹ֥ק

H2199

I yet to cry

to shriek (from anguish or danger); by analogy, (as a herald) to announce or convene publicly

#24

ע֖וֹד

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

#25

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#26

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃

H4428

any more unto 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 sovereignty 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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 2 Samuel Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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