2 Samuel 19:34

Authorized King James Version

And Barzillai said unto the king, How long have I to live, that I should go up with the king unto Jerusalem?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
בַּרְזִלַּ֖י
And Barzillai
barzillai, the name of three israelites
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ
unto the king
a king
#5
כַּמָּ֗ה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#6
יְמֵי֙
How long
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
#7
שְׁנֵ֣י
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#8
חַיַּ֔י
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#9
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#10
אֶעֱלֶ֥ה
that I should go up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#11
אֶת
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#12
הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ
unto the king
a king
#13
יְרֽוּשָׁלִָֽם׃
unto Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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