2 Samuel 19:37

Authorized King James Version

Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, and be buried by the grave of my father and of my mother. But behold thy servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good unto thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יָֽשָׁב
I pray thee turn back again
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#2
נָ֤א
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
#3
עַבְדְּךָ֣
But behold thy servant
a servant
#4
וְאָמֻ֣ת
that I may die
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#5
בְּעִירִ֔י
in mine own city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#6
עִ֛ם
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#7
קֶ֥בֶר
and be buried by the grave
a sepulcher
#8
אָבִ֖י
H1
of my father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#9
וְאִמִּ֑י
and of my mother
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
#10
וְהִנֵּ֣ה׀
lo!
#11
עַבְדְּךָ֣
But behold thy servant
a servant
#12
כִמְהָ֗ם
Chimham
kimham, an israelite
#13
יַֽעֲבֹר֙
let him go over
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#14
עִם
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#15
אֲדֹנִ֣י
with my lord
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
#16
הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ
the king
a king
#17
וַֽעֲשֵׂה
and do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#18
ל֕וֹ
H0
#19
אֵ֥ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#20
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#21
ט֖וֹב
to him what shall seem good
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
#22
בְּעֵינֶֽיךָ׃
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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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