2 Samuel 2:17

Authorized King James Version

And there was a very sore battle that day; and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתְּהִ֧י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
הַמִּלְחָמָ֛ה
battle
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
#3
קָשָׁ֥ה
sore
severe (in various applications)
#4
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#5
מְאֹ֖ד
And there was a very
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
#6
בַּיּ֣וֹם
that 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
#7
הַה֑וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#8
וַיִּנָּ֤גֶף
was beaten
to push, gore, defeat, stub (the toe), inflict (a disease)
#9
אַבְנֵר֙
H74
and Abner
abner, an israelite
#10
וְאַנְשֵׁ֣י
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)
#11
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#12
לִפְנֵ֖י
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#13
עַבְדֵ֥י
the servants
a servant
#14
דָוִֽד׃
of David
david, the youngest son of jesse

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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