2 Samuel 2:22

Authorized King James Version

And Abner said again to Asahel, Turn thee aside from following me: wherefore should I smite thee to the ground? how then should I hold up my face to Joab thy brother?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֧סֶף
again
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
#2
ע֣וֹד
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
#3
אַבְנֵ֗ר
H74
And Abner
abner, an israelite
#4
לֵאמֹר֙
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#5
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#6
עֲשָׂהאֵ֔ל
to Asahel
asahel, the name of four israelites
#7
ס֥וּר
Turn thee aside
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
#8
לְךָ֖
H0
#9
מֵאַֽחֲרָ֑י
from following
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#10
לָ֤מָּה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#11
אַכֶּ֙כָּה֙
me wherefore should I smite
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#12
אַ֔רְצָה
thee to the ground
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#13
וְאֵיךְ֙
how? or how!; also where
#14
אֶשָּׂ֣א
how then should I hold up
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#15
פָנַ֔י
my face
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#16
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#17
יוֹאָ֖ב
to Joab
joab, the name of three israelites
#18
אָחִֽיךָ׃
thy brother
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

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

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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