2 Samuel 2:26

Authorized King James Version

Then Abner called to Joab, and said, Shall the sword devour for ever? knowest thou not that it will be bitterness in the latter end? how long shall it be then, ere thou bid the people return from following their brethren?

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּקְרָ֨א

H7121

called

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אַבְנֵ֜ר

H74

Then Abner

abner, an israelite

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יוֹאָ֗ב

H3097

to Joab

joab, the name of three israelites

תֹאמַ֣ר

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

הֲלָנֶ֙צַח֙

H5331

for ever

properly, a goal, i.e., the bright object at a distance travelled towards; hence (figuratively), splendor, or (subjectively) truthfulness, or (objecti

תֹּ֣אכַל

H398

devour

to eat (literally or figuratively)

חֶ֔רֶב

H2719

Shall the sword

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

הֲל֣וֹא

H3808

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

#10

יָדַ֔עְתָּה

H3045

knowest

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

#11

כִּֽי

H3588

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

#12

מָרָ֥ה

H4751

thou not that it will be bitterness

bitter (literally or figuratively); also (as noun) bitterness, or (adverbially) bitterly

#13

תִֽהְיֶ֖ה

H1961

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

#14

בָּאַֽחֲרוֹנָ֑ה

H314

in the latter end

hinder; generally, late or last; specifically (as facing the east) western

#15

וְעַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#16

מָתַי֙

H4970

properly, extent (of time); but used only adverbially (especially with other particle prefixes), when (either relative or interrogative)

#17

לֹֽא

H3808

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

#18

תֹאמַ֣ר

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

#19

לָעָ֔ם

H5971

the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#20

לָשׁ֖וּב

H7725

return

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

#21

מֵאַֽחֲרֵ֥י

H310

from following

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

#22

אֲחֵיהֶֽם׃

H251

their brethren

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

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 covenant community 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within 2 Samuel chapter 2 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of covenant community differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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