2 Samuel 2:31

Authorized King James Version

But the servants of David had smitten of Benjamin, and of Abner's men, so that three hundred and threescore men died.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְעַבְדֵ֣י
But the servants
a servant
#2
דָוִ֗ד
of David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#3
הִכּוּ֙
had smitten
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#4
מִבִּנְיָמִ֔ן
of Benjamin
binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#5
וּבְאַנְשֵׁ֖י
men
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
#6
אַבְנֵ֑ר
H74
and of Abner's
abner, an israelite
#7
שְׁלֹשׁ
so that three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#8
מֵא֧וֹת
hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#9
וְשִׁשִּׁ֛ים
and threescore
sixty
#10
אִ֖ישׁ
men
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
מֵֽתוּ׃
died
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Samuel. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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