2 Samuel 20:12

Authorized King James Version

And Amasa wallowed in blood in the midst of the highway. And when the man saw that all the people stood still, he removed Amasa out of the highway into the field, and cast a cloth upon him, when he saw that every one that came by him stood still.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עֲמָשָׂ֨א
Amasa
amasa, the name of two israelites
#2
מִתְגֹּלֵ֥ל
wallowed
to roll (literally or figuratively)
#3
בַּדָּ֖ם
in blood
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
#4
בְּת֣וֹךְ
in the midst
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#5
הַֽמְסִלָּ֤ה
of the highway
a thoroughfare (as turnpiked), literally or figuratively; specifically a viaduct, a staircase
#6
רָאָ֔ה
saw
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#7
הָאִ֜ישׁ
And when the man
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)
#8
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#9
וְעָמָֽד׃
by him stood still
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#10
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#11
הָעָ֗ם
that all the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#12
וַיַּסֵּב֩
he removed
to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
#13
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
עֲמָשָׂ֨א
Amasa
amasa, the name of two israelites
#15
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#16
הַֽמְסִלָּ֤ה
of the highway
a thoroughfare (as turnpiked), literally or figuratively; specifically a viaduct, a staircase
#17
הַשָּׂדֶה֙
into the field
a field (as flat)
#18
וַיַּשְׁלֵ֤ךְ
and cast
to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)
#19
עָלָיו֙
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#20
בֶּ֔גֶד
a cloth
a covering, i.e., clothing
#21
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#22
רָאָ֔ה
saw
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#23
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#24
הַבָּ֥א
that every one that came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#25
עָלָ֖יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#26
וְעָמָֽד׃
by him stood still
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Samuel. The concept of covenant community 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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