2 Samuel 20:13

Authorized King James Version

When he was removed out of the highway, all the people went on after Joab, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#2
הֹגָ֖ה
When he was removed
to push away
#3
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#4
הַֽמְסִלָּ֑ה
out of the highway
a thoroughfare (as turnpiked), literally or figuratively; specifically a viaduct, a staircase
#5
עָבַ֤ר
went on
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#6
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#7
אִישׁ֙
all the people
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
אַֽחֲרֵ֖י
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#9
יוֹאָ֔ב
Joab
joab, the name of three israelites
#10
לִרְדֹּ֕ף
to pursue
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
#11
אַֽחֲרֵ֖י
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#12
שֶׁ֥בַע
Sheba
sheba, the name of a place in palestine, and of two israelites
#13
בֶּן
the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#14
בִּכְרִֽי׃
of Bichri
bikri, an israelite

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 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources