2 Samuel 20:8

Authorized King James Version

When they were at the great stone which is in Gibeon, Amasa went before them. And Joab's garment that he had put on was girded unto him, and upon it a girdle with a sword fastened upon his loins in the sheath thereof; and as he went forth it fell out.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הֵ֗ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#2
עִם
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#3
הָאֶ֤בֶן
H68
stone
a stone
#4
הַגְּדוֹלָה֙
When they were at the great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#5
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#6
בְּגִבְע֔וֹן
which is in Gibeon
gibon, a place in palestine
#7
וַֽעֲמָשָׂ֖א
Amasa
amasa, the name of two israelites
#8
בָּ֣א
went
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#9
לִפְנֵיהֶ֑ם
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#10
וְיוֹאָ֞ב
them And Joab's
joab, the name of three israelites
#11
חָג֣וּר׀
was girded
to gird on (as a belt, armor, etc.)
#12
מִדּ֣וֹ
garment
properly, extent, i.e., height; also a measure; by implication, a vesture (as measured); also a carpet
#13
לְבֻשׁ֗וּ
that he had put on
a garment (literally or figuratively); by implication (euphemistically) a wife
#14
וְעָלָ֞ו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#15
חֲג֥וֹר
unto him and upon it a girdle
belted
#16
חֶ֙רֶב֙
with a sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#17
מְצֻמֶּ֤דֶת
fastened
to link, i.e., gird; figuratively, to serve, (mentally) contrive
#18
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#19
מָתְנָיו֙
upon his loins
properly, the waist or small of the back; only in plural the loins
#20
בְּתַעְרָ֔הּ
in the sheath
a knife or razor (as making bare); also a scabbard (as being bare, i.e., empty)
#21
וְה֥וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#22
יָצָ֖א
thereof and as he went forth
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#23
וַתִּפֹּֽל׃
it fell out
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

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

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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