2 Samuel 21:17

Authorized King James Version

But Abishai the son of Zeruiah succoured him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him. Then the men of David sware unto him, saying, Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle, that thou quench not the light of Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּֽעֲזָר

H5826

succoured

to surround, i.e., protect or aid

לוֹ֙

אֲבִישַׁ֣י

H52

But Abishai

abishai, an israelite

בֶּן

H1121

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

צְרוּיָ֔ה

H6870

of Zeruiah

tserujah, an israelitess

וַיַּ֥ךְ

H5221

him and smote

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֖י

H6430

the Philistine

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

וַיְמִתֵ֑הוּ

H4191

and killed

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

#10

אָ֣ז

H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

#11

נִשְׁבְּעוּ֩

H7650

sware

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

#12

אַנְשֵׁי

H376

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)

#13

דָוִ֨ד

H1732

of David

david, the youngest son of jesse

#14

ל֜וֹ

#15

לֵאמֹ֗ר

H559

unto him saying

to say (used with great latitude)

#16

לֹֽא

H3808

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

#17

תֵצֵ֨א

H3318

Thou shalt go

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

#18

ע֤וֹד

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

#19

אִתָּ֙נוּ֙

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#20

לַמִּלְחָמָ֔ה

H4421

no more out with us to battle

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

#21

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

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

#22

תְכַבֶּ֖ה

H3518

that thou quench

to expire or (causatively) to extinguish (fire, light, anger)

#23

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#24

נֵ֥ר

H5216

not the light

a lamp (i.e., the burner) or light (literally or figuratively)

#25

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

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 divine revelation 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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within 2 Samuel chapter 21 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

Related Resources

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