2 Samuel 23:15

Authorized King James Version

And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Beth-lehem, which is by the gate!

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּתְאַוֶּ֥ה
longed
to wish for
#2
דָוִ֖ד
And David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#3
וַיֹּאמַ֑ר
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#4
מִ֚י
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#5
יַשְׁקֵ֣נִי
Oh that one would give me drink
to quaff, i.e., (causatively) to irrigate or furnish a potion to
#6
מַ֔יִם
of the water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#7
מִבֹּ֥אר
of the well
a pit hole (especially one used as a cistern or a prison)
#8
בֵּֽית
H0
#9
לֶ֖חֶם
of Bethlehem
beth-lechem, a place in palestine
#10
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#11
בַּשָּֽׁעַר׃
which is by the gate
an opening, i.e., door or gate

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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