2 Samuel 23:17

Authorized King James Version

And he said, Be it far from me, O LORD, that I should do this: is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives? therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mighty men.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֡אמֶר
And he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
חָלִילָה֩
Be it far
literal for a profaned thing; used (interj.) far be it!
#3
לִּ֨י
H0
#4
יְהוָ֜ה
from me O LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
עָשׂ֔וּ
it These things did
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#6
זֹ֗את
this (often used adverb)
#7
הֲדַ֤ם
this is not this the 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
#8
הָֽאֲנָשִׁים֙
of the men
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
#9
הַהֹֽלְכִ֣ים
that went
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#10
בְּנַפְשׁוֹתָ֔ם
in jeopardy of their lives
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#11
וְלֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#12
אָבָ֖ה
H14
therefore he would
to breathe after, i.e., (figuratively) to be acquiescent
#13
לִשְׁתּוֹתָ֑ם
not drink
to imbibe (literally or figuratively)
#14
אֵ֣לֶּה
these or those
#15
עָשׂ֔וּ
it These things did
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#16
שְׁלֹ֖שֶׁת
these three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#17
הַגִּבֹּרִֽים׃
mighty men
powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Samuel. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 sovereignty 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