2 Samuel 23:20

Authorized King James Version

And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man, of Kabzeel, who had done many acts, he slew two lionlike men of Moab: he went down also and slew a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּבְנָיָ֨הוּ
And Benaiah
benajah, the name of twelve israelites
#2
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
#3
יְהֽוֹיָדָ֧ע
of Jehoiada
jehojada, the name of three israelites
#4
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
#5
אִֽישׁ
man
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)
#6
חַ֛יִ
of a valiant
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
#7
רַב
who had done many
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#8
פְּעָלִ֖ים
acts
an act or work (concretely)
#9
מִֽקַּבְצְאֵ֑ל
of Kabzeel
kabtseel, a place in palestine
#10
ה֣וּא
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
#11
וְהִכָּ֧ה
also and slew
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#12
אֵ֣ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
שְׁנֵ֤י
two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#14
אֲרִאֵל֙
lionlike men
lion of god; i.e., heroic
#15
מוֹאָ֔ב
of Moab
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
#16
וְ֠הוּא
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
#17
יָרַ֞ד
he went down
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
#18
וְהִכָּ֧ה
also and slew
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#19
אֶֽת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#20
הָאֲרִ֛יה
a lion
a lion
#21
בְּת֥וֹךְ
in the midst
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#22
הַבֹּ֖אר
of a pit
a pit hole (especially one used as a cistern or a prison)
#23
בְּי֥וֹם
in time
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#24
הַשָּֽׁלֶג׃
of snow
snow (probably from its whiteness)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 2 Samuel.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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