2 Samuel 23:21

Authorized King James Version

And he slew an Egyptian, a goodly man: and the Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and slew him with his own spear.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהוּא
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
#2
הִכָּה֩
and slew
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
אִ֨ישׁ
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)
#5
הַמִּצְרִ֔י
an Egyptian
a mitsrite, or inhabitant of mitsrajim
#6
אִ֣שׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#7
מַרְאֶ֗ה
a goodly
a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),
#8
מִיַּ֣ד
hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#9
הַמִּצְרִ֔י
an Egyptian
a mitsrite, or inhabitant of mitsrajim
#10
בַּֽחֲנִיתֽוֹ׃
had a spear
a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent)
#11
וַיֵּ֥רֶד
but 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
#12
אֵלָ֖יו
near, with or among; often in general, to
#13
בַּשָּׁ֑בֶט
to him with a staff
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
#14
וַיִּגְזֹ֤ל
and plucked
to pluck off; specifically to flay, strip or rob
#15
אֶֽת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#16
בַּֽחֲנִיתֽוֹ׃
had a spear
a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent)
#17
מִיַּ֣ד
hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#18
הַמִּצְרִ֔י
an Egyptian
a mitsrite, or inhabitant of mitsrajim
#19
וַיַּֽהַרְגֵ֖הוּ
And he slew
to smite with deadly intent
#20
בַּֽחֲנִיתֽוֹ׃
had a spear
a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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.

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