2 Samuel 23:7

Authorized King James Version

But the man that shall touch them must be fenced with iron and the staff of a spear; and they shall be utterly burned with fire in the same place.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאִישׁ֙
But the 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)
#2
יִגַּ֣ע
that shall touch
properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive
#3
בָּהֶ֔ם
H0
#4
יִמָּלֵ֥א
them must be fenced
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
#5
בַרְזֶ֖ל
with iron
iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement
#6
וְעֵ֣ץ
and the staff
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
#7
חֲנִ֑ית
of a spear
a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent)
#8
וּבָאֵ֕שׁ
with fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#9
יִשָּֽׂרְפ֖וּ
and they shall be utterly
to be (causatively, set) on fire
#10
יִשָּֽׂרְפ֖וּ
and they shall be utterly
to be (causatively, set) on fire
#11
בַּשָּֽׁבֶת׃
in the same place
properly, session; but used also concretely, an abode or locality

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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