2 Samuel 24:10

Authorized King James Version

And David's heart smote him after that he had numbered the people. And David said unto the LORD, I have sinned greatly in that I have done: and now, I beseech thee, O LORD, take away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּ֤ךְ
smote
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#2
לֵב
heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#3
דָּוִ֜ד
And David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#4
אֹת֔וֹ
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
אַֽחֲרֵי
him after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#6
כֵ֖ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#7
סָפַ֣ר
that he had numbered
properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra
#8
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
הָעָ֑ם
the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#10
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#11
דָּוִ֜ד
And David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#12
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#13
יְהוָ֔ה
and now I beseech thee O LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#14
חָטָ֤אתִי
I have sinned
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
#15
מְאֹֽד׃
for I have done very
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
#16
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#17
עָשִׂ֔יתִי
in that I have done
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#18
וְעַתָּ֣ה
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#19
יְהוָ֔ה
and now I beseech thee O LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#20
הַֽעֲבֶר
take away
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#21
נָא֙
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
#22
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#23
עֲוֹ֣ן
the iniquity
perversity, i.e., (moral) evil
#24
עַבְדְּךָ֔
of thy servant
a servant
#25
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#26
נִסְכַּ֖לְתִּי
foolishly
to be silly
#27
מְאֹֽד׃
for I have done very
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

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 sovereignty 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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