2 Samuel 24:20

Authorized King James Version

And Araunah looked, and saw the king and his servants coming on toward him: and Araunah went out, and bowed himself before the king on his face upon the ground.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּשְׁקֵ֣ף
looked
properly, to lean out (of a window), i.e., (by implication) peep or gaze (passively, be a spectacle)
#2
אֲרַ֔וְנָה
And Araunah
aravnah (or arnijah or ornah), a jebusite
#3
וַיַּ֤רְא
and saw
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#4
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
לַמֶּ֛לֶךְ
himself before the king
a king
#6
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
עֲבָדָ֔יו
and his servants
a servant
#8
עֹֽבְרִ֖ים
coming on
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#9
עָלָ֑יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
וַיֵּצֵ֣א
went out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#11
אֲרַ֔וְנָה
And Araunah
aravnah (or arnijah or ornah), a jebusite
#12
וַיִּשְׁתַּ֧חוּ
and bowed
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
#13
לַמֶּ֛לֶךְ
himself before the king
a king
#14
אַפָּ֖יו
on his face
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
#15
אָֽרְצָה׃
upon the ground
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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