2 Samuel 24:9

Authorized King James Version

And Joab gave up the sum of the number of the people unto the king: and there were in Israel eight hundred thousand valiant men that drew the sword; and the men of Judah were five hundred thousand men.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּתֵּ֥ן
gave up
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#2
יוֹאָ֛ב
And Joab
joab, the name of three israelites
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
מִסְפַּ֥ר
the sum
a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration
#5
מִפְקַד
of the number
an appointment, i.e., mandate; concretely, a designated spot; specifically, a census
#6
הָעָ֖ם
of the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#7
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#8
הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ
unto the king
a king
#9
וַתְּהִ֣י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#10
יִשְׂרָאֵ֡ל
and there were in Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#11
שְֽׁמֹנֶה֩
eight
a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth
#12
מֵא֥וֹת
hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#13
אֶ֖לֶף
thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#14
אִֽישׁ׃
and the men
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)
#15
חַ֙יִל֙
valiant
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
#16
שֹׁ֣לֵֽף
that drew
to pull out, up or off
#17
חֶ֔רֶב
the sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#18
אִֽישׁ׃
and the men
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)
#19
יְהוּדָ֔ה
of Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#20
חֲמֵשׁ
were five
five
#21
מֵא֥וֹת
hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#22
אֶ֖לֶף
thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#23
אִֽישׁ׃
and the men
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)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources