2 Samuel 3:12

Authorized King James Version

And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, Whose is the land? saying also, Make thy league with me, and, behold, my hand shall be with thee, to bring about all Israel unto thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּשְׁלַח֩
sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#2
אַבְנֵ֨ר
H74
And Abner
abner, an israelite
#3
מַלְאָכִ֧ים׀
messengers
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
#4
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#5
דָּוִ֛ד
to David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#6
תַּחְתָּ֥ו
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#7
לֵאמֹ֗ר
on his behalf saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#8
לְמִי
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#9
אָ֑רֶץ
Whose is the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#10
לֵאמֹ֗ר
on his behalf saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#11
כָּרְתָ֤ה
also Make
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
#12
בְרִֽיתְךָ֙
thy league
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
#13
אִתִּ֔י
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#14
וְהִנֵּה֙
lo!
#15
יָדִ֣י
with me and behold my 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
#16
עִמָּ֔ךְ
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#17
לְהָסֵ֥ב
shall be with thee to bring about
to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
#18
אֵלֶ֖יךָ
near, with or among; often in general, to
#19
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#20
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#21
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
all Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Samuel. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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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