2 Samuel 3:13

Authorized King James Version

And he said, Well; I will make a league with thee: but one thing I require of thee, that is, Thou shalt not see my face, except thou first bring Michal Saul's daughter, when thou comest to see my face.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לֵאמֹר֙

H559

And he said

to say (used with great latitude)

ט֔וֹב

H2896

Well

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

אֲנִ֕י

H589

אֶכְרֹ֥ת

H3772

I will 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

אִתְּךָ֖

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

בְּרִ֑ית

H1285

a league

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

אַ֣ךְ

H389

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

דָּבָ֣ר

H1697

thing

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

אֶחָ֡ד

H259

with thee but one

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

#10

אָֽנֹכִי֩

H595

#11

שֹׁאֵ֨ל

H7592

I require

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

#12

מֵֽאִתְּךָ֤

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#13

לֵאמֹר֙

H559

And he said

to say (used with great latitude)

#14

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#15

לִרְא֥וֹת

H7200

Thou shalt not see

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

#16

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#17

פָּנָֽי׃

H6440

except thou first

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#18

כִּ֣י׀

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#19

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#20

פָּנָֽי׃

H6440

except thou first

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#21

בְּבֹֽאֲךָ֖

H935

bring

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#22

אֵ֚ת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#23

מִיכַ֣ל

H4324

Michal

mikal, saul's daughter

#24

בַּת

H1323

daughter

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

#25

שָׁא֔וּל

H7586

Saul's

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

#26

בְּבֹֽאֲךָ֖

H935

bring

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#27

לִרְא֥וֹת

H7200

Thou shalt not see

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

#28

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#29

פָּנָֽי׃

H6440

except thou first

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

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

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

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

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