2 Samuel 3:29

Authorized King James Version

Let it rest on the head of Joab, and on all his father's house; and let there not fail from the house of Joab one that hath an issue, or that is a leper, or that leaneth on a staff, or that falleth on the sword, or that lacketh bread.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יָחֻ֙לוּ֙
H2342
Let it rest
properly, to twist or whirl (in a circular or spiral manner), i.e., (specifically) to dance, to writhe in pain (especially of parturition) or fear; fi
#2
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#3
רֹ֣אשׁ
H7218
on the head
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#4
יוֹאָ֡ב
H3097
of Joab
joab, the name of three israelites
#5
וְאֶ֖ל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#6
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#7
מִבֵּ֣ית
H1004
from the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#8
אָבִ֑יו
H1
and on all his father's
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#9
וְֽאַל
H408
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#10
יִכָּרֵ֣ת
H3772
and let there not fail
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
#11
מִבֵּ֣ית
H1004
from the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#12
יוֹאָ֡ב
H3097
of Joab
joab, the name of three israelites
#13
זָ֠ב
H2100
one that hath an issue
to flow freely (as water), i.e., (specifically) to have a (sexual) flux; figuratively, to waste away; also to overflow
#14
וּמְצֹרָ֞ע
H6879
or that is a leper
to scourge, i.e., (intransitive and figurative) to be stricken with leprosy
#15
וּמַֽחֲזִ֥יק
H2388
or that leaneth
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
#16
בַּפֶּ֛לֶךְ
H6418
on a staff
a circuit (i.e., district); also a spindle (as whirled); hence, a crutch
#17
וְנֹפֵ֥ל
H5307
or that falleth
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#18
בַּחֶ֖רֶב
H2719
on the sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#19
וַֽחֲסַר
H2638
or that lacketh
lacking; hence, without
#20
לָֽחֶם׃
H3899
bread
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

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 revelation 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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