2 Samuel 3:31

Authorized King James Version

And David said to Joab, and to all the people that were with him, Rend your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner. And king David himself followed the bier.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּאמֶר֩

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

דָּוִ֔ד

H1732

And David

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יוֹאָ֜ב

H3097

to Joab

joab, the name of three israelites

וְאֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָעָ֣ם

H5971

and to all the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אִתּ֗וֹ

H854

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

#10

קִרְע֤וּ

H7167

that were with him Rend

to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them)

#11

בִגְדֵיכֶם֙

H899

your clothes

a covering, i.e., clothing

#12

וְחִגְר֣וּ

H2296

and gird

to gird on (as a belt, armor, etc.)

#13

שַׂקִּ֔ים

H8242

you with sackcloth

properly, a mesh (as allowing a liquid to run through), i.e., coarse loose cloth or sacking (used in mourning and for bagging); hence, a bag (for grai

#14

וְסִפְד֖וּ

H5594

and mourn

properly, to tear the hair and beat the breasts (as middle easterners do in grief); generally to lament; by implication, to wail

#15

לִפְנֵ֣י

H6440

before

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

#16

אַבְנֵ֑ר

H74

Abner

abner, an israelite

#17

וְהַמֶּ֣לֶךְ

H4428

And king

a king

#18

דָּוִ֔ד

H1732

And David

david, the youngest son of jesse

#19

הֹלֵ֖ךְ

H1980

himself followed

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#20

אַֽחֲרֵ֥י

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

#21

הַמִּטָּֽה׃

H4296

the bier

a bed (as extended) for sleeping or eating; by analogy, a sofa, litter or bier

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Samuel. The concept of covenant community 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

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

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this verse's literary context within 2 Samuel chapter 3 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of covenant community differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

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