2 Samuel 3:35

Authorized King James Version

And when all the people came to cause David to eat meat while it was yet day, David sware, saying, So do God to me, and more also, if I taste bread, or ought else, till the sun be down.

Word-by-Word Analysis

בֽוֹא

H935

be down

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

כָל

H3605

And when all

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

הָעָ֗ם

H5971

the people

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

לְהַבְר֧וֹת

H1262

to cause

to select; to feed; to render clear

אֶת

H853

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

דָּוִ֜ד

H1732

David

david, the youngest son of jesse

לֶ֖חֶם

H3899

bread

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

בְּע֣וֹד

H5750

while it was yet

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

הַיּ֑וֹם

H3117

day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#10

וַיִּשָּׁבַ֨ע

H7650

sware

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

#11

דָּוִ֜ד

H1732

David

david, the youngest son of jesse

#12

לֵאמֹ֗ר

H559

saying

to say (used with great latitude)

#13

כֹּ֣ה

H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

#14

יַֽעֲשֶׂה

H6213

So do

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#15

לִּ֤י

#16

אֱלֹהִים֙

H430

God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#17

וְכֹ֣ה

H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

#18

יֹסִ֔יף

H3254

to me and more also

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

#19

כִּ֣י

H3588

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

#20

אִם

H518

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

#21

לִפְנֵ֧י

H6440

else till

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

#22

בֽוֹא

H935

be down

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

#23

הַשֶּׁ֛מֶשׁ

H8121

the sun

the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

#24

אֶטְעַם

H2938

if I taste

to taste; figuratively, to perceive

#25

לֶ֖חֶם

H3899

bread

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

#26

א֥וֹ

H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

#27

כָל

H3605

And when all

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

#28

מְאֽוּמָה׃

H3972

or ought

properly, a speck or point, i.e., (by implication) something; with negative, nothing

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?

Related Resources

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

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Study Resources

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