2 Samuel 3:37

For all the people and all Israel understood that day that it was not of the king to slay Abner the son of Ner.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֵּֽדְע֧וּ

H3045

understood

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כָל

H3605

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

הָעָ֛ם

H5971

For all the people

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

וְכָל

H3605

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל

H3478

and all Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

בַּיּ֣וֹם

H3117

that 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

הַה֑וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

כִּ֣י

H3588

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

לֹ֤א

H3808

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

#10

הָֽיְתָה֙

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#11

מֵֽהַמֶּ֔לֶךְ

H4428

that it was not of the king

a king

#12

לְהָמִ֖ית

H4191

to slay

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

#13

אֶת

H853

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

#14

אַבְנֵ֥ר

H74

Abner

abner, an israelite

#15

בֶּן

H1121

the son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#16

נֵֽר׃

H5369

of Ner

ner, an israelite

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 this verse's literary context within 2 Samuel chapter 3 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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