2 Samuel 3:39

Authorized King James Version

And I am this day weak, though anointed king; and these men the sons of Zeruiah be too hard for me: the LORD shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאָֽנֹכִ֨י
i
#2
הַיּ֥וֹם
And I am this 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
#3
רַךְ֙
weak
tender (literally or figuratively); by implication, weak
#4
וּמָשׁ֣וּחַ
though anointed
to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint
#5
מֶ֔לֶךְ
king
a king
#6
וְהָֽאֲנָשִׁ֥ים
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#7
הָאֵ֛לֶּה
these or those
#8
בְּנֵ֥י
the sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#9
צְרוּיָ֖ה
of Zeruiah
tserujah, an israelitess
#10
קָשִׁ֣ים
be too hard
severe (in various applications)
#11
מִמֶּ֑נִּי
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#12
יְשַׁלֵּ֧ם
shall reward
to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate
#13
יְהוָ֛ה
for me the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#14
לְעֹשֵׂ֥ה
the doer of evil
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#15
כְּרָֽעָתֽוֹ׃
according to his wickedness
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#16
כְּרָֽעָתֽוֹ׃
according to his wickedness
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Samuel. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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