2 Samuel 3:6

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner made himself strong for the house of Saul.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִ֗י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
בִּֽהְיוֹת֙
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#3
הַמִּלְחָמָ֔ה
And it came to pass while there was war
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
#4
בֵּ֚ין
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#5
בְּבֵ֥ית
and the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#6
שָׁאֽוּל׃
of Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#7
וּבֵ֖ין
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#8
בְּבֵ֥ית
and the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#9
דָּוִ֑ד
of David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#10
וְאַבְנֵ֛ר
H74
that Abner
abner, an israelite
#11
הָיָ֥ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#12
מִתְחַזֵּ֖ק
made himself strong
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
#13
בְּבֵ֥ית
and the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#14
שָׁאֽוּל׃
of Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Samuel. The concept of divine revelation 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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