2 Samuel 4:10

Authorized King James Version

When one told me, saying, Behold, Saul is dead, thinking to have brought good tidings, I took hold of him, and slew him in Ziklag, who thought that I would have given him a reward for his tidings:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
הַמַּגִּיד֩
When one told
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
#3
לִ֨י
H0
#4
לֵאמֹ֜ר
me saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#5
הִנֵּה
lo!
#6
מֵ֣ת
is dead
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#7
שָׁא֗וּל
Behold Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#8
וְהֽוּא
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
#9
הָיָ֤ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#10
כִמְבַשֵּׂר֙
good tidings
properly, to be fresh, i.e., full (rosy, figuratively cheerful); to announce (glad news)
#11
בְּעֵינָ֔יו
thinking to have brought
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#12
וָאֹֽחֲזָ֣ה
I took hold
to seize (often with the accessory idea of holding in possession)
#13
ב֔וֹ
H0
#14
וָֽאֶהְרְגֵ֖הוּ
of him and slew
to smite with deadly intent
#15
בְּצִֽקְלָ֑ג
him in Ziklag
tsiklag or tsikelag, a place in palestine
#16
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#17
לְתִתִּי
who thought that I would have given
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#18
ל֖וֹ
H0
#19
בְּשֹׂרָֽה׃
him a reward for his tidings
glad tidings; by implication, reward for good news

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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