2 Samuel 4:11

Authorized King James Version

How much more, when wicked men have slain a righteous person in his own house upon his bed? shall I not therefore now require his blood of your hand, and take you away from the earth?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אַ֞ף
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
#2
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#3
אִישׁ
person
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)
#4
רְשָׁעִ֗ים
How much more when wicked
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
#5
הָֽרְג֧וּ
have slain
to smite with deadly intent
#6
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
אִישׁ
person
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)
#8
צַדִּ֛יק
a righteous
just
#9
בְּבֵית֖וֹ
in his own house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#10
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
מִשְׁכָּב֑וֹ
upon his bed
a bed (figuratively, a bier); abstractly, sleep; by euphemism, carnal intercourse
#12
וְעַתָּ֗ה
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#13
הֲל֨וֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#14
אֲבַקֵּ֤שׁ
shall I not therefore now require
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
#15
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#16
דָּמוֹ֙
his blood
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
#17
מִיֶּדְכֶ֔ם
of your hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#18
וּבִֽעַרְתִּ֥י
and take you away
to be(-come) brutish
#19
אֶתְכֶ֖ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#20
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#21
הָאָֽרֶץ׃
from the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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