2 Samuel 4:6

Authorized King James Version

And they came thither into the midst of the house, as though they would have fetched wheat; and they smote him under the fifth rib: and Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְ֠הֵנָּה
themselves (often used emphatic for the copula, also in indirect relation)
#2
בָּ֜אוּ
And they came thither
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#3
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#4
תּ֤וֹךְ
into the midst
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#5
הַבַּ֙יִת֙
of the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#6
לֹֽקְחֵ֣י
as though they would have fetched
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#7
חִטִּ֔ים
wheat
wheat, whether the grain or the plant
#8
וַיַּכֻּ֖הוּ
and they smote
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#9
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#10
הַחֹ֑מֶשׁ
him under the fifth
the abdomen (as obese)
#11
וְרֵכָ֛ב
rib and Rechab
rekab, the name of two arabs and of two israelites
#12
וּבַֽעֲנָ֥ה
and Baanah
baanah, the name of four israelites
#13
אָחִ֖יו
his brother
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#14
נִמְלָֽטוּ׃
escaped
properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn

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

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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