2 Samuel 4:7

Authorized King James Version

For when they came into the house, he lay on his bed in his bedchamber, and they smote him, and slew him, and beheaded him, and took his head, and gat them away through the plain all night.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּבֹ֣אוּ
For when they came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
הַבַּ֗יִת
into the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#3
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
#4
שֹׁכֵ֤ב
he lay
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
#5
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
מִטָּתוֹ֙
on his bed
a bed (as extended) for sleeping or eating; by analogy, a sofa, litter or bier
#7
בַּֽחֲדַ֣ר
in his bedchamber
an apartment (usually literal)
#8
מִשְׁכָּב֔וֹ
a bed (figuratively, a bier); abstractly, sleep; by euphemism, carnal intercourse
#9
וַיַּכֻּ֙הוּ֙
and they smote
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#10
וַיְמִתֻ֔הוּ
him and slew
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#11
וַיָּסִ֖ירוּ
him and beheaded
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
#12
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
רֹאשׁ֔וֹ
his head
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#14
וַיִּקְחוּ֙
him and took
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#15
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#16
רֹאשׁ֔וֹ
his head
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#17
וַיֵּֽלְכ֛וּ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#18
דֶּ֥רֶךְ
through
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#19
הָֽעֲרָבָ֖ה
the plain
a desert; especially (with the article prefix) the (generally) sterile valley of the jordan and its continuation to the red sea
#20
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#21
הַלָּֽיְלָה׃
all night
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 2 Samuel.

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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources