2 Samuel 5:1

Authorized King James Version

Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spake, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּבֹ֜אוּ
Then came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#3
שִׁבְטֵ֧י
all the tribes
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
#4
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#5
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#6
דָּוִ֖ד
to David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#7
חֶבְר֑וֹנָה
unto Hebron
chebron, the name of two israelites
#8
לֵאמֹ֔ר
and spake
to say (used with great latitude)
#9
לֵאמֹ֔ר
and spake
to say (used with great latitude)
#10
הִנְנ֛וּ
lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if
#11
עַצְמְךָ֥
Behold we are thy bone
a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame
#12
וּֽבְשָׂרְךָ֖
and thy flesh
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
#13
אֲנָֽחְנוּ׃
we

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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