2 Samuel 5:20

Authorized King James Version

And David came to Baal-perazim, and David smote them there, and said, The LORD hath broken forth upon mine enemies before me, as the breach of waters. Therefore he called the name of that place Baal-perazim.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּבֹ֨א
came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
דָּוִד֒
And David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#3
בְּבַֽעַל
H0
#4
פְּרָצִֽים׃
Baalperazim
baal-peratsim, a place in palestine
#5
וַיַּכֵּ֣ם
smote
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#6
שָׁ֣ם
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#7
דָּוִד֒
And David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#8
וַיֹּ֕אמֶר
them there and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#9
פָּרַ֨ץ
hath broken forth
to break out (in many applications, direct and indirect, literal and figurative)
#10
יְהוָ֧ה
The LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#11
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
אֹֽיְבַ֛י
upon mine enemies
hating; an adversary
#13
לְפָנַ֖י
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#14
כְּפֶ֣רֶץ
me as the breach
a break (literally or figuratively)
#15
מָ֑יִם
of waters
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#16
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#17
כֵּ֗ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#18
קָרָ֛א
Therefore he called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#19
שֵֽׁם
the name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#20
הַמָּק֥וֹם
of that place
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
#21
הַה֖וּא
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
#22
בַּ֥עַל
H0
#23
פְּרָצִֽים׃
Baalperazim
baal-peratsim, a place in palestine

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 sovereignty 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

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

People

Study Resources