2 Samuel 5:4

Authorized King James Version

David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בֶּן
old
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#2
שְׁלֹשִׁ֥ים
was thirty
thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth
#3
שָׁנָ֖ה
years
a year (as a revolution of time)
#4
דָּוִ֖ד
David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#5
מָלָֽךְ׃
and he reigned
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
#6
אַרְבָּעִ֥ים
forty
forty
#7
שָׁנָ֖ה
years
a year (as a revolution of time)
#8
מָלָֽךְ׃
and he reigned
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to 2 Samuel. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of kingdom of God 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on kingdom of God particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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