2 Samuel 7:19

Authorized King James Version

And this was yet a small thing in thy sight, O Lord GOD; but thou hast spoken also of thy servant's house for a great while to come. And is this the manner of man, O Lord GOD?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתִּקְטַן֩
And this was yet a small thing
to diminish, i.e., be (causatively, make) diminutive or (figuratively) of no account
#2
ע֨וֹד
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
#3
זֹ֤את
this (often used adverb)
#4
בְּעֵינֶ֙יךָ֙
in thy sight
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#5
אֲדֹנָ֥י
O Lord
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
#6
יְהוִ֔ה
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#7
וַתְּדַבֵּ֛ר
but thou hast spoken
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#8
גַּ֥ם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#9
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#10
בֵּֽית
house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#11
עַבְדְּךָ֖
also of thy servant's
a servant
#12
לְמֵֽרָח֑וֹק
for a great while to come
remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)
#13
וְזֹ֛את
this (often used adverb)
#14
תּוֹרַ֥ת
And is this the manner
a custom
#15
הָֽאָדָ֖ם
of man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#16
אֲדֹנָ֥י
O Lord
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
#17
יְהוִֽה׃
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 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