2 Samuel 7:22

Authorized King James Version

Wherefore thou art great, O LORD God: for there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#2
כֵּ֥ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#3
גָּדַ֖לְתָּ
Wherefore thou art great
to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)
#4
יְהוָ֣ה
O LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
אֱלֹהִים֙
God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#6
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#7
אֵ֣ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#8
כָּמ֗וֹךָ
as, thus, so
#9
וְאֵ֤ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#10
אֱלֹהִים֙
God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#11
זֽוּלָתֶ֔ךָ
beside
probably scattering, i.e., removal; used adverbially, except
#12
בְּכֹ֥ל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#13
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#14
שָׁמַ֖עְנוּ
thee according to all that we have heard
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#15
בְּאָזְנֵֽינוּ׃
with our ears
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Samuel. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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