2 Samuel 8:17

Authorized King James Version

And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests; and Seraiah was the scribe;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְצָד֧וֹק
And Zadok
tsadok, the name of eight or nine israelites
#2
בֶּן
the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#3
אֲחִיט֛וּב
of Ahitub
achitub, the name of several priests
#4
וַֽאֲחִימֶ֥לֶךְ
and Ahimelech
achimelek, the name of an israelite and of a hittite
#5
בֶּן
the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#6
אֶבְיָתָ֖ר
H54
of Abiathar
ebjathar, an israelite
#7
כֹּֽהֲנִ֑ים
were the priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#8
וּשְׂרָיָ֖ה
and Seraiah
serajah, the name of nine israelites
#9
סוֹפֵֽר׃
was the scribe
properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra

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

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 salvation 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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