2 Samuel 9:8

Authorized King James Version

And he bowed himself, and said, What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּשְׁתַּ֕חוּ
And he bowed
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
#2
וַיֹּ֖אמֶר
himself and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#3
מֶ֣ה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#4
עַבְדֶּ֑ךָ
What is thy servant
a servant
#5
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#6
פָנִ֔יתָ
that thou shouldest look
to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc
#7
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#8
הַכֶּ֥לֶב
dog
a dog; hence (by euphemism) a male prostitute
#9
הַמֵּ֖ת
upon such a dead
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#10
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#11
כָּמֽוֹנִי׃
as, thus, so

Analysis

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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