2 Samuel 12:3

Authorized King James Version

But the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְלָרָ֣שׁ

H7326

But the poor

to be destitute

אֵֽין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

כֹּ֗ל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

כִּי֩

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

כִּבְשָׂ֨ה

H3535

ewe lamb

a ewe

אַחַ֤ת

H259

man had nothing save one

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

קְטַנָּה֙

H6996

little

abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#10

קָנָ֔ה

H7069

which he had bought

to erect, i.e., create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own

#11

וַיְחַיֶּ֕הָ

H2421

and nourished up

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

#12

וַתִּגְדַּ֥ל

H1431

and it grew up

to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)

#13

עִמּ֛וֹ

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#14

וְעִם

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#15

בָּנָ֖יו

H1121

with him and with his children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#16

יַחְדָּ֑ו

H3162

together

properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly

#17

מִפִּתּ֨וֹ

H6595

of his own meat

a bit

#18

תֹאכַ֜ל

H398

it did eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

#19

וּמִכֹּס֤וֹ

H3563

of his own cup

a cup (as a container), often figuratively, some unclean bird, probably an owl (perhaps from the cup-like cavity of its eye)

#20

תִשְׁתֶּה֙

H8354

and drank

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

#21

וּבְחֵיק֣וֹ

H2436

in his bosom

the bosom (literally or figuratively)

#22

תִשְׁכָּ֔ב

H7901

and lay

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

#23

וַתְּהִי

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#24

ל֖וֹ

#25

כְּבַֽת׃

H1323

and was unto him as a daughter

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

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

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this verse's literary context within 2 Samuel chapter 12 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

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