2 Kingdoms 3 — Greek, Translation, Interlinear & Discourse

Discourse notes head each verse: relation · connective · clause-flow. Indentation marks prominence — flush-left = main line of argument; indented = supporting / subordinate material.

καὶ ἐγένετο ὁ πόλεμος ἐπὶ πολὺ ἀνὰ μέσον τοῦ οἴκου Σαουλ καὶ ἀνὰ μέσον τοῦ οἴκου Δαυιδ καὶ ὁ οἶκος Δαυιδ ἐπορεύετο καὶ ἐκραταιοῦτο καὶ ὁ οἶκος Σαουλ ἐπορεύετο καὶ ἠσθένει

And the war was prolonged between the house of Saul and the house of David; and the house of David went on growing strong, but the house of Saul went on growing weak.

Summary heading (narrative frame for the whole chapter)καὶ ἐγένετο

The καὶ ἐγένετο opening (rendering וַיְהִי) introduces a summarizing situation-report rather than a single event; the durative ἐπὶ πολύ ('for a long time') and the four imperfects (ἐπορεύετο … ἐκραταιοῦτο … ἐπορεύετο … ἠσθένει) present an ongoing, antithetical process. The two paratactic clauses set David's ascendancy against Saul's decline as the controlling theme.

Word-by-word analysis· 31 words

καὶandnarrative conjunction (Hebraizing καί-parataxis)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἐγένετοthere was / it came aboutAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · γίνομαιmain verb (existential / situation-introducing)→ constative aorist (state set in motion)γίνομαι: 'become / come to be / happen'; the formula καὶ ἐγένετο renders Hebrew וַיְהִי, the standard narrative opener; here it introduces a durative state of affairs (the prolonged war) rather than a punctual event.

ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

πόλεμοςwarNominativesubject of ἐγένετο→ participant prominenceπόλεμος: 'war / battle'; renders מִלְחָמָה; here the protracted civil war between the dynasties of Saul and David following Saul's death (cf. 2:8–32).

ἐπὶforpreposition + accusative (extent of time)→ spatial or relational framingἐπί + acc.: here of temporal extent, 'for (a long time)'; the phrase ἐπὶ πολύ renders יָמִים רַבִּים ('many days').

πολὺa long (time)Accusativesubstantivized adjective (accusative of extent: 'a long while')→ object specificationπολύς: 'much / long'; neuter πολύ substantivized for temporal extent; ἐπὶ πολύ = 'for a long time', underscoring the wearing-down attrition of the war.

ἀνὰbetweenpreposition (in idiom ἀνὰ μέσον: 'between')→ spatial or relational framingἀνά: in the fixed idiom ἀνὰ μέσον + gen., 'between / in the midst of'; the doubled ἀνὰ μέσον … ἀνὰ μέσον calques Hebrew בֵּין … וּבֵין ('between … and').

μέσονthe midstAccusativesubstantive in prepositional idiom (ἀνὰ μέσον)→ spatial or relational framingμέσος: 'middle / midst'; in ἀνὰ μέσον functions as a quasi-preposition governing the genitive.

τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

οἴκουhouseGenitivegenitive governed by ἀνὰ μέσον→ relational specificationοἶκος: 'house / household / dynasty'; renders בַּיִת; 'the house of Saul' = the Saulide party and royal line.

ΣαουλSaulgenitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'house of Saul')→ participant identificationΣαουλ: transliteration of Hebrew שָׁאוּל; indeclinable throughout the LXX; the deceased first king of Israel, whose surviving house Abner upholds.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἀνὰbetweenpreposition (second member of ἀνὰ μέσον … ἀνὰ μέσον)→ spatial or relational framingἀνὰ: meaning 'between'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition (second member of ἀνὰ μέσον … ἀνὰ μέσον).

μέσονthe midstAccusativesubstantive in prepositional idiom→ spatial or relational framingμέσον: meaning 'the midst'; here it marks the relation signaled by substantive in prepositional idiom.

τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

οἴκουhouseGenitivegenitive governed by ἀνὰ μέσον→ relational specificationοἴκου: meaning 'house'; it serves as genitive governed by ἀνὰ μέσον.

ΔαυιδDavidgenitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'house of David')→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: transliteration of Hebrew דָּוִד; indeclinable in the LXX of Samuel–Kingdoms; king at Hebron over Judah, ascendant throughout the chapter.

καὶandnarrative conjunction (introducing antithesis)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

οἶκοςhouseNominativesubject→ participant prominenceοἶκος: meaning 'house'; it serves as subject.

ΔαυιδDavidgenitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'house of David')→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as genitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'house of David').

ἐπορεύετοwent onImpf Mid Indic 3 Sg · πορεύομαιmain verb (auxiliary of progressive idiom)→ progressive imperfect (continuous advance)πορεύομαι: 'go / proceed'; here in the Hebraism הָלוֹךְ וְ … ('go on and …') where the verb of motion + a second verb expresses continuous increase; ἐπορεύετο καὶ ἐκραταιοῦτο = 'went on growing ever stronger'.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction (linking auxiliary to main idea)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἐκραταιοῦτοgrew strongImpf Mid/Pass Indic 3 Sg · κραταιόωmain verb (second member of progressive idiom)→ progressive imperfect (intensifying strength)κραταιόω: 'make strong / grow strong'; renders חָזַק; the middle/passive imperfect depicts David's house steadily gaining power — the positive pole of the verse's antithesis.

καὶand / butcoordinate conjunction (adversative force: the contrasting clause)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

οἶκοςhouseNominativesubject→ participant prominenceοἶκος: meaning 'house'; it serves as subject.

ΣαουλSaulgenitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'house of Saul')→ participant identificationΣαουλ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as genitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'house of Saul').

ἐπορεύετοwent onImpf Mid Indic 3 Sg · πορεύομαιmain verb (auxiliary of progressive idiom)→ progressive imperfect (continuous process)πορεύομαι: the parallel auxiliary in the negative pole — 'went on growing weak'; the verbal symmetry with the David-clause sharpens the contrast.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἠσθένειgrew weakImpf Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀσθενέωmain verb (second member of progressive idiom)→ progressive imperfect (waning strength)ἀσθενέω: 'be weak / grow feeble'; renders דָּלַל / חָלַשׁ; the negative pole of the antithesis — Saul's house steadily failing as David's rises.

καὶ ἐτέχθησαν τῷ Δαυιδ υἱοὶ ἐν Χεβρων καὶ ἦν ὁ πρωτότοκος αὐτοῦ Αμνων τῆς Αχινοομ τῆς Ιεζραηλίτιδος

And sons were born to David in Hebron; and his firstborn was Amnon, of Achinoom the Jezreelitess.

Genealogical register (digression listing David's Hebron-born sons)καὶ ἐτέχθησαν

The narrative pauses for a birth-list (vv. 2–5) cataloguing David's six sons born at Hebron, each by ordinal and mother. The passive ἐτέχθησαν ('were born') and the existential ἦν + ordinal frame a formulaic register; the naming of Amnon and (v. 3) Abessalom plants seeds of the dynastic crises of later chapters.

Word-by-word analysis· 17 words

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἐτέχθησανwere bornAor Pass Indic 3 Pl · τίκτωmain verb (passive of birth)→ constative aorist (completed births)τίκτω: 'bear / give birth'; the aorist passive ἐτέχθησαν renders יֻלְּדוּ ('were born'); the dative τῷ Δαυιδ marks the father to whom the sons were born.

τῷtoDativearticle (with dative of advantage)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ΔαυιδDaviddative of advantage (indeclinable: 'born to David')→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as dative of advantage (indeclinable: 'born to David').

υἱοὶsonsNominativesubject of ἐτέχθησαν→ participant prominenceυἱός: 'son'; renders בֵּן; the nominative plural subject heads the genealogical list that follows.

ἐνinpreposition + dative (place)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (place).

ΧεβρωνHebronobject of ἐν (indeclinable place-name)→ participant identificationΧεβρων: transliteration of Hebrew חֶבְרוֹן; indeclinable; David's capital during his seven-year reign over Judah (cf. 2:11), where these sons were born.

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἦνwasImpf Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίcopula (existential identification)→ descriptive imperfectεἰμί: the imperfect ἦν links the ordinal subject (ὁ πρωτότοκος) to the name (Αμνων) in the register's recurring identification formula.

ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

πρωτότοκοςfirstbornNominativepredicate / subject of ἦν (substantivized adjective)→ participant prominenceπρωτότοκος: 'firstborn'; renders בְּכוֹר; first in the ordinal sequence of David's sons; the firstborn Amnon carries heightened narrative weight given his later disgrace (2 Kgdms 13).

αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession (David's firstborn)→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (David's firstborn).

ΑμνωνAmnonpredicate nominative (indeclinable name)→ participant identificationΑμνων: transliteration of Hebrew אַמְנוֹן; indeclinable; David's firstborn, by Achinoom; his rape of Tamar will set Abessalom's revolt in motion.

τῆςof (the)Genitivearticle (genitive of mother)→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ΑχινοομAchinoomgenitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'of Achinoom')→ participant identificationΑχινοομ: transliteration of Hebrew אֲחִינֹעַם; indeclinable; Amnon's mother, identified by her town as the Jezreelitess.

τῆςtheGenitivearticle (with gentilic)→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ΙεζραηλίτιδοςJezreelitessGenitivegentilic adjective in apposition to Αχινοομ (genitive)→ relational specificationΙεζραηλῖτις (gen. Ιεζραηλίτιδος): feminine gentilic, 'woman of Jezreel'; renders הַיִּזְרְעֵאלִית; declinable Greek form (hence 'n', genitive), distinguishing this Jezreel as the southern town in Judah.

καὶ ὁ δεύτερος αὐτοῦ Δαλουια τῆς Αβιγαιας τῆς Καρμηλίας καὶ ὁ τρίτος Αβεσσαλωμ υἱὸς Μααχα θυγατρὸς Θολμι βασιλέως Γεσιρ

And his second, Daluia, of Abigaia the Carmelite; and the third, Abessalom, son of Maacha, daughter of Tholmi king of Gesir.

Genealogical register (continuation: sons two and three)καὶ ὁ δεύτερος

The list continues with the elliptical ordinal-formula (ὁ δεύτερος … ὁ τρίτος, the copula ἦν understood). Abessalom alone receives an extended pedigree — son of Maacha, daughter of king Tholmi of Gesir — signalling his royal maternal lineage, which will matter for his later bid for the throne.

Word-by-word analysis· 19 words

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

δεύτεροςsecondNominativesubject (ordinal, with copula understood)→ participant prominenceδεύτερος: 'second'; ordinal numeral; the register's second entry, with ἦν elided from the formula of v. 2.

αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.

ΔαλουιαDaluiapredicate nominative (indeclinable name)→ participant identificationΔαλουια: transliteration of the name (MT Chileab, כִּלְאָב; cf. Δαβλαια / variants); indeclinable; David's second son, by Abigail.

τῆςof (the)Genitivearticle (genitive of mother)→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ΑβιγαιαςAbigaiaGenitivegenitive of relationship (declinable: 'of Abigaia')→ relational specificationΑβιγαια (gen. Αβιγαιας): rendering of Hebrew אֲבִיגַיִל; here declined as a first-declension feminine (hence 'n', genitive); formerly Nabal's wife, taken by David (1 Kgdms 25).

τῆςtheGenitivearticle (with gentilic)→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ΚαρμηλίαςCarmelitessGenitivegentilic adjective in apposition to Αβιγαιας (genitive)→ relational specificationΚαρμηλία (gen. Καρμηλίας): feminine gentilic, 'woman of Carmel'; renders הַכַּרְמְלִית; Carmel in Judah, Nabal's town.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction (next entry)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

τρίτοςthirdNominativesubject (ordinal)→ participant prominenceτρίτος: 'third'; ordinal numeral; the register's third entry — Abessalom, given the fullest pedigree.

ΑβεσσαλωμAbessalompredicate nominative (indeclinable name)→ participant identificationΑβεσσαλωμ: transliteration of Hebrew אַבְשָׁלוֹם; indeclinable; David's third son, whose royal maternal line (king of Gesir) and later revolt make him a central figure of 2 Kingdoms.

υἱὸςsonNominativeapposition to Αβεσσαλωμ→ participant prominenceυἱός: here in apposition, introducing the maternal pedigree 'son of Maacha'.

ΜααχαMaachagenitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'son of Maacha')→ participant identificationΜααχα: transliteration of Hebrew מַעֲכָה; indeclinable; Abessalom's mother, a princess of Gesir.

θυγατρὸςdaughterGenitivegenitive in apposition to Μααχα→ relational specificationθυγάτηρ (gen. θυγατρός): 'daughter'; renders בַּת; identifies Maacha as the daughter of king Tholmi, giving Abessalom royal blood on his mother's side.

ΘολμιTholmigenitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'daughter of Tholmi')→ participant identificationΘολμι: transliteration of Hebrew תַּלְמַי; indeclinable; the king of Gesir, Abessalom's maternal grandfather (cf. 13:37).

βασιλέωςkingGenitivegenitive in apposition to Θολμι→ relational specificationβασιλεύς (gen. βασιλέως): 'king'; renders מֶלֶךְ; titles Tholmi as ruler of Gesir, an Aramean kingdom.

ΓεσιρGesirgenitive of relationship (indeclinable place-name: 'king of Gesir')→ participant identificationΓεσιρ: transliteration of Hebrew גְּשׁוּר (Geshur); indeclinable; a small Aramean kingdom northeast of the Sea of Galilee.

καὶ ὁ τέταρτος Ορνια υἱὸς Φεγγιθ καὶ ὁ πέμπτος Σαβατια τῆς Αβιταλ

And the fourth, Ornia, son of Phengith; and the fifth, Sabatia, of Abital.

Genealogical register (continuation: sons four and five)καὶ ὁ τέταρτος

The list proceeds with the same elliptical ordinal-formula. Unusually, the fourth (Ornia, MT Adonijah) is identified by his father's title 'son of Phengith' (MT 'of Haggith'), whereas the fifth (Sabatia, MT Shephatiah) is given by mother (Abital) — minor variations in the register's pattern.

Word-by-word analysis· 12 words

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

τέταρτοςfourthNominativesubject (ordinal)→ participant prominenceτέταρτος: 'fourth'; ordinal numeral; the register's fourth entry, Ornia (MT Adonijah, later a rival for Solomon's throne).

ΟρνιαOrniapredicate nominative (indeclinable name)→ participant identificationΟρνια: transliteration corresponding to Hebrew אֲדֹנִיָּה (Adonijah); indeclinable; David's fourth son, who later contends for the kingship (3 Kgdms 1).

υἱὸςsonNominativeapposition to Ορνια→ participant prominenceυἱός: in apposition, here unusually identifying the son by a parent named Phengith.

ΦεγγιθPhengithgenitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'son of Phengith')→ participant identificationΦεγγιθ: transliteration corresponding to Hebrew חַגִּית (Haggith); indeclinable; Ornia's mother (the LXX construes 'son of Haggith').

καὶandcoordinate conjunction (next entry)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

πέμπτοςfifthNominativesubject (ordinal)→ participant prominenceπέμπτος: 'fifth'; ordinal numeral; the register's fifth entry, Sabatia.

ΣαβατιαSabatiapredicate nominative (indeclinable name)→ participant identificationΣαβατια: transliteration corresponding to Hebrew שְׁפַטְיָה (Shephatiah); indeclinable; David's fifth son, by Abital.

τῆςof (the)Genitivearticle (genitive of mother)→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ΑβιταλAbitalgenitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'of Abital')→ participant identificationΑβιταλ: transliteration of Hebrew אֲבִיטָל; indeclinable; Sabatia's mother.

καὶ ὁ ἕκτος Ιεθερααμ τῆς Αιγλα γυναικὸς Δαυιδ οὗτοι ἐτέχθησαν τῷ Δαυιδ ἐν Χεβρων

And the sixth, Iethraam, of Aigla wife of David. These were born to David in Hebron.

Genealogical register (closing entry and summary)καὶ ὁ ἕκτος

The sixth and final entry (Iethraam of Aigla) completes the list; the closing demonstrative summary οὗτοι ἐτέχθησαν τῷ Δαυιδ ἐν Χεβρων forms an inclusio with the register's opening at v. 2 (ἐτέχθησαν τῷ Δαυιδ … ἐν Χεβρων), rounding off the digression and returning the narrative to Hebron.

Word-by-word analysis· 14 words

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἕκτοςsixthNominativesubject (ordinal)→ participant prominenceἕκτος: 'sixth'; ordinal numeral; the register's final entry, Iethraam.

ΙεθερααμIethraampredicate nominative (indeclinable name)→ participant identificationΙεθερααμ: transliteration of Hebrew יִתְרְעָם (Ithream); indeclinable; David's sixth Hebron-born son.

τῆςof (the)Genitivearticle (genitive of mother)→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ΑιγλαAiglagenitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'of Aigla')→ participant identificationΑιγλα: transliteration of Hebrew עֶגְלָה (Eglah); indeclinable; Iethraam's mother.

γυναικὸςwifeGenitivegenitive in apposition to Αιγλα→ relational specificationγυνή (gen. γυναικός): 'woman / wife'; renders אֵשֶׁת; Aigla alone in the list is expressly titled 'wife of David', perhaps marking her as the last named.

ΔαυιδDavidgenitive of possession (indeclinable: 'wife of David')→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as genitive of possession (indeclinable: 'wife of David').

οὗτοιtheseNominativedemonstrative subject (summarizing the six sons)→ participant prominenceοὗτος: 'this / these'; the masculine plural οὗτοι gathers up the six listed sons as the subject of the summary clause.

ἐτέχθησανwere bornAor Pass Indic 3 Pl · τίκτωmain verb (summary statement)→ constative aorist (completed births)τίκτω: the same verb as v. 2, here closing the register with an inclusio: 'these were born to David in Hebron'.

τῷtoDativearticle (with dative of advantage)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἐνinpreposition + dative (place)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (place).

ΧεβρωνHebronobject of ἐν (indeclinable place-name)→ participant identificationΧεβρων: closes the inclusio with v. 2; Hebron is the locus of David's Judahite kingship and of this whole family.

καὶ ἐγένετο ἐν τῷ εἶναι τὸν πόλεμον ἀνὰ μέσον τοῦ οἴκου Σαουλ καὶ ἀνὰ μέσον τοῦ οἴκου Δαυιδ καὶ Αβεννηρ ἦν κρατῶν τοῦ οἶκου Σαουλ

And it came about, while the war was between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner was holding power over the house of Saul.

Scene-setting transition (resumes the war-frame; introduces Abner)καὶ ἐγένετο

The καὶ ἐγένετο + articular-infinitive construction (ἐν τῷ εἶναι, 'while … was') is a classic LXX temporal frame rendering בִּהְיוֹת; it resumes the war-setting of v. 1 and introduces Abner as the de facto power (ἦν κρατῶν, periphrastic imperfect 'was holding strong') behind Saul's house — the pivot on which the rest of the chapter turns.

Word-by-word analysis· 25 words

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἐγένετοit came aboutAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · γίνομαιmain verb (situation-introducing)→ constative aoristγίνομαι: καὶ ἐγένετο (וַיְהִי) again opens a temporal frame, here governing the articular-infinitive clause that follows.

ἐνwhile / inpreposition + articular infinitive (temporal: 'while … was')→ spatial or relational framingἐν τῷ + inf.: a temporal construction ('during the …ing'), the LXX's standard calque of Hebrew בְּ + infinitive construct.

τῷtheDativearticle (with articular infinitive)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

εἶναιto be / beingPres Act Inf · εἰμίarticular infinitive (temporal clause: 'while the war was')→ durative present infinitive (ongoing state)εἰμί (pres. inf.): the articular infinitive τῷ εἶναι with ἐν expresses contemporaneous time — 'while the war continued'.

τὸνtheAccusativearticle (accusative subject of infinitive)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

πόλεμονwarAccusativeaccusative subject of the infinitive εἶναι→ object specificationπόλεμος: the accusative subject of the articular infinitive; the same prolonged war of v. 1.

ἀνὰbetweenpreposition (idiom ἀνὰ μέσον)→ spatial or relational framingἀνὰ: meaning 'between'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition (idiom ἀνὰ μέσον).

τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

οἴκουhouseGenitivegenitive governed by ἀνὰ μέσον→ relational specificationοἴκου: meaning 'house'; it serves as genitive governed by ἀνὰ μέσον.

ΣαουλSaulgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΣαουλ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as genitive of relationship (indeclinable).

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

οἴκουhouseGenitivegenitive governed by ἀνὰ μέσον→ relational specificationοἴκου: meaning 'house'; it serves as genitive governed by ἀνὰ μέσον.

ΔαυιδDavidgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as genitive of relationship (indeclinable).

καὶandnarrative conjunction (introducing main clause)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ΑβεννηρAbnersubject (indeclinable name)→ participant identificationΑβεννηρ: transliteration of Hebrew אַבְנֵר (Abner); indeclinable; Saul's cousin and army-commander, the central agent of the chapter; here introduced as the strongman of Saul's house.

ἦνwasImpf Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίcopula (auxiliary of periphrastic imperfect)→ descriptive imperfectεἰμί: the imperfect ἦν with the participle κρατῶν forms a periphrastic imperfect ('was holding power'), stressing Abner's ongoing dominance.

κρατῶνholding powerPres Act Ptcp Nom Sg Masc · κρατέωpredicate participle (periphrastic with ἦν)→ durative present participle (continuous control)κρατέω: 'hold / be strong / rule over'; renders מִתְחַזֵּק ('strengthening himself'); the participle in periphrasis depicts Abner steadily consolidating control of the Saulide cause.

τοῦof theGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

οἶκουhouseGenitivegenitive object of κρατῶν (κρατέω + gen.: 'rule over')→ relational specificationοἶκος: the genitive after κρατέω marks the object of control — Abner holds sway over the house of Saul.

καὶ τῷ Σαουλ παλλακὴ Ρεσφα θυγάτηρ Ιαλ καὶ εἶπεν Μεμφιβοσθε υἱὸς Σαουλ πρὸς Αβεννηρ τί ὅτι εἰσῆλθες πρὸς τὴν παλλακὴν τοῦ πατρός μου

Now Saul had a concubine, Rizpah, daughter of Ial; and Memphibosthe son of Saul said to Abner, 'Why is it that you went in to my father's concubine?'

Inciting incident (verbless background note + confrontation)καὶ τῷ Σαουλ παλλακὴ

A verbless background clause (τῷ Σαουλ παλλακή, 'Saul had a concubine', dative of possession) supplies the datum on which the quarrel turns. Memphibosthe's accusatory question τί ὅτι εἰσῆλθες (a Hebraism, מַדּוּעַ, with the euphemistic εἰσῆλθες πρός for sexual relations) treats Abner's act as a claim on royal succession — appropriating a king's concubine signalled a bid for the throne (cf. 16:21–22; 3 Kgdms 2:22).

Word-by-word analysis· 23 words

καὶnow / andnarrative conjunction (introducing background)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'now'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

τῷtoDativearticle (dative of possession)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ΣαουλSauldative of possession (indeclinable: 'Saul had')→ participant identificationΣαουλ: in the dative-of-possession idiom τῷ Σαουλ παλλακή ('Saul had a concubine'), a verbless clause (ἦν understood).

παλλακὴconcubineNominativesubject of the verbless possession-clause→ participant prominenceπαλλακή: 'concubine / secondary wife'; renders פִּילֶגֶשׁ; a royal concubine was crown property; claiming her was tantamount to claiming the throne.

ΡεσφαRizpahapposition to παλλακή (indeclinable name)→ participant identificationΡεσφα: transliteration of Hebrew רִצְפָּה (Rizpah); indeclinable; Saul's concubine, later prominent in the Gibeonite episode (2 Kgdms 21).

θυγάτηρdaughterNominativeapposition to Ρεσφα→ participant prominenceθυγάτηρ: 'daughter'; identifies Rizpah's father, Ial (Aiah).

ΙαλIalgenitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'daughter of Ial')→ participant identificationΙαλ: transliteration of Hebrew אַיָּה (Aiah); indeclinable; Rizpah's father.

καὶandnarrative conjunction (introducing the confrontation)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb (speech-introduction)→ constative aoristλέγω: the aorist εἶπεν introduces Memphibosthe's accusatory question to Abner.

ΜεμφιβοσθεMemphibosthesubject (indeclinable name)→ participant identificationΜεμφιβοσθε: the LXX's name (in this book) for Saul's surviving son and king over Israel (MT אִישׁ־בֹּשֶׁת, Ish-bosheth); indeclinable; nominal ruler under Abner's real power.

υἱὸςsonNominativeapposition to Μεμφιβοσθε→ participant prominenceυἱός: 'son of Saul' — the appositive underscores his dynastic standing, which is precisely what Abner's act threatens.

πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (direction of speech)→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction of speech).

ΑβεννηρAbnerobject of πρός (indeclinable name)→ participant identificationΑβεννηρ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as object of πρός (indeclinable name).

τίwhyAccusativeinterrogative pronoun (in idiom τί ὅτι: 'why is it that')→ participant referenceτίς, τί: interrogative; τί ὅτι ('why is it that') is a Hebraism rendering מַדּוּעַ, here an indignant accusation rather than a true question.

ὅτιthatconjunction (in idiom τί ὅτι)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: in the fixed idiom τί ὅτι; 'why (is it) that'.

εἰσῆλθεςyou went inAor Act Indic 2 Sg · εἰσέρχομαιmain verb of the question→ constative aorist (the alleged completed act)εἰσέρχομαι: 'go in / enter'; εἰσέρχομαι πρός is a standard euphemism for sexual relations (rendering בּוֹא אֶל); the aorist treats the act as accomplished fact, sharpening the charge.

πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (in euphemistic idiom)→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (in euphemistic idiom).

τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

παλλακὴνconcubineAccusativeobject of πρός→ object specificationπαλλακή: here the accusative object of the euphemism; 'my father's concubine' frames the act as an assault on Saulide royal prerogative.

τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

πατρόςfatherGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationπατήρ (gen. πατρός): 'father'; renders אָב; 'my father (Saul)' — the possessive sharpens the dynastic stakes.

μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession (enclitic pronoun)→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (enclitic pronoun).

καὶ ἐθυμώθη σφόδρα Αβεννηρ περὶ τοῦ λόγου Μεμφιβοσθε καὶ εἶπεν Αβεννηρ πρὸς αὐτόν μὴ κεφαλὴ κυνὸς ἐγώ εἰμι ἐποίησα ἔλεος σήμερον μετὰ τοῦ οἴκου Σαουλ τοῦ πατρός σου καὶ περὶ ἀδελφῶν καὶ γνωρίμων καὶ οὐκ ηὐτομόλησα εἰς τὸν οἶκον Δαυιδ καὶ ἐπιζητεῖς ἐπ᾿ ἐμὲ ὑπὲρ ἀδικίας γυναικὸς σήμερον

And Abner was greatly enraged over the word of Memphibosthe, and Abner said to him, 'Am I a dog's head? I showed mercy today to the house of Saul your father and to his brothers and acquaintances, and I did not desert to the house of David; and you seek a charge against me over a woman's wrongdoing today?'

Reaction and indignant rebuttal (Abner's speech)καὶ ἐθυμώθη σφόδρα

Abner's fury (ἐθυμώθη σφόδρα) launches a self-justifying retort. The rhetorical μὴ κεφαλὴ κυνὸς ἐγώ εἰμι ('Am I a dog's head?', expecting 'No') asserts his honor; the contrast between his loyal ἔλεος ('covenant-kindness') to Saul's house and Memphibosthe's petty pursuit of a charge ὑπὲρ ἀδικίας γυναικός ('over a woman's wrong') frames the king as ungrateful and triggers Abner's defection.

Word-by-word analysis· 48 words

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἐθυμώθηwas enragedAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · θυμόωmain verb (emotional reaction)→ ingressive aorist (became angry)θυμόω (pass. 'be angry'): 'become enraged'; renders חָרָה; the passive ingressive aorist marks the flash-point of Abner's anger at the accusation.

σφόδραgreatlyadverb of degree (intensifying ἐθυμώθη)→ clausal contributionσφόδρα: 'exceedingly'; standard LXX rendering of מְאֹד; intensifies the verb of anger.

ΑβεννηρAbnersubject (indeclinable name)→ participant identificationΑβεννηρ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable name).

περὶover / concerningpreposition + genitive (cause)→ spatial or relational framingπερί + gen.: 'concerning / over'; here marking the cause of Abner's anger.

τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

λόγουwordGenitivegenitive object of περί→ relational specificationλόγος: 'word / matter'; renders דָּבָר; here Memphibosthe's accusing speech.

Μεμφιβοσθεof Memphibosthegenitive of relationship (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΜεμφιβοσθε: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as genitive of relationship (indeclinable).

καὶandnarrative conjunction (introducing speech)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb (speech-introduction)→ constative aoristεἶπεν: verbal form rendered 'said' here; its aspect and clause role are specified by the parse and syntax fields.

ΑβεννηρAbnersubject (indeclinable name)→ participant identificationΑβεννηρ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable name).

αὐτόνhimAccusativeobject of πρός (= Memphibosthe)→ participant referenceαὐτόν: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of πρός (= Memphibosthe).

μὴ(surely) notinterrogative negative (introducing question expecting 'no')→ clausal qualification or emphasisμή: introduces a question expecting a negative answer; 'Am I (after all) a dog's head? — Surely not!'

κεφαλὴheadNominativepredicate nominative (idiom 'dog's head')→ participant prominenceκεφαλή: 'head'; the phrase κεφαλὴ κυνός ('a dog's head') is a self-deprecatory idiom of utter contempt — Abner protests being treated as a worthless traitor.

κυνὸςof a dogGenitivegenitive of relationship (with κεφαλή)→ relational specificationκύων (gen. κυνός): 'dog'; renders כֶּלֶב; in the OT a term of contempt; 'dog's head' marks the lowest, most despicable thing.

ἐγώINominativeemphatic subject pronoun→ participant referenceἐγώ: the emphatic pronoun underscores Abner's wounded dignity.

εἰμιamPres Act Indic 1 Sg · εἰμίcopula (in the rhetorical question)→ stative present (divine self-attestation)εἰμί: the copula completing 'am I a dog's head?'

ἐποίησαI showed / didAor Act Indic 1 Sg · ποιέωmain verb (Abner's self-defense)→ constative aorist (his record of loyalty)ποιέω: 'do / make'; ποιέω ἔλεος μετά ('show mercy/kindness toward') is a Hebraism rendering עָשָׂה חֶסֶד עִם; Abner cites his covenant-loyalty to Saul's house as proof of innocence.

ἔλεοςmercy / loyaltyAccusativedirect object of ἐποίησα→ object specificationἔλεος: 'mercy / steadfast love'; renders חֶסֶד (covenant lovingkindness); Abner claims he has acted with loyal faithfulness to the Saulide house, not treachery.

σήμερονtodayadverb of time→ clausal contributionσήμερον: 'today'; renders הַיּוֹם; here meaning 'all along / to this day', framing his sustained loyalty.

μετὰwithpreposition + genitive (in idiom ποιέω ἔλεος μετά)→ spatial or relational framingμετὰ: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (in idiom ποιέω ἔλεος μετά).

τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

οἴκουhouseGenitivegenitive object of μετά→ relational specificationοἴκου: meaning 'house'; it serves as genitive object of μετά.

τοῦtheGenitivearticle (in apposition)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

πατρόςfatherGenitivegenitive in apposition to Σαουλ→ relational specificationπατήρ: 'your father' — reminding Memphibosthe that his very standing rests on Abner's loyalty to Saul.

σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession (enclitic pronoun)→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (enclitic pronoun).

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

περὶconcerning / towardpreposition + genitive (extending the sphere of his loyalty)→ spatial or relational framingπερί + gen.: here 'in regard to / toward', extending Abner's kindness to Saul's kin and associates.

ἀδελφῶνbrothersGenitivegenitive object of περί→ relational specificationἀδελφός: 'brother / kinsman'; renders אָח; Saul's relatives, beneficiaries of Abner's loyalty.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

γνωρίμωνacquaintancesGenitivegenitive object of περί (parallel to ἀδελφῶν)→ relational specificationγνώριμος: 'acquaintance / friend'; renders מְיֻדָּע / רֵעַ; Saul's close associates, also kept loyal by Abner.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

οὐκnotnegative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ηὐτομόλησαI desertedAor Act Indic 1 Sg · αὐτομολέωmain verb (negated: his non-defection)→ constative aorist (denial of past treachery)αὐτομολέω: 'desert / go over (to the enemy)'; a military term; Abner protests he has not (until now!) defected to David — the irony being that this insult will provoke exactly that.

εἰςto / intopreposition + accusative (direction)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction).

τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

οἶκονhouseAccusativeobject of εἰς→ object specificationοἶκον: meaning 'house'; it serves as object of εἰς.

καὶand yetcoordinate conjunction (adversative force)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and yet'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἐπιζητεῖςyou seekPres Act Indic 2 Sg · ἐπιζητέωmain verb (Abner's indignant charge against the king)→ progressive present (ongoing fault-finding)ἐπιζητέω: 'seek after / require / make a charge'; the present tense marks Memphibosthe's persistent fault-finding; the contrast with Abner's record of loyalty sharpens the indignation.

ἐπ᾿againstpreposition + accusative (hostile: 'against me')→ spatial or relational framingἐπί + acc.: here hostile, 'against'; ἐπιζητεῖς ἐπ᾿ ἐμέ = 'you bring a charge against me'.

ἐμὲmeAccusativeobject of ἐπί (emphatic pronoun)→ participant referenceἐμὲ: meaning 'me'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of ἐπί (emphatic pronoun).

ὑπὲρover / concerningpreposition + genitive (cause of the charge)→ spatial or relational framingὑπέρ + gen.: here 'concerning / on account of'; marks the trivial pretext for the king's charge.

ἀδικίαςwrongdoingGenitivegenitive object of ὑπέρ→ relational specificationἀδικία: 'injustice / wrong / offense'; renders עָוֹן; Abner dismisses the matter as a mere 'woman's offense', belittling the charge.

γυναικὸςof a womanGenitivegenitive of relationship (with ἀδικίας: 'a woman's wrong')→ relational specificationγυνή (gen. γυναικός): here dismissively, 'a woman's wrong' — Abner trivializes what Memphibosthe sees as a dynastic threat.

σήμερονtodayadverb of time (closing the rebuttal)→ clausal contributionσήμερον: 'today'; the repeated σήμερον frames the present confrontation as the breaking-point of Abner's loyalty.

τάδε ποιήσαι ὁ θεὸς τῷ Αβεννηρ καὶ τάδε προσθείη αὐτῷ ὅτι καθὼς ὤμοσεν κύριος τῷ Δαυιδ ὅτι οὕτως ποιήσω αὐτῷ ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ταύτῃ

So may God do to Abner and so may he add to him, if, just as the LORD swore to David, I do not do thus for him in this day —

Self-imprecatory oath (Abner's vow, completed by the infinitives of v. 10)τάδε ποιήσαι ὁ θεός

Abner pronounces the standard LXX oath-formula τάδε ποιήσαι ὁ θεός … καὶ τάδε προσθείη ('thus may God do … and thus add', rendering כֹּה יַעֲשֶׂה אֱלֹהִים … וְכֹה יֹסִיף), with optatives of imprecation. The oath's content (the infinitives περιελεῖν … ἀναστῆσαι of v. 10) aligns Abner's intent with YHWH's sworn promise to David — turning his pique into the instrument of providence.

Word-by-word analysis· 24 words

τάδεthus / these thingsAccusativedemonstrative (object of ποιήσαι in oath-formula)→ object specificationὅδε, τόδε: 'this'; in the oath-formula τάδε ποιήσαι … καὶ τάδε προσθείη, the demonstrative gestures at unspecified calamity the speaker invites if he breaks his word.

ποιήσαιmay he doAor Act Opt 3 Sg · ποιέωmain verb (optative of imprecation)→ optative of wish (self-curse)ποιέω (aor. opt.): the optative ποιήσαι expresses the imprecation; 'may God do (such-and-such) to me' if I fail — the standard self-curse undergirding a solemn vow.

ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

θεὸςGodNominativesubject of ποιήσαι→ participant prominenceθεός: 'God'; renders אֱלֹהִים; invoked as guarantor and avenger of the oath.

τῷtoDativearticle (dative of disadvantage)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ΑβεννηρAbnerdative of disadvantage (indeclinable: 'to Abner', i.e. the speaker himself)→ participant identificationΑβεννηρ: Abner refers to himself in the third person in the oath, as is customary in such formulas.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

τάδεthusAccusativedemonstrative (object of προσθείη)→ object specificationτάδε: meaning 'thus'; it serves as demonstrative (object of προσθείη).

προσθείηmay he addAor Act Opt 3 Sg · προστίθημιmain verb (second optative of imprecation)→ optative of wish (intensifying the self-curse)προστίθημι (aor. opt.): 'add'; καὶ τάδε προσθείη ('and may he add thus') intensifies the curse — 'and even more so'; renders וְכֹה יֹסִיף.

αὐτῷto himDativedative of disadvantage (= Abner)→ participant reference or interestαὐτῷ: meaning 'to him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative of disadvantage (= Abner).

ὅτιthat / surelyconjunction (introducing the sworn content; oath-ὅτι)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: in oath-formulas the conjunction marks the content sworn; here introducing the comparison with YHWH's promise.

καθὼςjust ascomparative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαθώς: 'just as / according as'; renders כַּאֲשֶׁר; aligning Abner's intended action with YHWH's sworn oath to David.

ὤμοσενsworeAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ὄμνυμιverb of the comparative clause→ constative aorist (YHWH's completed oath)ὄμνυμι: 'swear (an oath)'; renders נִשְׁבַּע; refers to YHWH's sworn promise to give David the kingdom (cf. 1 Kgdms 15:28; 16:1–13).

κύριοςLORDNominativesubject of ὤμοσεν (the Tetragrammaton)→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה; here YHWH, who swore the kingdom to David; Abner invokes the divine oath as the warrant for his own defection.

τῷtoDativearticle (dative indirect object)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ΔαυιδDaviddative indirect object (indeclinable: 'swore to David')→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as dative indirect object (indeclinable: 'swore to David').

ὅτιthatconjunction (resuming the sworn content)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: the second ὅτι resumes after the comparative clause, introducing the main sworn statement (Hebraizing pleonasm).

οὕτωςthus / soadverb of manner (correlative with καθώς)→ adverbial qualificationοὕτως: 'so / in this way'; correlates with καθώς — 'as the LORD swore … so I will do'.

ποιήσωI will doFut Act Indic 1 Sg · ποιέωmain verb of the sworn statement→ volitive future (Abner's vowed resolve)ποιέω (fut.): 'do'; the first-person future declares Abner's resolve to accomplish for David what YHWH had sworn — the substance of the oath spelled out by the infinitives of v. 10.

αὐτῷfor himDativedative of advantage (= David)→ participant reference or interestαὐτῷ: meaning 'for him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative of advantage (= David).

ἐνinpreposition + dative (time)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (time).

τῇtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἡμέρᾳdayDativedative of time (with ταύτῃ: 'in this day')→ sphere or referenceἡμέρα: 'day'; ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ταύτῃ ('in this day') marks the decisive moment of Abner's turn to David.

ταύτῃthisDativedemonstrative (modifying ἡμέρᾳ)→ participant reference or interestοὗτος: demonstrative 'this'; with ἡμέρᾳ pinpoints the present as the turning-point.

περιελεῖν τὴν βασιλείαν ἀπὸ τοῦ οἴκου Σαουλ καὶ τοῦ ἀναστῆσαι τὸν θρόνον Δαυιδ ἐπὶ Ισραηλ καὶ ἐπὶ τὸν Ιουδαν ἀπὸ Δαν ἕως Βηρσαβεε

to remove the kingdom from the house of Saul and to raise up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan to Beersheba.

Content of the oath (epexegetical infinitives completing v. 9)περιελεῖν τὴν βασιλείαν

The two infinitives (περιελεῖν … τοῦ ἀναστῆσαι) spell out the substance of Abner's vow and of YHWH's prior oath: the transfer of kingship from Saul's house to David, over a united Israel and Judah. The merism ἀπὸ Δαν ἕως Βηρσαβεε ('from Dan to Beersheba') is the standard idiom for the whole land — the full extent of the kingdom Abner pledges to deliver.

Word-by-word analysis· 23 words

περιελεῖνto removeAor Act Inf · περιαιρέωepexegetical infinitive (content of the oath)→ aorist infinitive (decisive removal)περιαιρέω: 'take away / remove'; renders הַעֲבִיר; the infinitive defines the first object of Abner's vow — stripping the kingdom from Saul's house.

τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

βασιλείανkingdomAccusativedirect object of περιελεῖν→ object specificationβασιλεία: 'kingdom / kingship'; renders מַמְלָכָה; the royal rule to be transferred from Saul's line to David.

ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (separation)→ spatial or relational framingἀπὸ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (separation).

τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

οἴκουhouseGenitivegenitive of separation (from the house of Saul)→ relational specificationοἴκου: meaning 'house'; it serves as genitive of separation (from the house of Saul).

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

τοῦtheGenitivearticle (with articular infinitive of purpose)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἀναστῆσαιto raise upAor Act Inf · ἀνίστημιarticular infinitive (second object of the oath)→ aorist infinitive (establishing act)ἀνίστημι: 'raise up / establish'; renders הָקִים; the articular τοῦ ἀναστῆσαι expresses the positive counterpart — setting up David's throne over the whole land.

τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

θρόνονthroneAccusativedirect object of ἀναστῆσαι→ object specificationθρόνος: 'throne'; renders כִּסֵּא; the seat of royal rule, to be established for David over Israel and Judah.

ΔαυιδDavidgenitive of possession (indeclinable: 'throne of David')→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as genitive of possession (indeclinable: 'throne of David').

ἐπὶoverpreposition + accusative (rule over)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'over'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (rule over).

ΙσραηλIsraelobject of ἐπί (indeclinable: 'over Israel')→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: transliteration of Hebrew יִשְׂרָאֵל; indeclinable; here the northern tribes, distinguished from Judah.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἐπὶoverpreposition + accusative (rule over)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'over'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (rule over).

τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with declined Ιουδαν)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ΙουδανJudahAccusativeobject of ἐπί (declined: 'over Judah')→ object specificationΙουδας (acc. Ιουδαν): here declined as a first-declension masculine (with the article τὸν Ιουδαν), hence 'n', accusative; the southern kingdom David already ruled from Hebron.

ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (start of merism)→ spatial or relational framingἀπό: in the merism ἀπὸ Δαν ἕως Βηρσαβεε, the standard idiom for the whole land from north to south.

ΔανDanobject of ἀπό (indeclinable place-name)→ participant identificationΔαν: transliteration of Hebrew דָּן; indeclinable; the northernmost city, marking one pole of the land-merism.

ἕωςto / as far aspreposition + genitive (end of merism)→ spatial or relational framingἕως: 'until / as far as'; the southern pole of the merism.

ΒηρσαβεεBeershebaobject of ἕως (indeclinable place-name)→ participant identificationΒηρσαβεε: transliteration of Hebrew בְּאֵר שֶׁבַע; indeclinable; the southernmost city; 'from Dan to Beersheba' = the entire land of Israel.

καὶ οὐκ ἠδυνάσθη ἔτι Μεμφιβοσθε ἀποκριθῆναι τῷ Αβεννηρ ῥῆμα ἀπὸ τοῦ φοβεῖσθαι αὐτόν

And Memphibosthe could no longer answer Abner a word, because of his fear of him.

Result / closure of the exchange (Memphibosthe silenced)καὶ οὐκ ἠδυνάσθη

The scene closes on Memphibosthe's impotence: οὐκ ἠδυνάσθη … ἀποκριθῆναι … ῥῆμα ('could not answer a word'). The causal articular infinitive ἀπὸ τοῦ φοβεῖσθαι αὐτόν ('because of fearing him') exposes the real balance of power — the nominal king is mastered by his commander, confirming the v. 6 portrait of Abner as the true strongman of Saul's house.

Word-by-word analysis· 13 words

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

οὐκnotnegative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἠδυνάσθηwas ableAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · δύναμαιmain verb (negated: 'could not')→ constative aorist (his settled inability)δύναμαι: 'be able'; renders יָכֹל; the negated aorist (with augment ἠ-) marks Memphibosthe's total incapacity to respond.

ἔτιany longeradverb of time (with negative: 'no longer')→ clausal contributionἔτι: 'still / yet'; with the negative, 'no longer' — the king is permanently cowed.

ΜεμφιβοσθεMemphibosthesubject (indeclinable name)→ participant identificationΜεμφιβοσθε: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable name).

ἀποκριθῆναιto answerAor Pass Inf · ἀποκρίνομαιcomplementary infinitive (with ἠδυνάσθη)→ aorist infinitiveἀποκρίνομαι: 'answer / reply'; renders עָנָה / הֵשִׁיב; the complementary infinitive after δύναμαι.

τῷtoDativearticle (dative indirect object)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ΑβεννηρAbnerdative indirect object (indeclinable: 'answer Abner')→ participant identificationΑβεννηρ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as dative indirect object (indeclinable: 'answer Abner').

ῥῆμαa wordAccusativeaccusative of respect / inner object ('answer a word')→ object specificationῥῆμα: 'word / thing'; renders דָּבָר; 'not a word' — the accusative reinforces total silence.

ἀπὸbecause ofpreposition + articular infinitive (causal)→ spatial or relational framingἀπό + articular inf.: a causal construction, 'because of / out of'; here giving the reason for the silence.

τοῦtheGenitivearticle (with articular infinitive)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

φοβεῖσθαιfearingPres Mid Inf · φοβέομαιcausal articular infinitive ('because of fearing')→ durative present infinitive (his ongoing fear)φοβέομαι: 'fear / be afraid of'; renders יָרֵא; the articular infinitive with ἀπό expresses cause — Memphibosthe's fear of Abner silences him.

αὐτόνhimAccusativeaccusative subject/object of the infinitive (object of fear: Abner)→ participant referenceαὐτόν: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as accusative subject/object of the infinitive (object of fear: Abner).

καὶ ἀπέστειλεν Αβεννηρ ἀγγέλους πρὸς Δαυιδ εἰς Θαιλαμ οὗ ἦν παραχρῆμα λέγων διάθου διαθήκην σου μετ᾿ ἐμοῦ καὶ ἰδοὺ ἡ χείρ μου μετὰ σοῦ τοῦ ἐπιστρέψαι πρὸς σὲ πάντα τὸν οἶκον Ισραηλ

And Abner sent messengers to David at Thailam, where he was at that moment, saying, 'Make your covenant with me, and behold, my hand is with you, to turn all the house of Israel back to you.'

New movement: Abner's overture to David (turning point)καὶ ἀπέστειλεν Αβεννηρ

Abner translates his oath into action, sending envoys to propose a formal covenant. The imperative διάθου διαθήκην (cognate-accusative, 'cut a covenant', rendering כְּרֹת בְּרִית) and the pledge ἡ χείρ μου μετὰ σοῦ ('my hand is with you') offer David the whole north; the purpose infinitive τοῦ ἐπιστρέψαι … πάντα τὸν οἶκον Ισραηλ defines what Abner can deliver.

Word-by-word analysis· 32 words

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἀπέστειλενsentAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀποστέλλωmain verb→ constative aoristἀποστέλλω: 'send (with a commission)'; renders שָׁלַח; Abner dispatches envoys to open negotiations with David.

ΑβεννηρAbnersubject (indeclinable name)→ participant identificationΑβεννηρ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable name).

ἀγγέλουςmessengersAccusativedirect object of ἀπέστειλεν→ object specificationἄγγελος: 'messenger / envoy'; renders מַלְאָךְ; here human envoys, not angels.

πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (direction)→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction).

ΔαυιδDavidobject of πρός (indeclinable name)→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as object of πρός (indeclinable name).

εἰςto / atpreposition + accusative (place)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (place).

ΘαιλαμThailamobject of εἰς (indeclinable place-name)→ participant identificationΘαιλαμ: transliteration reflecting a difficult Hebrew (MT תַּחְתָּו, 'on the spot/where he was'); the LXX reads it as a place-name; indeclinable.

οὗwhererelative adverb of place→ participant referenceοὗ: relative adverb 'where'; introduces the locating clause 'where he was'.

ἦνwasImpf Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίverb of the relative clause→ descriptive imperfectεἰμί: 'was'; locates David's whereabouts at the moment of the embassy.

παραχρῆμαat that momentadverb of time→ clausal contributionπαραχρῆμα: 'immediately / on the spot / at that very time'; here temporal, marking where David was just then.

λέγωνsayingPres Act Ptcp Nom Sg Masc · λέγωparticiple of speech (introducing the message)→ circumstantial present participleλέγω (ptcp.): the participle λέγων ('saying') introduces direct speech, a Hebraism rendering לֵאמֹר; here the content of the envoys' message.

διάθουmake / cutAor Mid Impv 2 Sg · διατίθημιmain verb (imperative: Abner's proposal)→ aorist imperative (decisive request)διατίθημι (mid. 'make a covenant'): the cognate construction διάθου διαθήκην ('cut a covenant') renders כְּרֹת בְּרִית; the middle imperative invites David into a formal treaty-relationship.

διαθήκηνcovenantAccusativecognate accusative (object of διάθου)→ object specificationδιαθήκη: 'covenant / treaty'; renders בְּרִית; here a political compact between Abner (for the north) and David.

σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession (with διαθήκην)→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (with διαθήκην).

μετ᾿withpreposition + genitive (association)→ spatial or relational framingμετ᾿: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (association).

ἐμοῦmeGenitiveobject of μετά (emphatic pronoun)→ relational specificationἐμοῦ: meaning 'me'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of μετά (emphatic pronoun).

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἰδοὺbeholdpresentative particle (attention-marker)→ discourse linkage or contrastἰδού: 'behold / look'; renders הִנֵּה; a Hebraizing presentative drawing attention to Abner's pledge of support.

ἡtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

χείρhandNominativesubject (idiom 'my hand is with you')→ participant prominenceχείρ: 'hand'; renders יָד; the idiom 'my hand is with you' (ἡ χείρ μου μετὰ σοῦ) denotes active support and alliance.

μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.

μετὰwithpreposition + genitive (association)→ spatial or relational framingμετὰ: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (association).

σοῦyouGenitiveobject of μετά→ relational specificationσοῦ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of μετά.

τοῦtheGenitivearticle (with articular infinitive of purpose)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἐπιστρέψαιto turn backAor Act Inf · ἐπιστρέφωarticular infinitive of purpose ('in order to turn')→ aorist infinitive (purposed result)ἐπιστρέφω: 'turn back / bring back'; renders הֵשִׁיב; the purpose infinitive τοῦ ἐπιστρέψαι defines what Abner's alliance will accomplish — bringing all Israel over to David.

πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (direction)→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction).

σὲyouAccusativeobject of πρός→ participant referenceσὲ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of πρός.

πάνταallAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying οἶκον)→ object specificationπᾶς: 'all / whole'; emphasizes the totality of what Abner pledges — the entire house of Israel.

τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

οἶκονhouseAccusativedirect object of ἐπιστρέψαι→ object specificationοἶκος: here 'house of Israel' = the whole northern nation Abner promises to bring to David.

ΙσραηλIsraelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'house of Israel')→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as genitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'house of Israel').

καὶ εἶπεν Δαυιδ ἐγὼ καλῶς διαθήσομαι πρὸς σὲ διαθήκην πλὴν λόγον ἕνα ἐγὼ αἰτοῦμαι παρὰ σοῦ λέγων οὐκ ὄψει τὸ πρόσωπόν μου ἐὰν μὴ ἀγάγῃς τὴν Μελχολ θυγατέρα Σαουλ παραγινομένου σου ἰδεῖν τὸ πρόσωπόν μου

And David said, 'I, for my part, will gladly make a covenant with you; only one thing I ask of you, namely: you shall not see my face unless you bring Michal, Saul's daughter, when you come to see my face.'

Response with condition (David's reply to the overture)καὶ εἶπεν Δαυιδ

David accepts (καλῶς διαθήσομαι, 'I will gladly covenant') but attaches a single non-negotiable condition (πλὴν λόγον ἕνα, 'only one thing'): the return of Michal. The doubled οὐκ ὄψει τὸ πρόσωπόν μου … ἰδεῖν τὸ πρόσωπόν μου ('you shall not see my face … to see my face') frames audience with the king as contingent on producing Saul's daughter, reclaiming both wife and a legitimating tie to Saul's house.

Word-by-word analysis· 35 words

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ΔαυιδDavidsubject (indeclinable name)→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable name).

ἐγὼINominativeemphatic subject pronoun→ participant referenceἐγώ: emphatic 'I for my part', stressing David's willingness to enter the covenant on his terms.

καλῶςgladly / welladverb of manner→ clausal contributionκαλῶς: 'well / rightly / gladly'; signals David's ready, favorable acceptance of the proposal.

διαθήσομαιI will makeFut Mid Indic 1 Sg · διατίθημιmain verb (acceptance of the covenant)→ volitive future (committed intent)διατίθημι (mid.): 'make (a covenant)'; the cognate διαθήσομαι … διαθήκην ('I will covenant a covenant') echoes Abner's διάθου διαθήκην of v. 12; David accepts in the same terms.

πρὸςwithpreposition + accusative (partner of covenant)→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (partner of covenant).

σὲyouAccusativeobject of πρός→ participant referenceσὲ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of πρός.

διαθήκηνcovenantAccusativecognate accusative (object of διαθήσομαι)→ object specificationδιαθήκη: 'covenant / treaty'; the cognate object completes the idiom.

πλὴνonly / exceptadversative particle (introducing the proviso)→ discourse linkage or contrastπλήν: 'except / only / nevertheless'; renders אַךְ / רַק; introduces David's single condition.

λόγονthing / wordAccusativedirect object of αἰτοῦμαι (the one matter requested)→ object specificationλόγος: 'word / matter / thing'; renders דָּבָר; here 'one matter / one stipulation'.

ἕναoneAccusativeattributive numeral (modifying λόγον)→ measure or countεἷς, μία, ἕν: 'one'; the masculine accusative ἕνα agrees with λόγον — a single, decisive condition.

ἐγὼINominativeemphatic subject pronoun (resumptive)→ participant referenceἐγώ: the repeated emphatic pronoun underlines the personal weight David places on his demand.

αἰτοῦμαιI askPres Mid Indic 1 Sg · αἰτέωmain verb (the request)→ progressive present (the standing request)αἰτέω (mid.): 'ask / request for oneself'; the middle voice marks personal interest — David asks this for himself.

παρὰfrompreposition + genitive (source)→ spatial or relational framingπαρὰ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (source).

σοῦyouGenitiveobject of παρά (source of the request)→ relational specificationσοῦ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of παρά (source of the request).

λέγωνsayingPres Act Ptcp Nom Sg Masc · λέγωparticiple of speech (introducing the stipulation)→ circumstantial present participleλέγω (ptcp.): λέγων introduces the explicit content of the condition (Hebraism for לֵאמֹר).

οὐκnotnegative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ὄψειyou shall seeFut Mid Indic 2 Sg · ὁράωmain verb of the condition→ predictive future (denial of audience without the condition)ὁράω (fut. mid. ὄψει): 'see'; 'you shall not see my face' is court idiom (rendering לֹא תִרְאֶה פָנַי) for denial of royal audience until the term is met.

τὸtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

πρόσωπόνfaceAccusativedirect object of ὄψει→ object specificationπρόσωπον: 'face / presence'; renders פָּנִים; 'to see the king's face' = to be granted audience and favor.

ἐὰνunless / ifconditional conjunction (with μή: 'unless')→ discourse linkage or contrastἐάν: 'if'; ἐὰν μή = 'unless'; introduces the condition on which audience depends.

μὴnotnegative (with ἐάν: 'unless')→ clausal qualification or emphasisμὴ: meaning 'not'; it negates or qualifies the assertion of the clause.

ἀγάγῃςyou bringAor Act Subj 2 Sg · ἄγωverb of the conditional clause (subjunctive after ἐάν)→ aorist subjunctive (the required action)ἄγω: 'lead / bring'; the aorist subjunctive after ἐὰν μή states the precondition — Abner must produce Michal.

τὴνtheAccusativearticle (with indeclinable name)→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ΜελχολMichaldirect object of ἀγάγῃς (indeclinable name, marked by article)→ participant identificationΜελχολ: transliteration of Hebrew מִיכַל (Michal); indeclinable (case shown by the article τήν); Saul's daughter and David's first wife (1 Kgdms 18:20–27), whose return ties David to the Saulide line.

θυγατέραdaughterAccusativeaccusative in apposition to Μελχολ→ object specificationθυγάτηρ (acc. θυγατέρα): 'daughter'; identifies Michal as Saul's daughter — the politically significant point.

ΣαουλSaulgenitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'daughter of Saul')→ participant identificationΣαουλ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as genitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'daughter of Saul').

παραγινομένουwhen (you) comePres Mid Ptcp Gen Sg Masc · παραγίνομαιgenitive absolute (temporal: 'when you come')→ circumstantial present participle (genitive absolute)παραγίνομαι: 'come / arrive / present oneself'; the genitive-absolute construction παραγινομένου σου ('as you come') sets the time of the required audience.

σουyouGenitivesubject of the genitive-absolute participle→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as subject of the genitive-absolute participle.

ἰδεῖνto seeAor Act Inf · ὁράωinfinitive of purpose→ aorist infinitive (purpose of the coming)ὁράω (aor. inf. ἰδεῖν): the purpose infinitive completes the court idiom — the visit's aim is 'to see my face', i.e. gain audience.

τὸtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

πρόσωπόνfaceAccusativedirect object of ἰδεῖν→ object specificationπρόσωπον: the repetition 'see my face' frames the whole condition as a matter of royal audience contingent on Michal's return.

καὶ ἐξαπέστειλεν Δαυιδ πρὸς Μεμφιβοσθε υἱὸν Σαουλ ἀγγέλους λέγων ἀπόδος μοι τὴν γυναῖκά μου τὴν Μελχολ ἣν ἔλαβον ἐν ἑκατὸν ἀκροβυστίαις ἀλλοφύλων

And David sent messengers to Memphibosthe son of Saul, saying, 'Give me back my wife Michal, whom I took for a hundred foreskins of the Philistines.'

Parallel action: David's direct demand to Memphibostheκαὶ ἐξαπέστειλεν Δαυιδ

David presses the demand not only through Abner but directly to the king, framing it as a legal reclamation: ἀπόδος ('give back') treats Michal as a wife wrongfully withheld. The bride-price clause ἣν ἔλαβον ἐν ἑκατὸν ἀκροβυστίαις ἀλλοφύλων ('whom I took for a hundred Philistine foreskins', cf. 1 Kgdms 18:25–27) establishes David's prior, paid-for claim.

Word-by-word analysis· 22 words

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἐξαπέστειλενsentAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐξαποστέλλωmain verb→ constative aoristἐξαποστέλλω: 'send out / dispatch'; the compound intensifies שָׁלַח; David sends an official demand to the king himself.

ΔαυιδDavidsubject (indeclinable name)→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable name).

πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (direction)→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction).

ΜεμφιβοσθεMemphibostheobject of πρός (indeclinable name)→ participant identificationΜεμφιβοσθε: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as object of πρός (indeclinable name).

υἱὸνsonAccusativeaccusative in apposition to Μεμφιβοσθε→ object specificationυἱός: 'son of Saul' — the appositive recalls that it is Saul's son who must hand over Saul's daughter.

ἀγγέλουςmessengersAccusativedirect object of ἐξαπέστειλεν→ object specificationἄγγελος: 'messenger / envoy'; the bearers of David's formal demand.

λέγωνsayingPres Act Ptcp Nom Sg Masc · λέγωparticiple of speech (introducing the demand)→ circumstantial present participleλέγω (ptcp.): introduces direct speech (Hebraism for לֵאמֹר).

ἀπόδοςgive backAor Act Impv 2 Sg · ἀποδίδωμιmain verb (imperative: the demand)→ aorist imperative (peremptory demand)ἀποδίδωμι: 'give back / restore'; renders הָבָה / נָתַן; the compound ἀπο- ('back') frames the demand as restitution of what is rightfully David's.

μοιto meDativedative indirect object→ participant reference or interestμοι: meaning 'to me'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative indirect object.

τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

γυναῖκάwifeAccusativedirect object of ἀπόδος→ object specificationγυνή (acc. γυναῖκα): 'wife'; David insists on his marital right — Michal is 'my wife', not merely Saul's daughter.

τὴνtheAccusativearticle (with indeclinable name)→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ΜελχολMichalaccusative in apposition to γυναῖκα (indeclinable, marked by article)→ participant identificationΜελχολ: Saul's daughter, named in apposition to 'my wife'.

ἣνwhomAccusativerelative pronoun (object of ἔλαβον)→ participant referenceὅς, ἥ, ὅ: relative pronoun; introduces the clause establishing David's prior claim by bride-price.

ἔλαβονI tookAor Act Indic 1 Sg · λαμβάνωverb of the relative clause→ constative aorist (the original acquisition)λαμβάνω: 'take / receive (in marriage)'; renders לָקַח; David recalls how he won Michal by the dangerous bride-price Saul set.

ἐνfor / at the price ofpreposition + dative (price/means)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: here the ἐν of price ('for / at the cost of'), rendering the Hebrew בְּ of price.

ἑκατὸνa hundredindeclinable numeral (modifying ἀκροβυστίαις)→ measure or countἑκατόν: 'one hundred'; indeclinable cardinal numeral; the bride-price Saul demanded (1 Kgdms 18:25 specifies a hundred Philistine foreskins, hoping David would die in the attempt).

ἀκροβυστίαιςforeskinsDativedative of price (object of ἐν)→ sphere or referenceἀκροβυστία: 'foreskin / uncircumcision'; renders עָרְלָה; the Philistine foreskins were proof of David's victory and the price of Michal.

ἀλλοφύλωνof PhilistinesGenitivegenitive of relationship (with ἀκροβυστίαις)→ relational specificationἀλλόφυλος: lit. 'of another tribe / foreigner'; the LXX's standard term for the Philistines (rendering פְּלִשְׁתִּים); the foreskins were taken from slain Philistines.

καὶ ἀπέστειλεν Μεμφιβοσθε καὶ ἔλαβεν αὐτὴν παρὰ τοῦ ἀνδρὸς αὐτῆς παρὰ Φαλτιηλ υἱοῦ Σελλης

And Memphibosthe sent and took her from her husband, from Phaltiel son of Selles.

Compliance: Michal taken from her husbandκαὶ ἀπέστειλεν Μεμφιβοσθε

Memphibosthe complies, his earlier silence (v. 11) now translated into obedience. The narrator notes pointedly that Michal is taken παρὰ τοῦ ἀνδρὸς αὐτῆς ('from her husband') — Phaltiel, to whom Saul had given her after David's flight (1 Kgdms 25:44) — setting up the poignant scene of v. 16.

Word-by-word analysis· 14 words

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἀπέστειλενsentAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀποστέλλωmain verb→ constative aoristἀποστέλλω: here Memphibosthe sends agents to fetch Michal, complying with David's demand.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἔλαβενtookAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λαμβάνωmain verb→ constative aoristλαμβάνω: 'take'; Memphibosthe (through his agents) takes Michal from Phaltiel.

αὐτὴνherAccusativedirect object of ἔλαβεν (= Michal)→ participant referenceαὐτὴν: meaning 'her'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object of ἔλαβεν (= Michal).

παρὰfrompreposition + genitive (source)→ spatial or relational framingπαρὰ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (source).

τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἀνδρὸςhusbandGenitivegenitive of source (object of παρά)→ relational specificationἀνήρ (gen. ἀνδρός): 'man / husband'; renders אִישׁ; the word 'her husband' (of Phaltiel) registers the human cost of David's political demand.

αὐτῆςherGenitivegenitive of possession (with ἀνδρός)→ relational specificationαὐτῆς: meaning 'her'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (with ἀνδρός).

παρὰfrompreposition + genitive (in apposition: naming the husband)→ spatial or relational framingπαρὰ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (in apposition: naming the husband).

ΦαλτιηλPhaltielgenitive of source in apposition (indeclinable name)→ participant identificationΦαλτιηλ: transliteration of Hebrew פַּלְטִיאֵל (Paltiel/Phaltiel); indeclinable; the man to whom Saul gave Michal during David's exile.

υἱοῦsonGenitivegenitive in apposition to Φαλτιηλ→ relational specificationυἱός (gen. υἱοῦ): 'son of Selles', the patronymic of Phaltiel.

ΣελληςSellesGenitivegenitive of relationship (declinable: 'son of Selles')→ relational specificationΣελλη (gen. Σελλης): rendering of Hebrew לַיִשׁ (Laish); here declined as a first-declension form (hence 'n', genitive); Phaltiel's father.

καὶ ἐπορεύετο ὁ ἀνὴρ αὐτῆς μετ᾿ αὐτῆς κλαίων ὀπίσω αὐτῆς ἕως Βαρακιμ καὶ εἶπεν πρὸς αὐτὸν Αβεννηρ πορεύου ἀνάστρεφε καὶ ἀνέστρεψεν

And her husband went with her, weeping behind her as far as Barakim; and Abner said to him, 'Go, turn back.' And he turned back.

Pathos-vignette closing the Michal episodeκαὶ ἐπορεύετο ὁ ἀνὴρ αὐτῆς

A vivid character-note: Phaltiel follows his wife κλαίων ('weeping', durative participle) as far as Barakim, until Abner curtly dismisses him with two imperatives (πορεύου ἀνάστρεφε, 'go, turn back'). The terse ending καὶ ἀνέστρεψεν ('and he turned back') leaves the grief unresolved, a small human tragedy embedded in the political maneuvering.

Word-by-word analysis· 21 words

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἐπορεύετοwentImpf Mid Indic 3 Sg · πορεύομαιmain verb→ progressive imperfect (the prolonged following)πορεύομαι: 'go / proceed'; the imperfect depicts Phaltiel's drawn-out, sorrowful procession behind Michal.

ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἀνὴρhusbandNominativesubject (= Phaltiel)→ participant prominenceἀνήρ: 'man / husband'; 'her husband' — the recurring designation keeps the human bond in view.

αὐτῆςherGenitivegenitive of possession (with ἀνήρ)→ relational specificationαὐτῆς: meaning 'her'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (with ἀνήρ).

μετ᾿withpreposition + genitive (accompaniment)→ spatial or relational framingμετ᾿: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (accompaniment).

αὐτῆςherGenitiveobject of μετά→ relational specificationαὐτῆς: meaning 'her'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of μετά.

κλαίωνweepingPres Act Ptcp Nom Sg Masc · κλαίωcircumstantial participle (manner: 'weeping')→ durative present participle (continuous weeping)κλαίω: 'weep / cry'; renders בָּכָה; the present participle paints Phaltiel's grief as ongoing throughout the journey.

ὀπίσωbehind / afterpreposition + genitive (spatial: 'behind her')→ spatial or relational framingὀπίσω: 'behind / after'; renders אַחֲרֵי; Phaltiel trails after Michal, unable to let her go.

αὐτῆςherGenitiveobject of ὀπίσω→ relational specificationαὐτῆς: meaning 'her'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of ὀπίσω.

ἕωςas far aspreposition + genitive (spatial limit)→ spatial or relational framingἕως: 'as far as / up to'; marks the point at which Phaltiel was sent back.

ΒαρακιμBarakimobject of ἕως (indeclinable place-name)→ participant identificationΒαρακιμ: transliteration of Hebrew בַּחֻרִים (Bahurim); indeclinable; a place on the road east toward the Jordan.

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

αὐτὸνhimAccusativeobject of πρός (= Phaltiel)→ participant referenceαὐτὸν: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of πρός (= Phaltiel).

ΑβεννηρAbnersubject (indeclinable name)→ participant identificationΑβεννηρ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable name).

πορεύουgoPres Mid Impv 2 Sg · πορεύομαιmain verb (curt command)→ present imperative (dismissal)πορεύομαι (impv.): 'go!'; the first of two clipped commands with which Abner dismisses the weeping husband.

ἀνάστρεφεturn backPres Act Impv 2 Sg · ἀναστρέφωmain verb (second command)→ present imperative (peremptory dismissal)ἀναστρέφω: 'turn back / return'; the curt second imperative ends the scene abruptly, brooking no appeal.

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἀνέστρεψενhe turned backAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀναστρέφωmain verb (resolution)→ constative aorist (mute obedience)ἀναστρέφω: the terse aorist 'he turned back' closes the vignette, his grief silenced by Abner's command.

καὶ εἶπεν Αβεννηρ πρὸς τοὺς πρεσβυτέρους Ισραηλ λέγων ἐχθὲς καὶ τρίτην ἐζητεῖτε τὸν Δαυιδ βασιλεύειν ἐφ᾿ ὑμῶν

And Abner spoke to the elders of Israel, saying, 'In time past you were seeking David to be king over you.'

New movement: Abner lobbies the elders of Israelκαὶ εἶπεν Αβεννηρ

Abner now works the political ground, reminding the elders of Israel of their own prior desire for David. The idiom ἐχθὲς καὶ τρίτην ('yesterday and the third day' = 'previously / in time past', rendering אֶתְמוֹל גַּם־שִׁלְשׁוֹם) appeals to a settled, long-standing sentiment, presenting David's kingship as the fulfilment of what they themselves had wanted.

Word-by-word analysis· 17 words

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

εἶπενspokeAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb (speech-introduction)→ constative aoristεἶπεν: verbal form rendered 'said' here; its aspect and clause role are specified by the parse and syntax fields.

ΑβεννηρAbnersubject (indeclinable name)→ participant identificationΑβεννηρ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable name).

τοὺςtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοὺς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

πρεσβυτέρουςeldersAccusativeobject of πρός→ object specificationπρεσβύτερος: 'elder'; renders זְקֵנִים; the tribal leadership of Israel whose consent legitimates a king.

ΙσραηλIsraelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'elders of Israel')→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as genitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'elders of Israel').

λέγωνsayingPres Act Ptcp Nom Sg Masc · λέγωparticiple of speech (introducing direct speech)→ circumstantial present participleλέγω (ptcp.): introduces the direct address (Hebraism for לֵאמֹר).

ἐχθὲςyesterdayadverb of time (in idiom 'ἐχθὲς καὶ τρίτην')→ clausal contributionἐχθές: 'yesterday'; in the idiom ἐχθὲς καὶ τρίτην ('yesterday and the day before' = 'previously / formerly'), rendering אֶתְמוֹל שִׁלְשׁוֹם.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction (in temporal idiom)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

τρίτηνthe third (day)Accusativesubstantivized ordinal (accusative of time in the idiom)→ object specificationτρίτος: 'third'; in the idiom 'yesterday and the third (day)' = 'in time past'; the ordinal here functions adverbially.

ἐζητεῖτεyou were seekingImpf Act Indic 2 Pl · ζητέωmain verb (the elders' past desire)→ iterative/durative imperfect (a settled longstanding wish)ζητέω: 'seek / desire'; renders בִּקֵּשׁ; the imperfect depicts the elders' continued past longing for David as king.

τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with indeclinable name)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ΔαυιδDaviddirect object of ἐζητεῖτε (indeclinable, marked by article)→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as direct object of ἐζητεῖτε (indeclinable, marked by article).

βασιλεύεινto be kingPres Act Inf · βασιλεύωinfinitive of purpose/result (with ἐζητεῖτε)→ present infinitive (the desired role)βασιλεύω: 'be king / reign'; renders מָלַךְ; the infinitive expresses the object of their seeking — David to reign over them.

ἐφ᾿overpreposition + genitive (rule over)→ spatial or relational framingἐπί + gen.: 'over'; of royal rule, βασιλεύειν ἐφ᾿ ὑμῶν = 'to reign over you'.

ὑμῶνyouGenitiveobject of ἐπί→ relational specificationὑμῶν: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of ἐπί.

καὶ νῦν ποιήσατε ὅτι κύριος ἐλάλησεν περὶ Δαυιδ λέγων ἐν χειρὶ τοῦ δούλου μου Δαυιδ σώσω τὸν Ισραηλ ἐκ χειρὸς ἀλλοφύλων καὶ ἐκ χειρὸς πάντων τῶν ἐχθρῶν αὐτῶν

And now do it, for the LORD has spoken concerning David, saying, 'By the hand of my servant David I will save Israel from the hand of the Philistines and from the hand of all their enemies.'

Exhortation grounded in divine oracleκαὶ νῦν ποιήσατε

The transitional καὶ νῦν ('and now', וְעַתָּה) moves from past desire to present action: ποιήσατε ('act!'). Abner grounds the appeal in a divine word (ὅτι κύριος ἐλάλησεν), quoting YHWH's first-person promise of salvation ἐν χειρὶ … Δαυιδ ('by the hand of David'); the title ὁ δοῦλός μου ('my servant') and the deliverance-from-Philistines theme cast David as YHWH's chosen deliverer.

Word-by-word analysis· 28 words

καὶandnarrative/transitional conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

νῦνnowtemporal adverb (transitional 'and now')→ adverbial qualificationνῦν: 'now'; καὶ νῦν (וְעַתָּה) is the standard LXX transition from premise to exhortation.

ποιήσατεdo (it)Aor Act Impv 2 Pl · ποιέωmain verb (exhortation to the elders)→ aorist imperative (decisive call to act)ποιέω: 'do / act'; the aorist imperative urges the elders to act now on their longstanding desire — to make David king.

ὅτιfor / becausecausal conjunction (grounding the exhortation)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: 'for / because'; grounds the command in the divine oracle that follows.

κύριοςLORDNominativesubject of ἐλάλησεν (the Tetragrammaton)→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה; here YHWH, whose word about David is the warrant for action.

ἐλάλησενhas spokenAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λαλέωmain verb of the causal clause→ constative aorist (the standing divine word)λαλέω: 'speak'; renders דִּבֶּר; the divine promise concerning David, here recalled by Abner.

περὶconcerningpreposition + genitive (topic)→ spatial or relational framingπερὶ: meaning 'concerning'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (topic).

ΔαυιδDavidobject of περί (indeclinable name)→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as object of περί (indeclinable name).

λέγωνsayingPres Act Ptcp Nom Sg Masc · λέγωparticiple of speech (introducing the oracle)→ circumstantial present participleλέγω (ptcp.): introduces the quoted divine word (Hebraism for לֵאמֹר).

ἐνby / throughpreposition + dative (instrumental: 'by the hand of')→ spatial or relational framingἐν: here instrumental; ἐν χειρί ('by the hand of') is a Hebraism (בְּיַד) for agency.

χειρὶhandDativedative of means (instrumental idiom)→ sphere or referenceχείρ: 'hand'; in ἐν χειρί the hand stands for agency — David as the instrument of YHWH's deliverance.

τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

δούλουservantGenitivegenitive of relationship (with χειρί: 'hand of my servant')→ relational specificationδοῦλος: 'servant / slave'; renders עֶבֶד; 'my servant David' is a covenantal title of honor marking David as YHWH's chosen agent (cf. 2 Kgdms 7:5, 8).

μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession (YHWH's servant)→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (YHWH's servant).

ΔαυιδDavidgenitive in apposition to δούλου (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as genitive in apposition to δούλου (indeclinable).

σώσωI will saveFut Act Indic 1 Sg · σῴζωmain verb of the oracle (YHWH's first-person promise)→ predictive future (divine pledge of deliverance)σῴζω: 'save / deliver'; renders הוֹשִׁיעַ / יָשַׁע; YHWH's first-person promise to save Israel through David from all its enemies.

τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with indeclinable name)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ΙσραηλIsraeldirect object of σώσω (indeclinable, marked by article)→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as direct object of σώσω (indeclinable, marked by article).

ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (deliverance from)→ spatial or relational framingἐκ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (deliverance from).

χειρὸςhandGenitivegenitive of separation (object of ἐκ: 'from the hand of')→ relational specificationχείρ (gen. χειρός): 'hand'; ἐκ χειρός ('from the hand/power of') is a Hebraism (מִיַּד) for deliverance from an enemy's grip.

ἀλλοφύλωνPhilistinesGenitivegenitive of relationship (with χειρός: 'hand of the Philistines')→ relational specificationἀλλόφυλος: the LXX's term for the Philistines (פְּלִשְׁתִּים); Israel's chief external foe in this era.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (deliverance from)→ spatial or relational framingἐκ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (deliverance from).

χειρὸςhandGenitivegenitive of separation (object of ἐκ)→ relational specificationχειρὸς: meaning 'hand'; it serves as genitive of separation (object of ἐκ).

πάντωνallGenitivegenitive attributive (modifying ἐχθρῶν)→ relational specificationπᾶς: 'all'; comprehensive — deliverance from every enemy, not the Philistines only.

τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἐχθρῶνenemiesGenitivegenitive of relationship (with χειρός)→ relational specificationἐχθρός: 'enemy'; renders אֹיֵב; the totality of Israel's foes, from whom David is promised to deliver them.

αὐτῶνtheirGenitivegenitive of possession (Israel's enemies)→ relational specificationαὐτῶν: meaning 'their'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (Israel's enemies).

καὶ ἐλάλησεν Αβεννηρ ἐν τοῖς ὠσὶν Βενιαμιν καὶ ἐπορεύθη Αβεννηρ τοῦ λαλῆσαι εἰς τὰ ὦτα τοῦ Δαυιδ εἰς Χεβρων πάντα ὅσα ἤρεσεν ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖς Ισραηλ καὶ ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖς παντὸς οἴκου Βενιαμιν

And Abner spoke in the ears of Benjamin; and Abner went to speak into the ears of David at Hebron all that was pleasing in the eyes of Israel and in the eyes of the whole house of Benjamin.

Continuation: Abner secures Benjamin and reports to Davidκαὶ ἐλάλησεν Αβεννηρ

Abner extends the canvass to Benjamin — Saul's own tribe, whose buy-in is politically decisive — then travels to Hebron to report to David. The doubled organ-idioms ἐν τοῖς ὠσίν / εἰς τὰ ὦτα ('in the ears') and ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖς ('in the eyes', = 'in the judgment of') are Hebraisms framing the consensus Abner has brokered across Israel and Benjamin.

Word-by-word analysis· 31 words

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἐλάλησενspokeAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λαλέωmain verb→ constative aoristλαλέω: 'speak'; here Abner addresses the tribe of Benjamin.

ΑβεννηρAbnersubject (indeclinable name)→ participant identificationΑβεννηρ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable name).

ἐνinpreposition + dative (idiom 'in the ears of')→ spatial or relational framingἐν: in the idiom ἐν τοῖς ὠσίν ('in the ears of'), rendering בְּאָזְנֵי — to address directly and privately.

τοῖςtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ὠσὶνearsDativedative in the idiom ἐν τοῖς ὠσίν→ sphere or referenceοὖς (dat. pl. ὠσίν): 'ear'; the Hebraism 'speak in the ears of' denotes direct, persuasive address.

ΒενιαμινBenjamingenitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'ears of Benjamin')→ participant identificationΒενιαμιν: transliteration of Hebrew בִּנְיָמִין; indeclinable; Saul's own tribe, whose support is essential for the transfer of allegiance to David.

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἐπορεύθηwentAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · πορεύομαιmain verb→ constative aorist (the journey to Hebron)πορεύομαι: 'go / travel'; Abner journeys to report the consensus to David.

ΑβεννηρAbnersubject (indeclinable name)→ participant identificationΑβεννηρ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable name).

τοῦtheGenitivearticle (with articular infinitive of purpose)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

λαλῆσαιto speakAor Act Inf · λαλέωarticular infinitive of purpose→ aorist infinitive (purpose of the journey)λαλέω (aor. inf.): the purpose τοῦ λαλῆσαι ('in order to speak') states why Abner went to Hebron — to report to David.

εἰςintopreposition + accusative (idiom 'into the ears of')→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'into'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (idiom 'into the ears of').

τὰtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ὦταearsAccusativeaccusative in idiom εἰς τὰ ὦτα ('into the ears of')→ object specificationοὖς (pl. ὦτα): 'ear'; the idiom εἰς τὰ ὦτα ('into the ears') again marks direct, confidential report.

τοῦtheGenitivearticle (with indeclinable name)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ΔαυιδDavidgenitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'ears of David')→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as genitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'ears of David').

εἰςat / topreposition + accusative (place)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'at'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (place).

ΧεβρωνHebronobject of εἰς (indeclinable place-name)→ participant identificationΧεβρων: David's capital, where Abner brings his report.

πάνταallAccusativesubstantivized adjective (object of λαλῆσαι: 'all that')→ object specificationπᾶς: 'all'; the neuter plural object of λαλῆσαι — everything that pleased Israel and Benjamin.

ὅσαas much asAccusativerelative pronoun (introducing relative clause)→ participant referenceὅσος: 'as much/many as'; the relative πάντα ὅσα ('all that') is a standard correlative pairing.

ἤρεσενwas pleasingAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀρέσκωverb of the relative clause→ constative aorist (settled approval)ἀρέσκω: 'please / be agreeable'; renders יָטַב / טוֹב בְּעֵינֵי; with ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖς, 'what was good in the eyes of'.

ἐνinpreposition + dative (idiom 'in the eyes of')→ spatial or relational framingἐν: in the idiom ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖς ('in the eyes of' = 'in the judgment of'), rendering בְּעֵינֵי.

ὀφθαλμοῖςeyesDativedative in idiom ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖς→ sphere or referenceὀφθαλμός: 'eye'; the Hebraism 'in the eyes of' = 'in the estimation/judgment of'.

ΙσραηλIsraelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'eyes of Israel')→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as genitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'eyes of Israel').

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἐνinpreposition + dative (idiom 'in the eyes of')→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (idiom 'in the eyes of').

ὀφθαλμοῖςeyesDativedative in idiom ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖς→ sphere or referenceὀφθαλμοῖς: meaning 'eyes'; it serves as dative in idiom ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖς.

παντὸςall / wholeGenitivegenitive attributive (modifying οἴκου)→ relational specificationπᾶς: 'whole'; 'the whole house of Benjamin' stresses the completeness of Saul's tribe's consent.

οἴκουhouseGenitivegenitive of relationship (with ὀφθαλμοῖς: 'eyes of the house')→ relational specificationοἶκος: 'house / clan'; here 'the house of Benjamin' = the whole Benjaminite tribe.

ΒενιαμινBenjamingenitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'house of Benjamin')→ participant identificationΒενιαμιν: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as genitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'house of Benjamin').

καὶ ἦλθεν Αβεννηρ πρὸς Δαυιδ εἰς Χεβρων καὶ μετ᾿ αὐτοῦ εἴκοσι ἄνδρες καὶ ἐποίησεν Δαυιδ τῷ Αβεννηρ καὶ τοῖς ἀνδράσιν τοῖς μετ᾿ αὐτοῦ πότον

And Abner came to David at Hebron, and with him twenty men; and David made a banquet for Abner and for the men who were with him.

Scene: Abner's arrival and David's feastκαὶ ἦλθεν Αβεννηρ

Abner arrives with a delegation of twenty men, and David seals the budding alliance with a πότος ('drinking-feast / banquet') — a gesture of hospitality and covenant-fellowship. The peaceful, ceremonious tone here sharpens the horror of the treachery that follows in vv. 22–27.

Word-by-word analysis· 24 words

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἦλθενcameAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἔρχομαιmain verb→ constative aoristἔρχομαι: 'come / go'; renders בּוֹא; Abner's arrival at Hebron for the decisive meeting.

ΑβεννηρAbnersubject (indeclinable name)→ participant identificationΑβεννηρ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable name).

πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (direction)→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction).

εἰςat / topreposition + accusative (place)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'at'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (place).

ΧεβρωνHebronobject of εἰς (indeclinable place-name)→ participant identificationΧεβρων: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as object of εἰς (indeclinable place-name).

καὶandcoordinate conjunction (introducing verbless clause)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

μετ᾿withpreposition + genitive (accompaniment)→ spatial or relational framingμετ᾿: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (accompaniment).

αὐτοῦhimGenitiveobject of μετά→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of μετά.

εἴκοσιtwentyindeclinable numeral (modifying ἄνδρες)→ measure or countεἴκοσι: 'twenty'; indeclinable cardinal numeral; the size of Abner's delegation, a formal but small retinue.

ἄνδρεςmenNominativesubject of the verbless clause ('twenty men were with him')→ participant prominenceἀνήρ (pl. ἄνδρες): 'man'; renders אֲנָשִׁים; Abner's accompanying envoys.

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἐποίησενmadeAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ποιέωmain verb (preparing a feast)→ constative aoristποιέω: 'make / hold (a feast)'; ποιέω πότον ('make a banquet') is idiomatic; David's hospitality seals the alliance.

ΔαυιδDavidsubject (indeclinable name)→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable name).

τῷforDativearticle (dative of advantage)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ΑβεννηρAbnerdative of advantage (indeclinable: 'for Abner')→ participant identificationΑβεννηρ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as dative of advantage (indeclinable: 'for Abner').

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

τοῖςtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἀνδράσινmenDativedative of advantage (parallel to Αβεννηρ)→ sphere or referenceἀνήρ (dat. pl. ἀνδράσιν): the men of Abner's retinue, fellow-guests at the feast.

τοῖςthe (ones)Dativearticle (attributive: 'the ones with him')→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

μετ᾿withpreposition + genitive (accompaniment, attributive phrase)→ spatial or relational framingμετ᾿: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (accompaniment, attributive phrase).

πότονbanquetAccusativedirect object of ἐποίησεν→ object specificationπότος: 'drinking-feast / banquet'; renders מִשְׁתֶּה; a formal feast cementing the new alliance — its peaceableness underscores Joab's coming treachery.

καὶ εἶπεν Αβεννηρ πρὸς Δαυιδ ἀναστήσομαι δὴ καὶ πορεύσομαι καὶ συναθροίσω πρὸς κύριόν μου τὸν βασιλέα πάντα Ισραηλ καὶ διαθήσομαι μετὰ σοῦ διαθήκην καὶ βασιλεύσεις ἐπὶ πᾶσιν οἷς ἐπιθυμεῖ ἡ ψυχή σου καὶ ἀπέστειλεν Δαυιδ τὸν Αβεννηρ καὶ ἐπορεύθη ἐν εἰρήνῃ

And Abner said to David, 'I will now arise and go and gather to my lord the king all Israel, and I will make a covenant with you, and you shall reign over all that your soul desires.' And David sent Abner off, and he went in peace.

Abner's pledge and peaceful departure (closing scene E)καὶ εἶπεν Αβεννηρ

Abner formalizes his commission with a chain of volitive futures (ἀναστήσομαι … πορεύσομαι … συναθροίσω … διαθήσομαι) and the deferential address κύριόν μου τὸν βασιλέα ('my lord the king') — here κύριος is the human-master sense, addressed to David. The thrice-repeated ἐν εἰρήνῃ ('in peace', vv. 21, 22, 23) becomes a refrain whose tragic irony detonates when Joab kills Abner.

Word-by-word analysis· 41 words

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ΑβεννηρAbnersubject (indeclinable name)→ participant identificationΑβεννηρ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable name).

ἀναστήσομαιI will ariseFut Mid Indic 1 Sg · ἀνίστημιmain verb (first of Abner's volitive futures)→ volitive future (resolved intent)ἀνίστημι (mid.): 'arise / set out'; renders קוּם; the first in a chain of futures expressing Abner's purposeful resolve.

δὴnow / indeedemphatic particle (hortatory)→ discourse linkage or contrastδή: an emphasizing particle ('now / indeed'); renders נָא; lends urgency and resolve to ἀναστήσομαι.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

πορεύσομαιI will goFut Mid Indic 1 Sg · πορεύομαιmain verb (second volitive future)→ volitive futureπορεύομαι: 'go'; continues Abner's resolved program of action.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

συναθροίσωI will gatherFut Act Indic 1 Sg · συναθροίζωmain verb (third volitive future)→ volitive future (the decisive act)συναθροίζω: 'gather together / assemble'; renders קָבַץ; Abner pledges to muster all Israel to David — the heart of his commission.

πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (direction)→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction).

κύριόνlordAccusativeobject of πρός (human-master sense, = David)→ object specificationκύριος: here in the human-master sense ('my lord'), NOT the Tetragrammaton; Abner's deferential court-address to David — κύριόν μου τὸν βασιλέα ('my lord the king').

μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession (with κύριον)→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (with κύριον).

τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

βασιλέαkingAccusativeaccusative in apposition to κύριον→ object specificationβασιλεύς (acc. βασιλέα): 'king'; in apposition to κύριον — the full deferential title 'my lord the king' acknowledges David's sovereignty.

πάνταallAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying Ισραηλ)→ object specificationπᾶς: 'all'; the totality of Israel Abner pledges to assemble.

ΙσραηλIsraeldirect object of συναθροίσω (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as direct object of συναθροίσω (indeclinable).

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

διαθήσομαιI will makeFut Mid Indic 1 Sg · διατίθημιmain verb (fourth volitive future)→ volitive futureδιατίθημι (mid.): the cognate διαθήσομαι … διαθήκην ('covenant a covenant') seals Abner's promise of a formal treaty.

μετὰwithpreposition + genitive (covenant partner)→ spatial or relational framingμετὰ: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (covenant partner).

σοῦyouGenitiveobject of μετά→ relational specificationσοῦ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of μετά.

διαθήκηνcovenantAccusativecognate accusative (object of διαθήσομαι)→ object specificationδιαθήκη: 'covenant / treaty'; the agreement that will make David king over all Israel.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction (result)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

βασιλεύσειςyou shall reignFut Act Indic 2 Sg · βασιλεύωmain verb (consequence of the covenant)→ predictive future (the promised outcome)βασιλεύω: 'be king / reign'; the result Abner promises — David's universal rule over all he desires.

ἐπὶoverpreposition + dative (rule over)→ spatial or relational framingἐπί + dat.: 'over'; of the extent of David's rule.

πᾶσινallDativesubstantivized adjective (object of ἐπί: 'over all')→ sphere or referenceπᾶς: 'all'; the comprehensive scope of David's promised reign.

οἷςwhichDativerelative pronoun (object of ἐπιθυμεῖ)→ participant reference or interestὅς: relative pronoun (attracted to the case of πᾶσιν); 'all that your soul desires'.

ἐπιθυμεῖdesiresPres Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐπιθυμέωverb of the relative clause→ progressive present (ongoing desire)ἐπιθυμέω: 'desire / long for'; renders אִוָּה / חָפֵץ; here neutral, 'all that your soul wishes'.

ἡtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ψυχήsoulNominativesubject of ἐπιθυμεῖ→ participant prominenceψυχή: 'soul / self / desire'; renders נֶפֶשׁ; 'your soul' = 'you yourself'; ἡ ψυχή σου ἐπιθυμεῖ is a Hebraism for one's heartfelt wish.

σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.

καὶandnarrative conjunction (return to narration)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἀπέστειλενsent offAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀποστέλλωmain verb (David dismisses Abner)→ constative aoristἀποστέλλω: here 'send away / dismiss'; David sends Abner off amicably — the crucial fact Joab will resent.

ΔαυιδDavidsubject (indeclinable name)→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable name).

τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with indeclinable name)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ΑβεννηρAbnerdirect object of ἀπέστειλεν (indeclinable, marked by article)→ participant identificationΑβεννηρ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as direct object of ἀπέστειλεν (indeclinable, marked by article).

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἐπορεύθηhe wentAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · πορεύομαιmain verb (Abner's departure)→ constative aoristπορεύομαι: 'go / depart'; Abner leaves — the refrain ἐν εἰρήνῃ ('in peace') is here introduced.

ἐνinpreposition + dative (manner)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (manner).

εἰρήνῃpeaceDativedative of manner (idiom 'in peace')→ sphere or referenceεἰρήνη: 'peace / safety'; renders שָׁלוֹם; ἐν εἰρήνῃ ('in peace / safely') becomes the chapter's tragic refrain (vv. 21, 22, 23), guaranteeing Abner's safe-conduct — which Joab violates.

καὶ ἰδοὺ οἱ παῖδες Δαυιδ καὶ Ιωαβ παρεγίνοντο ἐκ τῆς ἐξοδίας καὶ σκῦλα πολλὰ ἔφερον μετ᾿ αὐτῶν καὶ Αβεννηρ οὐκ ἦν μετὰ Δαυιδ εἰς Χεβρων ὅτι ἀπεστάλκει αὐτὸν καὶ ἀπεληλύθει ἐν εἰρήνῃ

And behold, the servants of David and Joab were arriving from a raid, and they were bringing much plunder with them; and Abner was not with David in Hebron, for he had sent him off, and he had departed in peace.

Scene-shift: Joab's return (introducing complication F)καὶ ἰδοὺ οἱ παῖδες

The presentative ἰδού and the imperfects (παρεγίνοντο … ἔφερον) shift the scene to Joab's troops returning laden with plunder. The pluperfects ἀπεστάλκει … ἀπεληλύθει ('had sent … had departed') supply the crucial background — Abner is already gone in peace — setting up the dramatic irony of Joab's discovery and rage.

Word-by-word analysis· 32 words

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἰδοὺbeholdpresentative particle (scene-shift marker)→ discourse linkage or contrastἰδού: 'behold'; renders הִנֵּה; abruptly shifts the scene to the returning army.

οἱtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

παῖδεςservantsNominativesubject of παρεγίνοντο→ participant prominenceπαῖς: 'servant / attendant / soldier'; renders עֶבֶד; here David's military retainers under Joab.

ΔαυιδDavidgenitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'servants of David')→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as genitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'servants of David').

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ΙωαβJoabsubject (coordinate with οἱ παῖδες; indeclinable name)→ participant identificationΙωαβ: transliteration of Hebrew יוֹאָב (Joab); indeclinable; David's army-commander and nephew (son of Zeruiah), Abner's blood-enemy and his killer.

παρεγίνοντοwere arrivingImpf Mid Indic 3 Pl · παραγίνομαιmain verb→ progressive imperfect (the return in progress)παραγίνομαι: 'arrive / come'; the imperfect depicts the troops in the act of returning.

ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (source)→ spatial or relational framingἐκ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (source).

τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἐξοδίαςraid / expeditionGenitivegenitive of source (object of ἐκ)→ relational specificationἐξοδία: 'expedition / raid / sortie'; renders גְּדוּד; a military foray from which they return with spoil.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

σκῦλαplunderAccusativedirect object of ἔφερον→ object specificationσκῦλον (pl. σκῦλα): 'spoil / plunder'; renders שָׁלָל; the booty marks the raid's success and the troops' battle-readiness.

πολλὰmuchAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying σκῦλα)→ object specificationπολύς: 'much / many'; emphasizes the abundance of the plunder.

ἔφερονwere bringingImpf Act Indic 3 Pl · φέρωmain verb→ progressive imperfectφέρω: 'carry / bring'; the imperfect with σκῦλα depicts the laden return.

μετ᾿withpreposition + genitive (accompaniment)→ spatial or relational framingμετ᾿: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (accompaniment).

αὐτῶνthemGenitiveobject of μετά→ relational specificationαὐτῶν: meaning 'them'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of μετά.

καὶand / butnarrative conjunction (introducing contrastive background)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ΑβεννηρAbnersubject (indeclinable name)→ participant identificationΑβεννηρ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable name).

οὐκnotnegative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἦνwasImpf Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίcopula (background state)→ descriptive imperfectεἰμί: 'was (not)'; supplies the crucial background — Abner was already gone when the troops returned.

μετὰwithpreposition + genitive (accompaniment)→ spatial or relational framingμετὰ: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (accompaniment).

ΔαυιδDavidobject of μετά (indeclinable name)→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as object of μετά (indeclinable name).

εἰςin / atpreposition + accusative (place, with verb of rest)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (place, with verb of rest).

ὅτιfor / becausecausal conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: 'for / because'; introduces the explanation of Abner's absence.

ἀπεστάλκειhe had sent offPlpf Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀποστέλλωverb of the causal clause (anterior background)→ pluperfect (prior completed act)ἀποστέλλω (plpf.): 'had sent away'; the pluperfect marks David's prior dismissal of Abner — done before the army's return.

αὐτὸνhimAccusativedirect object of ἀπεστάλκει (= Abner)→ participant referenceαὐτὸν: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object of ἀπεστάλκει (= Abner).

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἀπεληλύθειhe had departedPlpf Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀπέρχομαιmain verb (anterior background)→ pluperfect (prior completed departure)ἀπέρχομαι (plpf.): 'had gone away'; the pluperfect stresses that Abner had already departed safely — the refrain ἐν εἰρήνῃ recurs.

ἐνinpreposition + dative (manner)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (manner).

εἰρήνῃpeaceDativedative of manner ('in peace')→ sphere or referenceεἰρήνη: the second occurrence of the refrain ἐν εἰρήνῃ — Abner's safe-conduct, soon to be betrayed.

καὶ Ιωαβ καὶ πᾶσα ἡ στρατιὰ αὐτοῦ ἤχθησαν καὶ ἀπηγγέλη τῷ Ιωαβ λέγοντες ἥκει Αβεννηρ υἱὸς Νηρ πρὸς Δαυιδ καὶ ἀπέσταλκεν αὐτὸν καὶ ἀπῆλθεν ἐν εἰρήνῃ

And Joab and all his army arrived, and it was reported to Joab, saying, 'Abner son of Ner has come to David, and he has sent him off, and he has gone away in peace.'

Report to Joab (the trigger of his treachery)καὶ Ιωαβ καὶ πᾶσα ἡ στρατιὰ

On Joab's arrival the news is relayed (the constructio ad sensum ἀπηγγέλη … λέγοντες, singular verb with plural participle, is a Hebraism). The report repeats the fatal trio of facts — Abner came, David dismissed him, he left ἐν εἰρήνῃ (the refrain's third occurrence) — precisely the peaceable outcome Joab cannot abide.

Word-by-word analysis· 26 words

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ΙωαβJoabsubject (indeclinable name)→ participant identificationΙωαβ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable name).

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

πᾶσαallNominativeattributive adjective (modifying στρατιά)→ participant prominenceπᾶς: 'all / whole'; the entire host returns with Joab.

ἡtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

στρατιὰarmyNominativesubject (coordinate with Ιωαβ)→ participant prominenceστρατιά: 'army / host'; renders צָבָא; Joab's whole military force.

αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession (Joab's army)→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (Joab's army).

ἤχθησανarrived / were broughtAor Pass Indic 3 Pl · ἄγωmain verb→ constative aoristἄγω (aor. pass.): lit. 'were led/brought'; here intransitively 'arrived / came in' — Joab's force reaches Hebron.

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἀπηγγέληit was reportedAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · ἀπαγγέλλωmain verb (impersonal passive of reporting)→ constative aoristἀπαγγέλλω (aor. pass.): 'be reported / announced'; renders הֻגַּד; the impersonal passive 'it was told to Joab', followed by a Hebraizing λέγοντες.

τῷtoDativearticle (dative indirect object)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ΙωαβJoabdative indirect object (indeclinable: 'to Joab')→ participant identificationΙωαβ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as dative indirect object (indeclinable: 'to Joab').

λέγοντεςsayingPres Act Ptcp Nom Pl Masc · λέγωparticiple of speech (constructio ad sensum with ἀπηγγέλη)→ circumstantial present participleλέγω (ptcp.): the plural λέγοντες after the singular passive ἀπηγγέλη is a Hebraism (the unnamed reporters being understood as the logical subject); introduces direct speech.

ἥκειhas comePres Act Indic 3 Sg · ἥκωmain verb of the report→ present-with-perfect-force (state of having arrived)ἥκω: 'have come / be present'; the present has perfect force ('has arrived and is here'); renders בָּא.

ΑβεννηρAbnersubject (indeclinable name)→ participant identificationΑβεννηρ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable name).

υἱὸςsonNominativeapposition to Αβεννηρ→ participant prominenceυἱός: 'son of Ner' — the patronymic, used pointedly in the death-context (cf. vv. 25, 28, 37).

ΝηρNergenitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'son of Ner')→ participant identificationΝηρ: transliteration of Hebrew נֵר (Ner); indeclinable; Abner's father, Saul's uncle.

πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (direction)→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction).

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἀπέσταλκενhas sent offPerf Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀποστέλλωmain verb of the report (David as subject)→ perfect (completed act with continuing result)ἀποστέλλω (perf.): 'has sent away'; the perfect stresses the settled fact — David has dismissed Abner, who is now beyond reach.

αὐτὸνhimAccusativedirect object of ἀπέσταλκεν (= Abner)→ participant referenceαὐτὸν: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object of ἀπέσταλκεν (= Abner).

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἀπῆλθενhe has gone awayAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀπέρχομαιmain verb (Abner's departure)→ constative aoristἀπέρχομαι: 'go away / depart'; the report's climax — Abner has gone, and safely.

ἐνinpreposition + dative (manner)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (manner).

εἰρήνῃpeaceDativedative of manner ('in peace')→ sphere or referenceεἰρήνη: the third and final occurrence of the refrain ἐν εἰρήνῃ; the very peaceableness of Abner's departure is what provokes Joab.

καὶ εἰσῆλθεν Ιωαβ πρὸς τὸν βασιλέα καὶ εἶπεν τί τοῦτο ἐποίησας ἰδοὺ ἦλθεν Αβεννηρ πρὸς σέ καὶ ἵνα τί ἐξαπέσταλκας αὐτὸν καὶ ἀπελήλυθεν ἐν εἰρήνῃ

And Joab went in to the king and said, 'What is this you have done? Behold, Abner came to you; why is it that you have sent him off, and he has gone away?'

Confrontation: Joab rebukes the kingκαὶ εἰσῆλθεν Ιωαβ

Joab storms in to confront David with two indignant questions: τί τοῦτο ἐποίησας ('what is this you have done?') and ἵνα τί ('why?'). The accusatory perfect ἐξαπέσταλκας ('you have sent him off') treats David's diplomacy as folly; Joab will follow words with deadly action, presuming on David's good faith toward Abner.

Word-by-word analysis· 25 words

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

εἰσῆλθενwent inAor Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰσέρχομαιmain verb→ constative aoristεἰσέρχομαι: 'go in / enter'; Joab comes in to confront David.

ΙωαβJoabsubject (indeclinable name)→ participant identificationΙωαβ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable name).

πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (direction)→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction).

τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

βασιλέαkingAccusativeobject of πρός (= David)→ object specificationβασιλεύς (acc. βασιλέα): 'king'; David, here titled by office — Joab challenges his royal judgment.

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

τίwhatAccusativeinterrogative pronoun (object of ἐποίησας)→ participant referenceτίς, τί: interrogative; τί τοῦτο ἐποίησας ('what is this you have done?', מֶה עָשִׂיתָ) is an indignant rebuke (cf. Gen 3:13).

τοῦτοthisAccusativedemonstrative (in apposition to τί)→ participant referenceοὗτος: 'this'; intensifies the accusatory question.

ἐποίησαςyou have doneAor Act Indic 2 Sg · ποιέωmain verb of the question→ constative aoristποιέω: 'do'; the aorist in the reproach 'what have you done?'

ἰδοὺbeholdpresentative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastἰδού: 'behold'; draws David's attention to the alleged blunder.

ἦλθενcameAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἔρχομαιmain verb→ constative aoristἔρχομαι: 'come'; Joab states the fact — Abner came to David.

ΑβεννηρAbnersubject (indeclinable name)→ participant identificationΑβεννηρ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable name).

πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (direction)→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction).

σέyouAccusativeobject of πρός→ participant referenceσέ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of πρός.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction (introducing second question)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἵνα(in order) thatconjunction (in interrogative idiom ἵνα τί: 'why')→ discourse linkage or contrastἵνα: in the idiom ἵνα τί ('to what end? / why?'), an interrogative rendering לָמָּה.

τίwhyAccusativeinterrogative pronoun (in idiom ἵνα τί)→ participant referenceτί: in ἵνα τί ('why / for what reason'); Joab demands the rationale for releasing Abner.

ἐξαπέσταλκαςyou have sent offPerf Act Indic 2 Sg · ἐξαποστέλλωmain verb of the second question→ perfect (completed act with abiding result)ἐξαποστέλλω (perf.): 'have sent away'; the perfect underlines the irreversibility, in Joab's eyes, of David's mistake — Abner is now safely gone.

αὐτὸνhimAccusativedirect object of ἐξαπέσταλκας (= Abner)→ participant referenceαὐτὸν: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object of ἐξαπέσταλκας (= Abner).

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἀπελήλυθενhe has gone awayPerf Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀπέρχομαιmain verb→ perfect (completed departure, abiding state)ἀπέρχομαι (perf.): 'has gone away'; the perfect stresses Abner's now-secure escape, fueling Joab's resolve to act.

ἐνinpreposition + dative (manner)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (manner).

εἰρήνῃpeaceDativedative of manner ('in peace')→ sphere or referenceεἰρήνη: 'peace'; Joab throws the refrain back at David — that Abner left 'in peace' is, to Joab, the very scandal.

ἦ οὐκ οἶδας τὴν κακίαν Αβεννηρ υἱοῦ Νηρ ὅτι ἀπατῆσαί σε παρεγένετο καὶ γνῶναι τὴν ἔξοδόν σου καὶ τὴν εἴσοδόν σου καὶ γνῶναι ἅπαντα ὅσα σὺ ποιεῖς

Do you not know the wickedness of Abner son of Ner, that he came to deceive you and to learn your going out and your coming in, and to learn all that you do?

Slander: Joab impugns Abner's motivesἦ οὐκ οἶδας

Joab presses his case with a leading question (ἦ οὐκ οἶδας, 'do you not know?') that presupposes Abner's malice. The three purpose infinitives (ἀπατῆσαι … γνῶναι … γνῶναι) cast Abner as a spy; the merism τὴν ἔξοδόν … καὶ τὴν εἴσοδον ('your going out and coming in') is a Hebraism for the whole of one's activity and movements — Joab insinuates total espionage.

Word-by-word analysis· 27 words

ἦsurely / indeedinterrogative particle (introducing a pointed question)→ discourse linkage or contrastἦ: an interrogative/asseverative particle introducing an emphatic question; here 'do you really not know …?'

οὐκnotnegative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

οἶδαςyou knowPerf Act Indic 2 Sg · οἶδαmain verb of the question→ perfect-with-present-force (settled knowledge)οἶδα: 'know'; the perfect with present meaning; Joab's rhetorical question presumes David ought to recognize Abner's malice.

τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

κακίανwickednessAccusativedirect object of οἶδας→ object specificationκακία: 'wickedness / malice'; renders רָעָה; Joab imputes evil intent to Abner — the pretext for the murder.

Αβεννηρof Abnergenitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'wickedness of Abner')→ participant identificationΑβεννηρ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as genitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'wickedness of Abner').

υἱοῦsonGenitivegenitive in apposition to Αβεννηρ→ relational specificationυἱός (gen. υἱοῦ): 'son of Ner'; the patronymic, recurrent in the death-narrative.

ΝηρNergenitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'son of Ner')→ participant identificationΝηρ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as genitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'son of Ner').

ὅτιthatconjunction (epexegetical: explaining 'the wickedness')→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: 'that'; introduces the content of Abner's alleged malice.

ἀπατῆσαίto deceiveAor Act Inf · ἀπατάωinfinitive of purpose (Abner's alleged aim)→ aorist infinitive (purpose)ἀπατάω: 'deceive / trick'; renders פָּתָה; the first of Joab's three slanderous purpose-infinitives.

σεyouAccusativeobject of ἀπατῆσαι→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of ἀπατῆσαι.

παρεγένετοhe cameAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · παραγίνομαιmain verb of the ὅτι-clause→ constative aoristπαραγίνομαι: 'come / arrive'; Joab reframes Abner's diplomatic visit as a spying mission.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

γνῶναιto learnAor Act Inf · γινώσκωinfinitive of purpose (second alleged aim)→ aorist infinitive (purpose)γινώσκω: 'know / find out'; renders יָדַע; here 'to spy out' — Abner allegedly came to reconnoiter David's movements.

τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἔξοδόνgoing outAccusativedirect object of γνῶναι (first member of merism)→ object specificationἔξοδος: 'going out / departure'; renders מוֹצָא; in the merism 'going out and coming in' (military/daily movements).

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

εἴσοδόνcoming inAccusativedirect object of γνῶναι (second member of merism)→ object specificationεἴσοδος: 'coming in / entrance'; renders מָבוֹא; 'going out and coming in' is a Hebraism for the totality of one's conduct and campaigns (cf. Deut 28:6; 1 Kgdms 29:6).

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

γνῶναιto learnAor Act Inf · γινώσκωinfinitive of purpose (third alleged aim)→ aorist infinitive (purpose)γινώσκω: the repeated infinitive heightens the charge — Abner came to learn 'everything you do'.

ἅπανταeverythingAccusativesubstantivized adjective (object of γνῶναι)→ object specificationἅπας: 'all / the whole'; the strengthened form of πᾶς; 'absolutely everything you do' — total espionage.

ὅσαwhateverAccusativerelative pronoun (introducing relative clause)→ participant referenceὅσος: 'as much/many as'; ἅπαντα ὅσα = 'all that'.

σὺyouNominativeemphatic subject pronoun→ participant referenceσύ: the emphatic 'you' sharpens the personal threat Joab alleges against David.

ποιεῖςdoPres Act Indic 2 Sg · ποιέωverb of the relative clause→ progressive present (habitual activity)ποιέω: 'do'; the present marks David's ongoing affairs, supposedly all spied out by Abner.

καὶ ἀνέστρεψεν Ιωαβ ἀπὸ τοῦ Δαυιδ καὶ ἀπέστειλεν ἀγγέλους ὀπίσω Αβεννηρ καὶ ἐπιστρέφουσιν αὐτὸν ἀπὸ τοῦ φρέατος τοῦ Σεϊραμ καὶ Δαυιδ οὐκ ᾔδει

And Joab went out from David and sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the well of Seiram; but David did not know it.

Treachery set in motion: Abner recalled without David's knowledgeκαὶ ἀνέστρεψεν Ιωαβ

Joab acts on his own. He leaves David's presence and sends agents who recall Abner from the well of Seiram. The historic present ἐπιστρέφουσιν ('they bring back') quickens the pace toward the murder; the closing clause καὶ Δαυιδ οὐκ ᾔδει ('but David did not know') exonerates the king in advance — a key theme of vv. 28–37.

Word-by-word analysis· 23 words

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἀνέστρεψενwent out / turned awayAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀναστρέφωmain verb→ constative aoristἀναστρέφω: 'turn back / go out'; here Joab withdraws from David's presence to act on his own.

ΙωαβJoabsubject (indeclinable name)→ participant identificationΙωαβ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable name).

ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (separation)→ spatial or relational framingἀπὸ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (separation).

τοῦtheGenitivearticle (with indeclinable name)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ΔαυιδDavidgenitive of separation (object of ἀπό; indeclinable, marked by article)→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as genitive of separation (object of ἀπό; indeclinable, marked by article).

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἀπέστειλενsentAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀποστέλλωmain verb→ constative aoristἀποστέλλω: 'send'; Joab dispatches agents to recall Abner — without David's knowledge or sanction.

ἀγγέλουςmessengersAccusativedirect object of ἀπέστειλεν→ object specificationἄγγελος: 'messenger'; Joab's own agents, sent to lure Abner back.

ὀπίσωafterpreposition + genitive (pursuit: 'after Abner')→ spatial or relational framingὀπίσω: 'after / behind'; renders אַחֲרֵי; the messengers go in pursuit of the departed Abner.

ΑβεννηρAbnerobject of ὀπίσω (indeclinable name)→ participant identificationΑβεννηρ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as object of ὀπίσω (indeclinable name).

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἐπιστρέφουσινthey bring backPres Act Indic 3 Pl · ἐπιστρέφωmain verb (historic present)→ historic present (vivid narration)ἐπιστρέφω: 'turn back / bring back'; the historic present quickens the narrative toward the ambush — the agents fetch Abner back to Hebron.

αὐτὸνhimAccusativedirect object of ἐπιστρέφουσιν (= Abner)→ participant referenceαὐτὸν: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object of ἐπιστρέφουσιν (= Abner).

ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (source)→ spatial or relational framingἀπὸ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (source).

τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

φρέατοςwellGenitivegenitive of source (object of ἀπό)→ relational specificationφρέαρ (gen. φρέατος): 'well / cistern'; renders בּוֹר; a landmark on Abner's route, the well of Seiram.

τοῦtheGenitivearticle (with indeclinable place-name)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ΣεϊραμSeiramgenitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'well of Seiram')→ participant identificationΣεϊραμ: transliteration of Hebrew הַסִּרָה (Sirah); indeclinable; the well from which Abner is recalled.

καὶbutnarrative conjunction (adversative: parenthetical)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'but'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ΔαυιδDavidsubject (indeclinable name)→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable name).

οὐκnotnegative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ᾔδειknewPlpf Act Indic 3 Sg · οἶδαmain verb (parenthetical: David's ignorance)→ pluperfect-with-imperfect-force ('did not know')οἶδα (plpf. ᾔδει = past 'knew'): 'know'; the crucial exculpatory note — David had no knowledge of Joab's recall of Abner, establishing the king's innocence of the murder.

καὶ ἐπέστρεψεν Αβεννηρ εἰς Χεβρων καὶ ἐξέκλινεν αὐτὸν Ιωαβ ἐκ πλαγίων τῆς πύλης λαλῆσαι πρὸς αὐτὸν ἐνεδρεύων καὶ ἐπάταξεν αὐτὸν ἐκεῖ ἐπὶ τὴν ψόαν καὶ ἀπέθανεν ἐν τῷ αἵματι Ασαηλ τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ Ιωαβ

And Abner returned to Hebron, and Joab drew him aside from the side of the gate to speak to him privately, lying in wait; and he struck him there in the belly, and he died, for the blood of Asahel, Joab's brother.

Climactic act: the murder of Abnerκαὶ ἐπέστρεψεν Αβεννηρ

The murder is told in swift strokes: Abner returns, Joab draws him aside (ἐξέκλινεν) at the gate under pretext of private speech, but ἐνεδρεύων ('lying in wait') exposes the treachery; the blow ἐπὶ τὴν ψόαν ('in the belly/groin') deliberately mirrors how Abner had killed Asahel (2:23). The closing ἐν τῷ αἵματι Ασαηλ ('for the blood of Asahel') names the blood-vengeance motive.

Word-by-word analysis· 33 words

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἐπέστρεψενreturnedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐπιστρέφωmain verb→ constative aoristἐπιστρέφω: 'return / turn back'; Abner, recalled, returns to Hebron — to his death.

ΑβεννηρAbnersubject (indeclinable name)→ participant identificationΑβεννηρ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable name).

εἰςtopreposition + accusative (place)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (place).

ΧεβρωνHebronobject of εἰς (indeclinable place-name)→ participant identificationΧεβρων: Hebron — also a city of refuge (Josh 21:13), which heightens the outrage of a killing within its gate.

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἐξέκλινενdrew asideAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐκκλίνωmain verb (the treacherous maneuver)→ constative aoristἐκκλίνω: 'turn aside / draw aside'; here transitive — Joab leads Abner away from the crowd at the gate under false pretense.

αὐτὸνhimAccusativedirect object of ἐξέκλινεν (= Abner)→ participant referenceαὐτὸν: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object of ἐξέκλινεν (= Abner).

ΙωαβJoabsubject (indeclinable name)→ participant identificationΙωαβ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable name).

ἐκfrom / atpreposition + genitive (location)→ spatial or relational framingἐκ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (location).

πλαγίωνthe sideGenitivegenitive object of ἐκ (substantivized adjective: 'the side parts')→ relational specificationπλάγιος: 'sideways / of the side'; ἐκ πλαγίων ('to the side / aside') — Joab leads Abner to the inner recess of the gateway, away from witnesses.

τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

πύληςgateGenitivegenitive of relationship (with πλαγίων: 'the side of the gate')→ relational specificationπύλη: 'gate'; renders שַׁעַר; the city gate, the public space of justice and commerce — the scene of the secret murder.

λαλῆσαιto speakAor Act Inf · λαλέωinfinitive of (pretended) purpose→ aorist infinitive (the pretext)λαλέω (aor. inf.): the pretextual purpose — Joab acts 'to speak with him', masking the ambush.

αὐτὸνhimAccusativeobject of πρός (= Abner)→ participant referenceαὐτὸν: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of πρός (= Abner).

ἐνεδρεύωνlying in waitPres Act Ptcp Nom Sg Masc · ἐνεδρεύωcircumstantial participle (revealing the true intent)→ durative present participle (treacherous design)ἐνεδρεύω: 'lie in wait / ambush / plot'; renders אָרַב; the participle unmasks the lethal intent beneath the pretext of conversation.

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἐπάταξενstruckAor Act Indic 3 Sg · πατάσσωmain verb (the fatal blow)→ constative aoristπατάσσω: 'strike / smite'; renders הִכָּה; the death-blow, struck treacherously while Abner suspected nothing.

αὐτὸνhimAccusativedirect object of ἐπάταξεν (= Abner)→ participant referenceαὐτὸν: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object of ἐπάταξεν (= Abner).

ἐκεῖthereadverb of place→ adverbial qualificationἐκεῖ: 'there'; at the gate, the place to which Joab had drawn him.

ἐπὶin / onpreposition + accusative (place of the wound)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (place of the wound).

τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ψόανbelly / groinAccusativeaccusative (place of the wound)→ object specificationψόα: 'loin / belly / groin'; renders חֹמֶשׁ; the same fatal spot where Abner had killed Asahel (2:23) — a deliberate talionic echo.

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἀπέθανενhe diedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀποθνῄσκωmain verb→ constative aoristἀποθνῄσκω: 'die'; renders מוּת; Abner's death, the deed done within the gate of Hebron.

ἐνfor / on account ofpreposition + dative (cause/price: 'for the blood')→ spatial or relational framingἐν: here causal, 'for / on account of'; ἐν τῷ αἵματι = 'in requital for the blood'.

τῷtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

αἵματιbloodDativedative of cause (the blood being avenged)→ sphere or referenceαἷμα: 'blood'; renders דָּם; here the shed blood of Asahel that Joab avenges — blood-vengeance (גְּאֻלַּת הַדָּם), though wrongly exacted in a city of refuge against one sent in peace.

ΑσαηλAsahelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'blood of Asahel')→ participant identificationΑσαηλ: transliteration of Hebrew עֲשָׂהאֵל (Asahel); indeclinable; Joab's youngest brother, slain by Abner in self-defense at Gibeon (2 Kgdms 2:18–23).

τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἀδελφοῦbrotherGenitivegenitive in apposition to Ασαηλ→ relational specificationἀδελφός: 'brother'; identifies Asahel as Joab's brother — the kinship that obligated and motivated the vengeance.

Ιωαβof Joabgenitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'brother of Joab')→ participant identificationΙωαβ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as genitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'brother of Joab').

καὶ ἤκουσεν Δαυιδ μετὰ ταῦτα καὶ εἶπεν ἀθῷός εἰμι ἐγὼ καὶ ἡ βασιλεία μου ἀπὸ κυρίου ἕως αἰῶνος ἀπὸ τῶν αἱμάτων Αβεννηρ υἱοῦ Νηρ

And David heard of it afterward, and said, 'I am innocent, I and my kingdom, before the LORD forever, of the blood of Abner son of Ner.'

David's disclaimer of guilt (opening section G)καὶ ἤκουσεν Δαυιδ

On hearing of the murder, David's first act is a formal disavowal of bloodguilt: ἀθῷός εἰμι ('I am innocent', a judicial term) for himself and his dynasty (ἡ βασιλεία μου), before YHWH (ἀπὸ κυρίου) and for all time (ἕως αἰῶνος). The plural αἱμάτων ('bloods') is the standard Hebraism (דָּמִים) for bloodguilt incurred by violent death.

Word-by-word analysis· 24 words

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἤκουσενheardAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀκούωmain verb→ constative aoristἀκούω: 'hear'; renders שָׁמַע; David learns of the murder after the fact — reinforcing his non-involvement.

ΔαυιδDavidsubject (indeclinable name)→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable name).

μετὰafterpreposition + accusative (temporal: 'afterward')→ spatial or relational framingμετά + acc.: 'after'; μετὰ ταῦτα ('after these things / afterward') marks David's hearing as subsequent to the deed.

ταῦταthese thingsAccusativeobject of μετά (temporal)→ object specificationοὗτος: 'these things'; μετὰ ταῦτα = 'afterward'.

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἀθῷόςinnocentNominativepredicate adjective (with εἰμι)→ participant prominenceἀθῷος: 'innocent / guiltless / unpunished'; renders נָקִי; a judicial term — David formally declares himself free of bloodguilt for Abner's death.

εἰμιamPres Act Indic 1 Sg · εἰμίcopula→ stative present (divine self-attestation)εἰμί: the copula in the formal declaration of innocence.

ἐγὼINominativeemphatic subject pronoun→ participant referenceἐγώ: the emphatic 'I' personalizes the disavowal.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἡtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

βασιλείαkingdomNominativesubject (extending innocence to the dynasty)→ participant prominenceβασιλεία: 'kingdom / kingship'; David extends the disclaimer to his whole reign and dynasty, lest the bloodguilt taint the throne.

ἀπὸbefore / frompreposition + genitive (in the sight of)→ spatial or relational framingἀπό: here 'before / in the sight of' (rendering מֵעִם / לִפְנֵי); David's innocence is declared coram Deo.

κυρίουLORDGenitivegenitive object of ἀπό (the Tetragrammaton)→ relational specificationκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה; David appeals to YHWH as the supreme judge of bloodguilt.

ἕωςforever / topreposition + genitive (temporal extent)→ spatial or relational framingἕως: 'until / unto'; ἕως αἰῶνος ('forever') stresses the permanence of the disavowal.

αἰῶνοςage / foreverGenitivegenitive of time (object of ἕως: 'forever')→ relational specificationαἰών: 'age / eternity'; ἕως αἰῶνος renders עַד־עוֹלָם ('forever') — David's innocence holds for all time.

ἀπὸof / frompreposition + genitive (separation: free from)→ spatial or relational framingἀπό: here 'free from' — ἀθῷος ἀπό ('innocent of') marks the matter from which David is guiltless.

τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

αἱμάτωνbloodGenitivegenitive of separation (object of ἀπό)→ relational specificationαἷμα (pl. αἱμάτων): 'blood(s)'; the plural τῶν αἱμάτων renders the Hebrew דָּמִים ('bloodguilt'), the plural of violent bloodshed; David disclaims any share in it.

Αβεννηρof Abnergenitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'blood of Abner')→ participant identificationΑβεννηρ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as genitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'blood of Abner').

υἱοῦsonGenitivegenitive in apposition to Αβεννηρ→ relational specificationυἱός (gen. υἱοῦ): 'son of Ner'; the recurring patronymic in the death-context.

καταντησάτωσαν ἐπὶ κεφαλὴν Ιωαβ καὶ ἐπὶ πάντα τὸν οἶκον τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτοῦ καὶ μὴ ἐκλίποι ἐκ τοῦ οἴκου Ιωαβ γονορρυὴς καὶ λεπρὸς καὶ κρατῶν σκυτάλης καὶ πίπτων ἐν ῥομφαίᾳ καὶ ἐλασσούμενος ἄρτοις

Let them fall upon the head of Joab and upon all his father's house; and let there never fail from the house of Joab one with a discharge, or a leper, or one who leans on a staff, or one who falls by the sword, or one lacking bread.

Imprecation: David curses Joab's houseκαταντησάτωσαν ἐπὶ κεφαλὴν Ιωαβ

David transfers the bloodguilt onto Joab's line. The imperative καταντησάτωσαν ('let them light upon') and the optative of imprecation μὴ ἐκλίποι ('may there never fail') invoke a perpetual curse — a five-fold list of afflictions (discharge, leprosy, staff-leaning infirmity, death by sword, want of bread) that should never be absent from Joab's house.

Word-by-word analysis· 32 words

καταντησάτωσανlet them fallAor Act Impv 3 Pl · καταντάωmain verb (imprecative imperative)→ aorist imperative (curse: 'let them come down')καταντάω: 'come to / arrive at / light upon'; the subject is 'the bloods' of v. 28 — David imprecates that the guilt fall on Joab's head.

ἐπὶuponpreposition + accusative (target of the curse)→ spatial or relational framingἐπί + acc.: 'upon'; the bloodguilt is to descend 'upon the head of' Joab (idiom for personal liability).

κεφαλὴνheadAccusativeobject of ἐπί (idiom 'upon the head of')→ object specificationκεφαλή: 'head'; 'upon the head of Joab' (עַל־רֹאשׁ) localizes the bloodguilt on Joab personally.

Ιωαβof Joabgenitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'head of Joab')→ participant identificationΙωαβ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as genitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'head of Joab').

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἐπὶuponpreposition + accusative (extending the curse)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'upon'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (extending the curse).

πάνταallAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying οἶκον)→ object specificationπᾶς: 'all / whole'; the curse extends to Joab's entire paternal house.

τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

οἶκονhouseAccusativeobject of ἐπί→ object specificationοἶκος: 'house / household'; here Joab's whole patrilineal house, sharing the curse.

τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

πατρὸςfatherGenitivegenitive of relationship (with οἶκον: 'his father's house')→ relational specificationπατήρ (gen. πατρός): 'father'; 'the house of his father' = Joab's whole clan (the sons of Zeruiah and their descendants).

αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession (Joab's)→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (Joab's).

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

μὴnot / nevernegative (with optative of imprecation)→ clausal qualification or emphasisμή: with the optative ἐκλίποι, an imprecatory wish — 'may there never fail / cease'.

ἐκλίποιmay there failAor Act Opt 3 Sg · ἐκλείπωmain verb (optative of imprecation)→ optative of wish (perpetual curse)ἐκλείπω: 'fail / cease / be wanting'; renders כָּרַת / חָדַל; μὴ ἐκλίποι ('may there never be lacking') invokes the perpetual presence of the listed afflictions in Joab's house.

ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (source)→ spatial or relational framingἐκ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (source).

τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

οἴκουhouseGenitivegenitive of source (object of ἐκ: 'from the house')→ relational specificationοἴκου: meaning 'house'; it serves as genitive of source (object of ἐκ: 'from the house').

Ιωαβof Joabgenitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'house of Joab')→ participant identificationΙωαβ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as genitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'house of Joab').

γονορρυὴςone with a dischargeNominativesubject of ἐκλίποι (first of the five afflictions)→ participant prominenceγονόρρυης: 'having a (genital) discharge'; renders זָב; the first curse — chronic ritual impurity (Lev 15); the afflicted is perpetually unclean.

καὶand / orcoordinate conjunction (in the list)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

λεπρὸςleperNominativesubject of ἐκλίποι (second affliction)→ participant prominenceλεπρός: 'leprous / a leper'; renders מְצֹרָע; the second curse — an outcast skin-disease entailing exclusion from the community.

καὶand / orcoordinate conjunction (in the list)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

κρατῶνone holdingPres Act Ptcp Nom Sg Masc · κρατέωsubstantival participle (third affliction)→ durative present participleκρατέω: 'hold / grasp'; the substantival participle κρατῶν σκυτάλης ('one holding a staff/crutch') denotes the lame or infirm who must lean on a stick — the third curse.

σκυτάληςstaffGenitivegenitive object of κρατῶν (κρατέω + gen.)→ relational specificationσκυτάλη: 'staff / stick / crutch'; renders פֶּלֶךְ; 'one who grasps a crutch' = the lame/disabled.

καὶand / orcoordinate conjunction (in the list)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

πίπτωνone fallingPres Act Ptcp Nom Sg Masc · πίπτωsubstantival participle (fourth affliction)→ durative present participleπίπτω: 'fall'; πίπτων ἐν ῥομφαίᾳ ('one falling by the sword') = death in battle/violence — the fourth curse.

ἐνbypreposition + dative (instrumental)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'by'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (instrumental).

ῥομφαίᾳswordDativedative of means (instrument of death)→ sphere or referenceῥομφαία: 'sword / large blade'; renders חֶרֶב; death 'by the sword', the violent end David wishes upon Joab's line — a fitting recompense for Joab's own violence.

καὶand / orcoordinate conjunction (in the list)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἐλασσούμενοςone lackingPres Mid/Pass Ptcp Nom Sg Masc · ἐλασσόωsubstantival participle (fifth affliction)→ durative present participleἐλασσόω (mid./pass.): 'be diminished / lack / be in want'; ἐλασσούμενος ἄρτοις ('lacking bread') = destitution and famine — the fifth and final curse.

ἄρτοιςbreadDativedative of respect (with ἐλασσούμενος: 'lacking in bread')→ sphere or referenceἄρτος: 'bread / food'; renders לֶחֶם; the dative of respect — 'wanting in bread', i.e. reduced to beggary.

Ιωαβ δὲ καὶ Αβεσσα ὁ ἀδελφὸς αὐτοῦ διεπαρετηροῦντο τὸν Αβεννηρ ἀνθ᾿ ὧν ἐθανάτωσεν τὸν Ασαηλ τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτῶν ἐν Γαβαων ἐν τῷ πολέμῳ

Now Joab and Abessa his brother had been lying in wait for Abner, in return for his having killed Asahel their brother at Gibeon in the battle.

Explanatory aside: the motive of the brothersΙωαβ δὲ καὶ Αβεσσα

A narrator's parenthetical (marked by δέ) names the conspirators and supplies the motive. The durative imperfect διεπαρετηροῦντο ('they had been watching closely / lying in wait') shows premeditation by both Joab and Abishai (Abessa); the causal ἀνθ᾿ ὧν ('because') roots the deed in lawful-seeming blood-vengeance for Asahel, slain at Gibeon (2:23).

Word-by-word analysis· 23 words

ΙωαβJoabsubject (indeclinable name)→ participant identificationΙωαβ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable name).

δὲnownarrative continuative (post-positive, introducing aside)→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: post-positive; introduces the explanatory parenthetical about the brothers' motive.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ΑβεσσαAbessasubject (coordinate with Ιωαβ; indeclinable name)→ participant identificationΑβεσσα: transliteration of Hebrew אֲבִישַׁי (Abishai); indeclinable; Joab's brother, co-conspirator in the vengeance.

ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἀδελφὸςbrotherNominativeapposition to Αβεσσα→ participant prominenceἀδελφός: 'brother'; identifies Abessa as Joab's brother (both sons of Zeruiah, with the slain Asahel).

αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession (Joab's brother)→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (Joab's brother).

διεπαρετηροῦντοhad been lying in wait forImpf Mid Indic 3 Pl · διαπαρατηρέωmain verb (premeditation)→ durative imperfect (sustained watching/plotting)διαπαρατηρέω: 'watch closely / lie in wait for'; the doubly-compounded verb intensifies the sense of persistent, premeditated surveillance — the brothers had long been waiting their chance against Abner.

τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with indeclinable name)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ΑβεννηρAbnerdirect object of διεπαρετηροῦντο (indeclinable, marked by article)→ participant identificationΑβεννηρ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as direct object of διεπαρετηροῦντο (indeclinable, marked by article).

ἀνθ᾿in return for / becausepreposition + genitive (in idiom ἀνθ᾿ ὧν: 'because')→ spatial or relational framingἀντί: 'in return for / instead of'; in the idiom ἀνθ᾿ ὧν ('because / in requital for which'), giving the motive of the vengeance.

ὧνwhichGenitiverelative pronoun (in idiom ἀνθ᾿ ὧν)→ relational specificationὅς: relative pronoun; ἀνθ᾿ ὧν = 'because / on account of the fact that'.

ἐθανάτωσενhe killedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · θανατόωverb of the causal clause (Abner as subject)→ constative aoristθανατόω: 'put to death / kill'; renders הֵמִית; the deed Abner committed against Asahel — though done in battle and in self-defense (2:18–23).

τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with indeclinable name)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ΑσαηλAsaheldirect object of ἐθανάτωσεν (indeclinable, marked by article)→ participant identificationΑσαηλ: the slain brother, whose death is the pretext for the vengeance.

τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἀδελφὸνbrotherAccusativeaccusative in apposition to Ασαηλ→ object specificationἀδελφός: 'brother'; Asahel as 'their brother' (of Joab and Abessa) — the kinship grounding the blood-vengeance.

αὐτῶνtheirGenitivegenitive of possession (the brothers')→ relational specificationαὐτῶν: meaning 'their'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (the brothers').

ἐνatpreposition + dative (place)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'at'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (place).

ΓαβαωνGibeonobject of ἐν (indeclinable place-name)→ participant identificationΓαβαων: transliteration of Hebrew גִּבְעוֹן (Gibeon); indeclinable; the site of the earlier battle where Abner killed Asahel (2:12–23).

ἐνinpreposition + dative (circumstance)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (circumstance).

τῷtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

πολέμῳbattleDativedative of circumstance (object of ἐν: 'in the battle')→ sphere or referenceπόλεμος: 'war / battle'; the qualifier 'in the battle' subtly notes that Abner's killing of Asahel was an act of war, not murder — implicitly questioning the justice of Joab's vengeance.

καὶ εἶπεν Δαυιδ πρὸς Ιωαβ καὶ πρὸς πάντα τὸν λαὸν τὸν μετ᾿ αὐτοῦ διαρρήξατε τὰ ἱμάτια ὑμῶν καὶ περιζώσασθε σάκκους καὶ κόπτεσθε ἔμπροσθεν Αβεννηρ καὶ ὁ βασιλεὺς Δαυιδ ἐπορεύετο ὀπίσω τῆς κλίνης

And David said to Joab and to all the people who were with him, 'Rend your garments, and gird yourselves with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner.' And King David walked behind the bier.

Command to mourn (opening section H)καὶ εἶπεν Δαυιδ πρὸς Ιωαβ

David orders public mourning, pointedly addressing Joab himself first (πρὸς Ιωαβ) — compelling the murderer to lead the lament for his victim. The three mourning imperatives (διαρρήξατε … περιζώσασθε … κόπτεσθε) prescribe the full ritual; David's own walking ὀπίσω τῆς κλίνης ('behind the bier') publicly demonstrates his innocence and honor toward Abner.

Word-by-word analysis· 32 words

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ΔαυιδDavidsubject (indeclinable name)→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable name).

ΙωαβJoabobject of πρός (indeclinable name)→ participant identificationΙωαβ: David addresses the murderer first — Joab himself must mourn the man he killed, a pointed humiliation.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

πάνταallAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying λαόν)→ object specificationπᾶς: 'all'; the whole people, summoned to public mourning.

τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

λαὸνpeopleAccusativeobject of πρός→ object specificationλαός: 'people'; the populace with David, commanded to mourn.

τὸνthe (ones)Accusativearticle (attributive: 'who were with him')→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

διαρρήξατεrendAor Act Impv 2 Pl · διαρρήγνυμιmain verb (first mourning imperative)→ aorist imperative (decisive ritual act)διαρρήγνυμι: 'tear apart / rend'; renders קָרַע; rending garments is the standard sign of grief and mourning (cf. Gen 37:34).

τὰtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἱμάτιαgarmentsAccusativedirect object of διαρρήξατε→ object specificationἱμάτιον: 'garment / cloak'; renders בֶּגֶד; the torn garment publicly displays grief.

ὑμῶνyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationὑμῶν: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

περιζώσασθεgird yourselves withAor Mid Impv 2 Pl · περιζώννυμιmain verb (second mourning imperative)→ aorist imperativeπεριζώννυμι (mid.): 'gird oneself'; renders חָגַר; girding with sackcloth is a mourning rite (cf. Gen 37:34; Joel 1:13).

σάκκουςsackclothAccusativedirect object of περιζώσασθε→ object specificationσάκκος: 'sackcloth'; renders שַׂק; coarse mourning-cloth worn next to the skin.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

κόπτεσθεmourn / beat (the breast)Pres Mid Impv 2 Pl · κόπτωmain verb (third mourning imperative)→ present imperative (continuous lamentation)κόπτω (mid. 'beat oneself / mourn'): 'lament / beat the breast'; renders סָפַד; the present imperative calls for sustained ritual wailing before the corpse.

ἔμπροσθενbeforepreposition + genitive (in front of)→ spatial or relational framingἔμπροσθεν: 'before / in front of'; renders לִפְנֵי; the mourners go before the bier of Abner.

ΑβεννηρAbnerobject of ἔμπροσθεν (indeclinable name)→ participant identificationΑβεννηρ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as object of ἔμπροσθεν (indeclinable name).

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

βασιλεὺςkingNominativesubject (in apposition with Δαυιδ)→ participant prominenceβασιλεύς: 'king'; the title ὁ βασιλεὺς Δαυιδ stresses that the king himself joins the mourning procession — a public act of vindication.

ΔαυιδDavidapposition to ὁ βασιλεύς (indeclinable name)→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as apposition to ὁ βασιλεύς (indeclinable name).

ἐπορεύετοwalkedImpf Mid Indic 3 Sg · πορεύομαιmain verb (David in the funeral procession)→ progressive imperfect (the walking procession)πορεύομαι: 'go / walk'; the imperfect depicts David walking in solemn procession behind the bier.

ὀπίσωbehindpreposition + genitive (spatial)→ spatial or relational framingὀπίσω: 'behind / after'; David follows the bier as chief mourner — a striking public honor to the slain Abner.

τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

κλίνηςbierGenitiveobject of ὀπίσω→ relational specificationκλίνη: 'couch / bier'; renders מִטָּה; the funeral bier on which Abner's body was carried.

καὶ θάπτουσιν τὸν Αβεννηρ εἰς Χεβρων καὶ ἦρεν ὁ βασιλεὺς τὴν φωνὴν αὐτοῦ καὶ ἔκλαυσεν ἐπὶ τοῦ τάφου αὐτοῦ καὶ ἔκλαυσεν πᾶς ὁ λαὸς ἐπὶ Αβεννηρ

And they buried Abner in Hebron; and the king lifted up his voice and wept at his grave, and all the people wept over Abner.

Burial and weepingκαὶ θάπτουσιν τὸν Αβεννηρ

The burial is told with a historic present (θάπτουσιν), then David's grief in the idiom ἦρεν … τὴν φωνὴν αὐτοῦ καὶ ἔκλαυσεν ('lifted his voice and wept'). The repetition ἔκλαυσεν … ἔκλαυσεν πᾶς ὁ λαός frames a communal lament: king and people together weep over Abner, sealing his public honor and David's innocence.

Word-by-word analysis· 26 words

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

θάπτουσινthey buriedPres Act Indic 3 Pl · θάπτωmain verb (historic present)→ historic present (vivid narration)θάπτω: 'bury'; renders קָבַר; the historic present makes the burial vivid; Abner is honored with burial in Hebron, David's own capital.

τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with indeclinable name)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ΑβεννηρAbnerdirect object of θάπτουσιν (indeclinable, marked by article)→ participant identificationΑβεννηρ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as direct object of θάπτουσιν (indeclinable, marked by article).

εἰςinpreposition + accusative (place)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (place).

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἦρενlifted upAor Act Indic 3 Sg · αἴρωmain verb (idiom 'lifted his voice')→ constative aoristαἴρω: 'lift / raise'; the idiom αἴρω τὴν φωνήν ('lift up the voice', נָשָׂא קוֹל) means to cry out loudly — here in grief.

ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

βασιλεὺςkingNominativesubject (= David)→ participant prominenceβασιλεύς: 'king'; David, weeping publicly as king — his grief is an official act of state mourning.

τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

φωνὴνvoiceAccusativedirect object of ἦρεν (idiom 'lifted his voice')→ object specificationφωνή: 'voice / sound'; in the idiom 'lift up the voice and weep' = to wail aloud.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἔκλαυσενweptAor Act Indic 3 Sg · κλαίωmain verb (David's weeping)→ constative aoristκλαίω: 'weep'; renders בָּכָה; David's tears at the grave publicly affirm his grief and innocence.

ἐπὶat / overpreposition + genitive (place: 'at the grave')→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'at'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (place: 'at the grave').

τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

τάφουgrave / tombGenitiveobject of ἐπί (place of weeping)→ relational specificationτάφος: 'grave / tomb'; renders קֶבֶר; Abner's burial-place, where David weeps.

αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession (Abner's grave)→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (Abner's grave).

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἔκλαυσενweptAor Act Indic 3 Sg · κλαίωmain verb (communal weeping)→ constative aoristκλαίω: the repeated verb extends the weeping from king to people — a unified national lament.

πᾶςallNominativeattributive adjective (modifying λαός)→ participant prominenceπᾶς: 'all'; the whole people share David's grief.

ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

λαὸςpeopleNominativesubject of ἔκλαυσεν→ participant prominenceλαός: 'people'; the populace, weeping with the king over Abner.

ἐπὶoverpreposition + accusative (object of grief)→ spatial or relational framingἐπί + acc.: here 'over / for' (the object mourned).

ΑβεννηρAbnerobject of ἐπί (indeclinable name)→ participant identificationΑβεννηρ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as object of ἐπί (indeclinable name).

καὶ ἐθρήνησεν ὁ βασιλεὺς ἐπὶ Αβεννηρ καὶ εἶπεν εἰ κατὰ τὸν θάνατον Ναβαλ ἀποθανεῖται Αβεννηρ

And the king chanted a lament over Abner and said, 'Should Abner die as Nabal dies?'

David's formal lament (qinah) over Abnerκαὶ ἐθρήνησεν ὁ βασιλεύς

David sings a formal dirge (ἐθρήνησεν, the verb of qinah-lament). The opening line is a stinging rhetorical question: εἰ … ἀποθανεῖται ('shall he die …?', the εἰ here introducing a question with the force of indignant denial). The comparison κατὰ τὸν θάνατον Ναβαλ ('as Nabal dies' — 'as a fool/scoundrel dies', punning on the name Nabal = 'fool') insists Abner did not deserve so ignoble a death.

Word-by-word analysis· 15 words

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἐθρήνησενlamented / sang a dirgeAor Act Indic 3 Sg · θρηνέωmain verb (formal lamentation)→ constative aoristθρηνέω: 'lament / sing a dirge'; renders קוֹנֵן; the verb of formal funeral-poetry (qinah), elevating David's words to a composed lament (cf. his lament for Saul and Jonathan, 1:17).

ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

βασιλεὺςkingNominativesubject (= David)→ participant prominenceβασιλεύς: 'king'; David as king composes the official lament for the fallen commander.

ἐπὶoverpreposition + accusative (object of lament)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'over'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (object of lament).

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb (introducing the lament)→ constative aoristεἶπεν: verbal form rendered 'said' here; its aspect and clause role are specified by the parse and syntax fields.

εἰshould / (interrogative)interrogative particle (introducing a rhetorical question)→ discourse linkage or contrastεἰ: here introduces a direct question (Hebraizing הֲ), with the force of indignant denial — 'was it right that Abner should die …?'

κατὰaccording to / likepreposition + accusative (manner: 'after the manner of')→ spatial or relational framingκατά + acc.: 'according to / like'; κατὰ τὸν θάνατον Ναβαλ = 'in the manner of a fool's death'.

τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

θάνατονdeathAccusativeobject of κατά→ object specificationθάνατος: 'death'; renders מָוֶת; 'the death of a fool' — an ignoble, disgraceful end David denies Abner deserved.

ΝαβαλNabal / a foolgenitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'death of Nabal')→ participant identificationΝαβαλ: transliteration of Hebrew נָבָל (Nabal, the churl of 1 Kgdms 25); indeclinable; the name means 'fool / scoundrel', so the line puns — Abner did not die 'as a fool/villain dies' (i.e. justly punished), but treacherously.

ἀποθανεῖταιshall dieFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἀποθνῄσκωmain verb of the rhetorical question→ deliberative/indignant futureἀποθνῄσκω: 'die'; the future in the rhetorical question ('should Abner die …?') expresses David's outrage that so worthy a man met a death befitting a scoundrel.

ΑβεννηρAbnersubject (indeclinable name)→ participant identificationΑβεννηρ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable name).

αἱ χεῖρές σου οὐκ ἐδέθησαν οἱ πόδες σου οὐκ ἐν πέδαις οὐ προσήγαγεν ὡς Ναβαλ ἐνώπιον υἱῶν ἀδικίας ἔπεσας καὶ συνήχθη πᾶς ὁ λαὸς τοῦ κλαῦσαι αὐτόν

Your hands were not bound, your feet were not put in fetters; he did not bring (you) near as Nabal. Before sons of injustice you fell. And all the people gathered to weep over him.

Body of the lament + narrative resumptionαἱ χεῖρές σου οὐκ ἐδέθησαν

The lament's body is a direct address to the dead Abner. The parallel cola — hands not bound, feet not fettered — declare he was no captive criminal justly executed; ἐνώπιον υἱῶν ἀδικίας ἔπεσας ('before sons of injustice you fell') indicts Joab and Abessa as lawless men. The verse closes with narrative resumption: the whole people gather τοῦ κλαῦσαι αὐτόν ('to weep over him').

Word-by-word analysis· 27 words

αἱtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingαἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

χεῖρέςhandsNominativesubject of ἐδέθησαν→ participant prominenceχείρ: 'hand'; 'your hands were not bound' — Abner was no fettered captive; the address is to the dead man.

σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession (addressing Abner)→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (addressing Abner).

οὐκnotnegative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἐδέθησανwere boundAor Pass Indic 3 Pl · δέωmain verb (first colon of the lament)→ constative aoristδέω: 'bind / tie'; renders אָסַר; 'your hands were not bound' — Abner was not a prisoner condemned to death; the denial protests the injustice of his killing.

οἱtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

πόδεςfeetNominativesubject (verbless second colon: 'your feet were not in fetters')→ participant prominenceπούς (pl. πόδες): 'foot'; the parallel colon — 'your feet were not in fetters'; the copula is gapped from the first colon.

οὐκnotnegative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἐνinpreposition + dative (state/place)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (state/place).

πέδαιςfettersDativedative (object of ἐν: 'in fetters')→ sphere or referenceπέδη: 'fetter / shackle'; renders נְחֻשְׁתַּיִם; leg-irons for a prisoner; Abner wore none — he was a free man treacherously slain.

οὐnotnegative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

προσήγαγενdid (he) bring nearAor Act Indic 3 Sg · προσάγωmain verb (third colon)→ constative aoristπροσάγω: 'bring near / lead up'; renders הִגִּישׁ; the obscure colon (MT difficult) seems to deny that Abner was led up (to judgment/execution) as a criminal — he was not brought to a lawful death 'as Nabal' was.

ὡςascomparative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastὡς: 'as / like'; comparison with the death of Nabal — a deserved end, unlike Abner's.

ΝαβαλNabal / a foolobject of comparison (indeclinable name)→ participant identificationΝαβαλ: 'Nabal / fool'; the comparison again — Abner did not die the death of a deservedly-judged scoundrel.

ἐνώπιονbeforepreposition + genitive (in the presence of)→ spatial or relational framingἐνώπιον: 'before / in the presence of'; Hebraism (לִפְנֵי); 'before sons of injustice you fell'.

υἱῶνsonsGenitivegenitive object of ἐνώπιον→ relational specificationυἱός (pl. υἱῶν): 'son'; in the Hebraism υἱοὶ ἀδικίας ('sons of injustice' = unjust/lawless men), denoting Joab and Abessa.

ἀδικίαςof injusticeGenitivegenitive of quality (Hebraism: 'sons of injustice')→ relational specificationἀδικία: 'injustice / wrong'; renders עַוְלָה; 'sons of injustice' = wicked men — David's veiled but pointed condemnation of the murderers.

ἔπεσαςyou fellAor Act Indic 2 Sg · πίπτωmain verb (climax of the lament, addressed to Abner)→ constative aoristπίπτω: 'fall'; renders נָפַל; 'you fell' (in death/battle); the second-person address makes the lament intimate and direct.

καὶandnarrative conjunction (resuming narration)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

συνήχθηgatheredAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · συνάγωmain verb (narrative resumption)→ constative aoristσυνάγω (aor. pass.): 'gather / assemble'; renders אָסַף / קָבַץ; the people gather in shared mourning, moved by the lament.

πᾶςallNominativeattributive adjective (modifying λαός)→ participant prominenceπᾶς: 'all'; the whole people.

ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

λαὸςpeopleNominativesubject of συνήχθη→ participant prominenceλαός: 'people'; the populace assembled to mourn.

τοῦtheGenitivearticle (with articular infinitive of purpose)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

κλαῦσαιto weepAor Act Inf · κλαίωarticular infinitive of purpose ('in order to weep')→ aorist infinitive (purpose)κλαίω (aor. inf.): the purpose τοῦ κλαῦσαι ('to weep over him') states why the people gathered.

αὐτόνhimAccusativedirect object of κλαῦσαι (= Abner)→ participant referenceαὐτόν: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object of κλαῦσαι (= Abner).

καὶ ἦλθεν πᾶς ὁ λαὸς περιδειπνῆσαι τὸν Δαυιδ ἄρτοις ἔτι οὔσης ἡμέρας καὶ ὤμοσεν Δαυιδ λέγων τάδε ποιήσαι μοι ὁ θεὸς καὶ τάδε προσθείη ὅτι ἐὰν μὴ δύῃ ὁ ἥλιος οὐ μὴ γεύσωμαι ἄρτου ἢ ἀπὸ παντός τινος

And all the people came to give David the funeral meal of bread while it was still day; but David swore, saying, 'So may God do to me and so may he add, if before the sun goes down I taste bread or anything at all!'

David's mourning-fast and oathκαὶ ἦλθεν πᾶς ὁ λαός

The people come to share the customary funeral meal (περιδειπνῆσαι, the 'mourners' bread', cf. Jer 16:7) with David while it is still day. But David refuses, sealing his fast with the self-imprecatory oath-formula (τάδε ποιήσαι μοι ὁ θεός …, as in v. 9) and the emphatic double negative οὐ μὴ γεύσωμαι ('I will surely not taste') — demonstrating the depth and sincerity of his grief.

Word-by-word analysis· 38 words

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἦλθενcameAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἔρχομαιmain verb→ constative aoristἔρχομαι: 'come'; the people come to console David with the funeral meal.

πᾶςallNominativeattributive adjective (modifying λαός)→ participant prominenceπᾶς: 'all'; the whole people, attending David in his grief.

ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

λαὸςpeopleNominativesubject of ἦλθεν→ participant prominenceλαός: 'people'; subject of the verb of coming.

περιδειπνῆσαιto give a funeral mealAor Act Inf · περιδειπνέωinfinitive of purpose→ aorist infinitive (purpose)περιδειπνέω: 'hold a funeral feast / give the mourners' meal'; a rare term for the consolation-meal offered to the bereaved (cf. the 'bread of mourning'); the people came to feed David.

τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with indeclinable name)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ΔαυιδDaviddirect object of περιδειπνῆσαι (indeclinable, marked by article)→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as direct object of περιδειπνῆσαι (indeclinable, marked by article).

ἄρτοιςwith breadDativedative of means (the food of the funeral meal)→ sphere or referenceἄρτος: 'bread / food'; the dative of means — the bread of the consolation-meal.

ἔτιstilladverb of time (with genitive absolute)→ clausal contributionἔτι: 'still / yet'; ἔτι οὔσης ἡμέρας = 'while it was still day' (before the normal time of breaking a fast).

οὔσηςbeingPres Act Ptcp Gen Sg Fem · εἰμίgenitive absolute (temporal: 'while it was day')→ durative present participle (genitive absolute)εἰμί (ptcp.): the genitive-absolute ἔτι οὔσης ἡμέρας ('while it was still day') sets the time — David refuses food even before evening.

ἡμέραςdayGenitivesubject of the genitive-absolute participle→ relational specificationἡμέρα: 'day'; in the genitive absolute, 'while it was day'.

καὶbutnarrative conjunction (adversative)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'but'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ὤμοσενsworeAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ὄμνυμιmain verb (David's oath of fasting)→ constative aoristὄμνυμι: 'swear'; renders נִשְׁבַּע; David binds himself by oath not to eat until sundown — a public sign of genuine mourning.

ΔαυιδDavidsubject (indeclinable name)→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable name).

λέγωνsayingPres Act Ptcp Nom Sg Masc · λέγωparticiple of speech (introducing the oath)→ circumstantial present participleλέγω (ptcp.): introduces the oath-formula.

τάδεthusAccusativedemonstrative (object of ποιήσαι in oath-formula)→ object specificationὅδε, τόδε: in the oath-formula τάδε ποιήσαι … καὶ τάδε προσθείη; the same self-imprecation as v. 9.

ποιήσαιmay he doAor Act Opt 3 Sg · ποιέωmain verb (optative of imprecation)→ optative of wish (self-curse)ποιέω (aor. opt.): the optative of the oath-formula — 'may God do (calamity) to me' if I break this fast.

μοιto meDativedative of disadvantage→ participant reference or interestμοι: meaning 'to me'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative of disadvantage.

ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

θεὸςGodNominativesubject of ποιήσαι→ participant prominenceθεός: 'God'; invoked as guarantor of David's oath of fasting.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

τάδεthusAccusativedemonstrative (object of προσθείη)→ object specificationτάδε: meaning 'thus'; it serves as demonstrative (object of προσθείη).

προσθείηmay he addAor Act Opt 3 Sg · προστίθημιmain verb (second optative of imprecation)→ optative of wish (intensifying the self-curse)προστίθημι (aor. opt.): 'add'; the intensifying second clause of the oath-formula — 'and may he add (still more)'.

ὅτιthat / surelyconjunction (oath-ὅτι, introducing sworn content)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: in oath-formulas, marks the content sworn.

ἐὰνifconditional conjunction (with μή, in oath-protasis)→ discourse linkage or contrastἐάν: 'if'; in the oath-condition ἐὰν μή ('if … not / before'); the Hebrew oath-idiom uses a conditional with suppressed apodosis to mean strong negation.

μὴnotnegative (with ἐάν: 'before / unless')→ clausal qualification or emphasisμὴ: meaning 'not'; it negates or qualifies the assertion of the clause.

δύῃgoes downPres Act Subj 3 Sg · δύνωverb of the conditional clause (subjunctive)→ present subjunctive (the awaited event)δύνω: 'set / go down (of the sun)'; renders בּוֹא (of the sun); 'before the sun sets' — David's fast lasts until sundown.

ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἥλιοςsunNominativesubject of δύῃ→ participant prominenceἥλιος: 'sun'; renders שֶׁמֶשׁ; 'until the sun sets' marks the duration of the fast.

οὐnotnegative particle (in emphatic οὐ μή)→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

μὴnotnegative particle (emphatic double negative οὐ μή)→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐ μή: the emphatic double negative with the aorist subjunctive — 'I will most certainly not'; the strongest form of denial.

γεύσωμαιI tasteAor Mid Subj 1 Sg · γεύομαιmain verb (apodosis-equivalent of the oath)→ aorist subjunctive (emphatic denial with οὐ μή)γεύομαι: 'taste / partake of'; renders טָעַם; with οὐ μή, David vows he will absolutely not taste food before sundown.

ἄρτουbreadGenitivegenitive object of γεύσωμαι (γεύομαι + gen.)→ relational specificationἄρτος: 'bread / food'; the partitive genitive after γεύομαι ('taste of bread').

ἢordisjunctive conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastἤ: 'or'; extends the vow beyond bread to anything whatever.

ἀπὸof / frompreposition + genitive (partitive)→ spatial or relational framingἀπό: partitive, 'of / from'; 'or of anything at all'.

παντόςanythingGenitivesubstantivized adjective (object of ἀπό)→ relational specificationπᾶς: 'all / anything'; with τινος, 'anything whatsoever' — the vow is total abstinence till sundown.

τινοςat allGenitiveindefinite pronoun (with παντός: 'anything at all')→ relational specificationτις: indefinite pronoun; παντός τινος ('anything whatsoever') reinforces the comprehensiveness of David's fast.

καὶ ἔγνω πᾶς ὁ λαός καὶ ἤρεσεν ἐνώπιον αὐτῶν πάντα ὅσα ἐποίησεν ὁ βασιλεὺς ἐνώπιον τοῦ λαοῦ

And all the people took note, and it was pleasing in their sight; everything the king did was good in the sight of the people.

The people's approval (vindication of David)καὶ ἔγνω πᾶς ὁ λαός

The people perceive (ἔγνω) David's conduct and it pleases them (ἤρεσεν ἐνώπιον αὐτῶν). The doubled ἐνώπιον (their sight / the people's sight) underscores the public, transparent vindication: David's grief and fast are recognized as sincere, dispelling any suspicion that the king conspired in Abner's death — the theme made explicit in v. 37.

Word-by-word analysis· 17 words

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἔγνωtook note / perceivedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · γινώσκωmain verb→ constative aoristγινώσκω: 'know / perceive / take note'; renders יָדַע / נָכַר; the people recognize the genuineness of David's mourning.

πᾶςallNominativeattributive adjective (modifying λαός)→ participant prominenceπᾶς: 'all'; the whole people.

ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

λαόςpeopleNominativesubject of ἔγνω→ participant prominenceλαός: 'people'; the populace whose verdict vindicates David.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἤρεσενit was pleasingAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀρέσκωmain verb (impersonal / with πάντα as subject)→ constative aoristἀρέσκω: 'please / be agreeable'; renders יָטַב בְּעֵינֵי; with ἐνώπιον, 'it was good in their eyes' — the people approve of David's conduct.

ἐνώπιονin the sight ofpreposition + genitive (evaluative perspective)→ spatial or relational framingἐνώπιον: 'before / in the sight of'; Hebraism (בְּעֵינֵי) for the people's judgment.

αὐτῶνthemGenitiveobject of ἐνώπιον→ relational specificationαὐτῶν: meaning 'them'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of ἐνώπιον.

πάνταeverythingNominativesubject of ἤρεσεν (neuter plural: 'all things')→ participant prominenceπᾶς: 'all'; the neuter plural πάντα ὅσα ('all that') is the logical subject of ἤρεσεν — everything David did pleased them.

ὅσαas much asNominativerelative pronoun (introducing relative clause)→ participant referenceὅσος: 'as much/many as'; πάντα ὅσα = 'all that'.

ἐποίησενdidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ποιέωverb of the relative clause→ constative aoristποιέω: 'do'; all the king's actions (mourning, fasting, lament) won the people's approval.

ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

βασιλεὺςkingNominativesubject of ἐποίησεν (= David)→ participant prominenceβασιλεύς: 'king'; David's royal conduct, publicly approved.

ἐνώπιονin the sight ofpreposition + genitive (evaluative perspective)→ spatial or relational framingἐνώπιον: the repeated 'in the sight of' frames the whole episode as a public, transparent vindication of David.

τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

λαοῦpeopleGenitiveobject of ἐνώπιον→ relational specificationλαός: 'people'; the people's collective approval is the verse's point — David is cleared in the public eye.

καὶ ἔγνω πᾶς ὁ λαὸς καὶ πᾶς Ισραηλ ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐκείνῃ ὅτι οὐκ ἐγένετο παρὰ τοῦ βασιλέως θανατῶσαι τὸν Αβεννηρ υἱὸν Νηρ

And all the people and all Israel knew on that day that it had not been from the king to put to death Abner son of Ner.

Explicit exoneration of the kingκαὶ ἔγνω πᾶς ὁ λαός

The narrator states the climactic verdict openly: all the people and all Israel recognize ὅτι οὐκ ἐγένετο παρὰ τοῦ βασιλέως ('that it was not from the king') to kill Abner. The idiom ἐγένετο παρά + gen. ('come from / originate with') clears David of any complicity, securing the political stability of his coming reign over the north.

Word-by-word analysis· 23 words

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἔγνωknewAor Act Indic 3 Sg · γινώσκωmain verb→ constative aoristγινώσκω: 'know / recognize'; renders יָדַע; the public arrives at certain knowledge of David's innocence.

πᾶςallNominativeattributive adjective (modifying λαός)→ participant prominenceπᾶς: 'all'; the whole people.

ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

λαὸςpeopleNominativesubject of ἔγνω→ participant prominenceλαός: 'people'; here Judah, paired with 'all Israel' to span both kingdoms.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

πᾶςallNominativeattributive adjective (modifying Ισραηλ)→ participant prominenceπᾶς: 'all'; 'all Israel' — the northern tribes Abner was bringing over; their conviction of David's innocence is politically crucial.

ΙσραηλIsraelsubject (coordinate with ὁ λαός; indeclinable)→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: here the northern tribes; their recognition of David's non-involvement clears the path to his future kingship over them.

ἐνonpreposition + dative (time)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'on'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (time).

τῇtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἡμέρᾳdayDativedative of time (with ἐκείνῃ: 'on that day')→ sphere or referenceἡμέρα: 'day'; ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐκείνῃ ('on that day') marks the public recognition as decisive and dated.

ἐκείνῃthatDativedemonstrative (modifying ἡμέρᾳ)→ sphere or referenceἐκεῖνος: 'that'; the demonstrative fixes the day of Abner's funeral as the moment of David's vindication.

ὅτιthatconjunction (content of ἔγνω)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: 'that'; introduces the content of the people's knowledge.

οὐκnotnegative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἐγένετοit was / cameAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · γίνομαιmain verb of the ὅτι-clause (idiom 'came from')→ constative aoristγίνομαι: 'become / come about'; the idiom οὐκ ἐγένετο παρὰ τοῦ βασιλέως ('it did not come from the king') denies that the murder originated with or was sanctioned by David.

παρὰfrompreposition + genitive (source/origin)→ spatial or relational framingπαρά + gen.: 'from (the side of)'; marks the king as the supposed but disclaimed source of the deed.

τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

βασιλέωςkingGenitivegenitive of source (object of παρά: 'from the king')→ relational specificationβασιλεύς (gen. βασιλέως): 'king'; David, definitively cleared of originating Abner's death.

θανατῶσαιto put to deathAor Act Inf · θανατόωepexegetical infinitive (the deed disclaimed)→ aorist infinitiveθανατόω: 'put to death / kill'; renders הֵמִית; the infinitive defines the act not originating with David — the killing of Abner.

τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with indeclinable name)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ΑβεννηρAbnerdirect object of θανατῶσαι (indeclinable, marked by article)→ participant identificationΑβεννηρ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as direct object of θανατῶσαι (indeclinable, marked by article).

υἱὸνsonAccusativeaccusative in apposition to Αβεννηρ→ object specificationυἱός: 'son of Ner'; the recurring patronymic in the death-narrative (cf. vv. 23, 25, 28).

καὶ εἶπεν ὁ βασιλεὺς πρὸς τοὺς παῖδας αὐτοῦ οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι ἡγούμενος μέγας πέπτωκεν ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ταύτῃ ἐν τῷ Ισραηλ

And the king said to his servants, 'Do you not know that a prince and a great man has fallen this day in Israel?'

David's verdict on Abner's worthκαὶ εἶπεν ὁ βασιλεύς

David turns to his court with a rhetorical question (οὐκ οἴδατε, 'do you not know?') that is in effect a public eulogy of Abner: ἡγούμενος μέγας ('a great prince/commander') has fallen. The perfect πέπτωκεν stresses the abiding loss; the phrase ἐν τῷ Ισραηλ frames Abner's death as a national, not merely partisan, calamity.

Word-by-word analysis· 21 words

καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

βασιλεὺςkingNominativesubject (= David)→ participant prominenceβασιλεύς: 'king'; David addresses his court officially.

τοὺςtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοὺς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

παῖδαςservantsAccusativeobject of πρός→ object specificationπαῖς: 'servant / attendant / courtier'; renders עֶבֶד; David's officers and retainers.

οὐκnotnegative particle (in rhetorical question)→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

οἴδατεdo you knowPerf Act Indic 2 Pl · οἶδαmain verb of the rhetorical question→ perfect-with-present-force (settled knowledge)οἶδα: 'know'; the perfect with present force; the rhetorical 'do you not know?' presents Abner's greatness as self-evident.

ὅτιthatconjunction (content of οἴδατε)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: 'that'; introduces the eulogistic statement.

ἡγούμενοςa prince / leaderPres Mid Ptcp Nom Sg Masc · ἡγέομαιsubstantival participle (subject of πέπτωκεν)→ durative present participle (substantival)ἡγέομαι: 'lead / command / govern'; the substantival participle ὁ ἡγούμενος ('leader / prince / commander', rendering שַׂר) titles Abner as a great military and political chief.

μέγαςgreatNominativeattributive adjective (modifying ἡγούμενος)→ participant prominenceμέγας: 'great / eminent'; renders גָּדוֹל; 'a great prince' — David's generous estimate of his former enemy's stature.

πέπτωκενhas fallenPerf Act Indic 3 Sg · πίπτωmain verb of the ὅτι-clause→ perfect (completed act with abiding result: the loss endures)πίπτω (perf.): 'fall (in death)'; renders נָפַל; the perfect πέπτωκεν stresses that the loss of so great a man is a present, abiding calamity for the nation.

ἐνonpreposition + dative (time)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'on'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (time).

τῇtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἡμέρᾳdayDativedative of time (with ταύτῃ: 'this day')→ sphere or referenceἡμέρα: 'day'; ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ταύτῃ ('this day') gives the lament present immediacy.

ταύτῃthisDativedemonstrative (modifying ἡμέρᾳ)→ participant reference or interestοὗτος: 'this'; with ἡμέρᾳ, 'this very day'.

ἐνinpreposition + dative (place/sphere)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (place/sphere).

τῷtheDativearticle (with indeclinable name)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ΙσραηλIsraelobject of ἐν (indeclinable, marked by article: 'in Israel')→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: 'in Israel'; the death is framed as a loss to the whole nation, not just to Saul's faction.

καὶ ὅτι ἐγώ εἰμι σήμερον συγγενὴς καὶ καθεσταμένος ὑπὸ βασιλέως οἱ δὲ ἄνδρες οὗτοι υἱοὶ Σαρουιας σκληρότεροί μού εἰσιν ἀνταποδῷ κύριος τῷ ποιοῦντι πονηρὰ κατὰ τὴν κακίαν αὐτοῦ

'And though I am today a kinsman and one established as king, these men, the sons of Zeruiah, are too hard for me. May the LORD repay the doer of evil according to his wickedness.'

Closing reflection: David's weakness and appeal to YHWH (chapter conclusion)καὶ ὅτι ἐγώ εἰμι σήμερον

David concludes the chapter by confessing his political weakness: though newly established (καθεσταμένος ὑπὸ βασιλέως, 'set up as king'), the sons of Zeruiah — Joab and Abessa — are σκληρότεροί μου ('too hard / strong for me'). Unable to punish them himself, he commits requital to YHWH with an optative of wish (ἀνταποδῷ κύριος, 'may the LORD repay'), leaving divine justice to settle the bloodguilt (fulfilled at 3 Kgdms 2:5–6, 28–34).

Word-by-word analysis· 28 words

καὶandcoordinate conjunction (continuing David's speech)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ὅτιthat / thoughconjunction (continuing the content of David's lament)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: 'that / and as for the fact that'; continues David's reflection, here with concessive force ('though I am …').

ἐγώINominativeemphatic subject pronoun→ participant referenceἐγώ: the emphatic 'I' contrasts David's position with the hardness of the sons of Zeruiah.

εἰμιamPres Act Indic 1 Sg · εἰμίcopula→ stative present (divine self-attestation)εἰμί: the copula in David's self-description.

σήμερονtodayadverb of time→ clausal contributionσήμερον: 'today'; renders הַיּוֹם; 'as of now / at present' — David's standing is still new and insecure.

συγγενὴςa kinsmanNominativepredicate nominative (with εἰμι)→ participant prominenceσυγγενής: 'kinsman / relative'; here probably 'a kinsman (of the dead Abner)' or 'related (to the throne)'; David presents himself as bound by ties that should have protected Abner, yet powerless to avenge him.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

καθεσταμένοςestablished (as king)Perf Mid/Pass Ptcp Nom Sg Masc · καθίστημιpredicate participle (periphrastic with εἰμι: 'I am … established')→ perfect participle (settled, accomplished status)καθίστημι (perf. pass. ptcp.): 'appoint / establish / set up'; καθεσταμένος ὑπὸ βασιλέως ('established as king', or 'set up by/as king') marks David's newly-confirmed but still fragile royal authority.

ὑπὸas / bypreposition + genitive (with καθεσταμένος)→ spatial or relational framingὑπό + gen.: here with the passive participle; the phrase ὑπὸ βασιλέως is taken to mean 'established as king / in royal office', expressing David's anointed but contested rule.

βασιλέωςkingGenitivegenitive (object of ὑπό: 'as king')→ relational specificationβασιλεύς (gen. βασιλέως): 'king'; the royal office to which David has been set, yet which does not yet give him control over Joab's faction.

οἱtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

δὲbutadversative particle (post-positive)→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: post-positive adversative; sets the hard sons of Zeruiah against David's relative powerlessness.

ἄνδρεςmenNominativesubject (with οὗτοι: 'these men')→ participant prominenceἀνήρ (pl. ἄνδρες): 'man'; here Joab and Abessa, the sons of Zeruiah.

οὗτοιtheseNominativedemonstrative (modifying ἄνδρες)→ participant prominenceοὗτος: 'these'; points to the murderers, named in the next phrase.

υἱοὶsonsNominativeapposition to οἱ ἄνδρες οὗτοι→ participant prominenceυἱός (pl. υἱοί): 'son'; 'the sons of Zeruiah' = Joab and Abishai (Abessa), and the late Asahel; a recurring designation for David's formidable, ruthless kinsmen.

ΣαρουιαςZeruiahGenitivegenitive of relationship (declinable: 'sons of Zeruiah')→ relational specificationΣαρουια (gen. Σαρουιας): rendering of Hebrew צְרוּיָה (Zeruiah), David's sister; here declined as a first-declension feminine (hence 'n', genitive); her sons are David's nephews and warriors.

σκληρότεροίtoo hard / harderNominativepredicate comparative adjective (with εἰσιν)→ participant prominenceσκληρός (comp. σκληρότερος): 'hard / harsh / severe'; renders קָשֶׁה; the comparative σκληρότεροί μου ('harder/stronger than I', 'too hard for me') admits David cannot yet master his own ruthless commanders.

μούthan IGenitivegenitive of comparison (with σκληρότεροι)→ relational specificationἐγώ (gen. μου): the genitive of comparison after the comparative adjective — 'harder than I (can control)'.

εἰσινarePres Act Indic 3 Pl · εἰμίcopula (with σκληρότεροι)→ gnomic presentεἰμί: the copula completing 'these men are too hard for me'.

ἀνταποδῷmay (he) repayAor Act Opt 3 Sg · ἀνταποδίδωμιmain verb (optative of wish, committing vengeance to YHWH)→ optative of wish (imprecation/prayer)ἀνταποδίδωμι: 'repay / requite / recompense'; renders שִׁלֵּם; the optative ἀνταποδῷ ('may he repay') hands judgment to YHWH, since David cannot exact it himself — a key theme of OT vengeance (cf. Deut 32:35; Rom 12:19).

κύριοςLORDNominativesubject of ἀνταποδῷ (the Tetragrammaton)→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה; YHWH as the just avenger to whom David entrusts requital for the murder.

τῷthe (one)Dativearticle (with substantival participle)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ποιοῦντιdoer / one doingPres Act Ptcp Dat Sg Masc · ποιέωsubstantival participle (dative indirect object of ἀνταποδῷ)→ durative present participle (substantival)ποιέω: 'do'; the substantival τῷ ποιοῦντι πονηρά ('to the doer of evil') leaves the recipient of requital deliberately general, though Joab is plainly meant.

πονηρὰevil thingsAccusativedirect object of ποιοῦντι (neuter plural: 'evil')→ object specificationπονηρός: 'evil / wicked'; the neuter plural πονηρά ('evil deeds'); renders רָע/רָעָה; the wrongdoing for which YHWH will repay.

κατὰaccording topreposition + accusative (measure/standard)→ spatial or relational framingκατά + acc.: 'according to'; the requital is to match the measure of the wickedness.

τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

κακίανwickednessAccusativeobject of κατά (the standard of requital)→ object specificationκακία: 'wickedness / malice'; renders רָעָה; the just measure of YHWH's recompense — the wrongdoer reaps what he sowed (lex talionis applied by God).

αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession (the doer's own wickedness)→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: 'his'; the wickedness belongs to the doer — the closing word leaves judgment squarely on the murderer's own head.

The Second Book of Kingdoms, Chapter 3ΒΑΣΙΛΕΙΩΝ Β′ Γ′

Theme

Translation & textual notes