1
καὶ συνήγαγεν ἔτι Δαυιδ πάντα νεανίαν ἐξ Ισραηλ ὡς ἑβδομήκοντα χιλιάδας
And David again gathered every young man out of Israel, about seventy thousand.
The chapter opens with paratactic καί + aorist, the standard LXX narrative seam. The adverb ἔτι ('again / further') links the muster to David's prior military gatherings (cf. ch. 5), framing the ark-procession as a national assembly. The round figure ὡς ἑβδομήκοντα χιλιάδας ('about seventy thousand') marks the scale of the festal escort.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction (Hebraizing καί-parataxis)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
συνήγαγενgathered togetherAor Act Indic 3 Sg · συνάγωmain verb (opening narrative action)→ constative aorist (single completed muster)συνάγω: 'gather / assemble'; renders אָסַף / קָבַץ; the standard LXX verb for convening the people for war, worship, or assembly; here David convenes a national escort for the ark.
ἔτιagain / furthertemporal adverb (modifying συνήγαγεν)→ clausal contributionἔτι: 'still / yet / again'; renders עוֹד; signals a renewed or further mustering, linking this assembly to David's earlier gatherings in the preceding chapters.
ΔαυιδDavidsubject (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: transliteration of Hebrew דָּוִד; indeclinable in the LXX; subject of the muster and the protagonist of the whole ark narrative.
πάνταeveryAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying νεανίαν: 'every young man')→ object specificationπᾶς: 'all / every'; the singular πάντα νεανίαν is a distributive collective ('every young man' = all the choice men), rendering the Hebrew idiom of total muster.
νεανίανyoung manAccusativedirect object of συνήγαγεν (collective: the choice men)→ object specificationνεανίας: 'young man / youth'; here the able-bodied chosen warriors (rendering בָּחוּר, 'chosen / young man'); the LXX's singular collective with πάντα stresses the comprehensiveness of the levy.
ἐξout ofpreposition + genitive (source / partitive)→ spatial or relational framingἐξ: meaning 'out of'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (source / partitive).
ΙσραηλIsraelgenitive object of ἐξ (indeclinable: 'out of Israel')→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: transliteration of Hebrew יִשְׂרָאֵל; indeclinable in the LXX; here the nation as the source of the levy.
ὡςaboutadverb of approximation (with the numeral)→ clausal contributionὡς: 'as / about / approximately'; here marks the following figure as a round estimate (rendering Hebrew כְּ-).
ἑβδομήκονταseventynumeral (modifying χιλιάδας: 'seventy thousand')→ measure or countἑβδομήκοντα: 'seventy'; indeclinable cardinal numeral; with χιλιάδας gives the scale of the assembled escort.
χιλιάδαςthousandsAccusativeaccusative in apposition / object (the counted total)→ object specificationχιλιάς: 'a thousand / group of a thousand'; renders אֶלֶף; the round seventy thousand marks the festal-military magnitude of the procession.
2
καὶ ἀνέστη καὶ ἐπορεύθη Δαυιδ καὶ πᾶς ὁ λαὸς ὁ μετ᾿ αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τῶν ἀρχόντων Ιουδα ἐν ἀναβάσει τοῦ ἀναγαγεῖν ἐκεῖθεν τὴν κιβωτὸν τοῦ θεοῦ ἐφ᾿ ἣν ἐπεκλήθη τὸ ὄνομα κυρίου τῶν δυνάμεων καθημένου ἐπὶ τῶν Χερουβιν ἐπ᾿ αὐτῆς
And David arose and went, he and all the people who were with him, from the rulers of Judah on the ascent, to bring up from there the ark of God, over which was invoked the name of the LORD of hosts who is enthroned upon the cherubim on it.
The paired aorists ἀνέστη … ἐπορεύθη ('arose … went') form a Hebraic hendiadys for the inception of a journey (קוּם + הָלַךְ). The articular infinitive of purpose τοῦ ἀναγαγεῖν states the goal: to bring up the ark. The relative clause ἐφ᾿ ἣν ἐπεκλήθη τὸ ὄνομα κυρίου and the participle καθημένου ἐπὶ τῶν Χερουβιν supply the theological identification of the ark as the throne-seat of the LORD of hosts.
Word-by-word analysis· 39 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀνέστηaroseAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀνίστημιmain verb (inception of journey)→ ingressive aorist (setting out)ἀνίστημι: 'rise / stand up / set out'; renders קוּם; in narrative the pairing ἀνέστη … ἐπορεύθη is a Hebraic idiom marking the start of a purposeful movement.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐπορεύθηwentAor Pass(Dep) Indic 3 Sg · πορεύομαιmain verb (coordinate with ἀνέστη)→ constative aorist (the journey undertaken)πορεύομαι: 'go / proceed / journey'; renders הָלַךְ; deponent passive form; together with ἀνέστη completes the 'arose and went' idiom of departure.
ΔαυιδDavidsubject (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable proper noun).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (joining the people to David)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πᾶςallNominativeattributive adjective (modifying ὁ λαός)→ participant prominenceπᾶς: 'all / whole'; the comprehensive πᾶς ὁ λαός marks the entire assembled escort as accompanying David.
ὁtheNominativearticle (with λαός)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
λαὸςpeopleNominativesubject (coordinate with Δαυιδ)→ participant prominenceλαός: 'people'; standard LXX term for the covenant nation (rendering עַם); here the assembled host accompanying the king.
ὁthe (who)Nominativearticle in attributive position (with μετ᾿ αὐτοῦ: 'the [people] with him')→ noun-phrase markingὁ: the article repeated to govern the prepositional phrase μετ᾿ αὐτοῦ as an attributive ('the people, the one with him').
μετ᾿withpreposition + genitive (accompaniment; elided before vowel)→ spatial or relational framingμετ᾿: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (accompaniment; elided before vowel).
αὐτοῦhimGenitivegenitive object of μετά (the people with David)→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive object of μετά (the people with David).
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (source / origin of the company)→ spatial or relational framingἀπὸ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (source / origin of the company).
τῶνtheGenitivearticle (with ἀρχόντων)→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀρχόντωνrulersGenitivegenitive object of ἀπό ('from the rulers of Judah')→ relational specificationἄρχων: 'ruler / chief / leader'; renders שַׂר / בַּעַל; the phrase ἀπὸ τῶν ἀρχόντων Ιουδα reflects a difficult Hebrew Vorlage (cf. 'Baale-Judah'), here rendered as the leaders of Judah who form the company.
ΙουδαJudahgenitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'of Judah')→ participant identificationΙουδα: transliteration of Hebrew יְהוּדָה; indeclinable in the LXX; the tribal-territorial designation from which the leaders come.
ἐνon / inpreposition + dative (locative)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'on'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (locative).
ἀναβάσειthe ascentDativedative of place (locative: 'on the ascent / way up')→ sphere or referenceἀνάβασις: 'going up / ascent / approach'; renders מַעֲלֶה; the term anticipates the verb ἀναγαγεῖν ('bring up') — the ark must be brought up to the heights of the city of David.
τοῦto / in order toGenitivearticle governing the infinitive of purpose→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ + infinitive: the articular genitive infinitive expresses purpose ('in order to bring up').
ἀναγαγεῖνto bring upAor Act Inf · ἀνάγωinfinitive of purpose (τοῦ ἀναγαγεῖν: 'to bring up')→ telic aorist infinitive (purpose of the procession)ἀνάγω: 'lead up / bring up'; renders הֶעֱלָה (Hiphil of עָלָה); the leitwort of the chapter — the ark is repeatedly 'brought up' (ἀνάγω) to the city of David, an upward, cultic movement.
ἐκεῖθενfrom thereadverb of place (source: 'from there')→ clausal contributionἐκεῖθεν: 'from there / thence'; deictic adverb pointing back to the resting-place of the ark (the house of Aminadab) from which it is to be removed.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle (with κιβωτόν)→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κιβωτὸνarkAccusativedirect object of ἀναγαγεῖν→ object specificationκιβωτός: 'box / chest / ark'; renders אֲרוֹן; the central object of the chapter — the ark of the covenant as the locus of YHWH's enthroned presence; the same word renders Noah's 'ark' in Genesis.
τοῦofGenitivearticle (with θεοῦ)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεοῦGodGenitivegenitive of possession ('the ark of God')→ relational specificationθεός: 'God'; renders אֱלֹהִים; the genitive identifies the ark as belonging to and representing God's presence.
ἐφ᾿over / uponpreposition + accusative (relative; elided before rough breathing)→ spatial or relational framingἐπί + acc. with the relative ἥν: idiomatic in the name-invocation formula 'over which the name was called' (rendering אֲשֶׁר נִקְרָא … עָלָיו).
ἣνwhichAccusativerelative pronoun (object of ἐφ᾿; antecedent κιβωτόν)→ participant referenceὅς, ἥ, ὅ: relative pronoun; here introduces the clause naming the ark as the place over which YHWH's name is invoked.
ἐπεκλήθηwas invoked / was calledAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · ἐπικαλέωverb of relative clause (the name 'was called over' the ark)→ constative aorist passive (settled cultic designation)ἐπικαλέω: 'call upon / name over'; the passive ἐπεκλήθη … τὸ ὄνομα renders the Hebrew נִקְרָא … שֵׁם ('the name was called over'), an idiom of ownership and presence — the ark bears YHWH's name and thus his proprietary presence.
τὸtheNominativearticle (with ὄνομα)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὄνομαnameNominativesubject of ἐπεκλήθη ('the name … was invoked')→ participant prominenceὄνομα: 'name'; renders שֵׁם; the divine Name invoked over the ark signifies the real, claiming presence of YHWH at the cult-object.
κυρίουof the LORDGenitivegenitive (the name belonging to the LORD)→ relational specificationκύριος: the standard LXX rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה; the genitive κυρίου τῶν δυνάμεων = 'the LORD of hosts/powers,' the throne-name associated with the ark.
τῶνof theGenitivearticle (with δυνάμεων)→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δυνάμεωνof hosts / powersGenitivegenitive (military-cosmic title: 'of hosts')→ relational specificationδύναμις (pl. δυνάμεις): 'power / host / army'; κύριος τῶν δυνάμεων renders יהוה צְבָאוֹת ('LORD of hosts'), the warrior-throne title; the plural evokes the heavenly and earthly armies under YHWH's command.
καθημένουwho is enthroned / sittingPres Mid Part Gen Sg Masc · κάθημαιattributive participle (modifying κυρίου: 'the LORD who sits')→ descriptive present participle (settled enthronement)κάθημαι: 'sit / be enthroned'; the participle καθημένου ἐπὶ τῶν Χερουβιν renders יֹשֵׁב הַכְּרֻבִים ('enthroned upon the cherubim'), the classic ark-throne theology: the cherubim form the seat of the invisible enthroned LORD.
ἐπὶuponpreposition + genitive (position: 'upon the cherubim')→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'upon'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (position: 'upon the cherubim').
τῶνtheGenitivearticle (with Χερουβιν)→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
Χερουβινcherubimgenitive object of ἐπί (indeclinable transliteration)→ participant identificationΧερουβιν: transliteration of Hebrew כְּרֻבִים ('cherubim'); indeclinable in the LXX; the winged throne-guardians atop the ark-cover whose outstretched wings form YHWH's seat.
ἐπ᾿uponpreposition + genitive (resumptive; elided before vowel)→ spatial or relational framingἐπί + gen.: the resumptive ἐπ᾿ αὐτῆς ('upon it') is a Hebraizing pleonasm reinforcing the locative phrase ('enthroned … on the cherubim, upon it').
αὐτῆςitGenitivegenitive object of ἐπ᾿ (resumptive: refers to the ark)→ relational specificationαὐτή (gen. αὐτῆς): the resumptive pronoun (referring to ἡ κιβωτός) reflects the Hebrew resumptive עָלָיו, a Semitic redundancy preserved in the Greek calque.
3
καὶ ἐπεβίβασεν τὴν κιβωτὸν κυρίου ἐφ᾿ ἅμαξαν καινὴν καὶ ἦρεν αὐτὴν ἐξ οἴκου Αμιναδαβ τοῦ ἐν τῷ βουνῷ καὶ Οζα καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοὶ αὐτοῦ υἱοὶ Αμιναδαβ ἦγον τὴν ἅμαξαν
And they set the ark of the LORD upon a new cart and took it up from the house of Aminadab who was on the hill; and Oza and his brothers, the sons of Aminadab, were driving the cart.
The chain of aorists ἐπεβίβασεν … ἦρεν reports the loading and removal of the ark; the imperfect ἦγον ('were driving') shifts to durative aspect for the ongoing transport. The detail ἅμαξαν καινήν ('a new cart') is theologically fraught: a Philistine-style conveyance (cf. 1 Kgdms 6) rather than the Levitical shoulder-carry prescribed in Torah, setting up the disaster of v. 6.
Word-by-word analysis· 29 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐπεβίβασενset upon / mountedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐπιβιβάζωmain verb (loading the ark onto the cart)→ constative aorist (single act of loading)ἐπιβιβάζω: 'set / mount upon / cause to ride'; renders הִרְכִּיב (Hiphil of רָכַב); the verb of placing the ark on a vehicle — the very mode of transport that proves fatally improper.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle (with κιβωτόν)→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κιβωτὸνarkAccusativedirect object of ἐπεβίβασεν→ object specificationκιβωτός: 'ark' (see v. 2); here the object set upon the cart.
κυρίουof the LORDGenitivegenitive of possession ('the ark of the LORD')→ relational specificationκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה; the ark belongs to YHWH — the genitive reasserts the sanctity that v. 7 will defend with lethal force.
ἐφ᾿uponpreposition + accusative (placement; elided before rough breathing)→ spatial or relational framingἐφ᾿: meaning 'upon'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (placement; elided before rough breathing).
ἅμαξανcart / wagonAccusativeaccusative object of ἐφ᾿ (the conveyance)→ object specificationἅμαξα: 'wagon / cart'; renders עֲגָלָה; an ox-drawn vehicle; using a cart rather than Levitical bearers (Num 4:15; 7:9) is the procedural error underlying Oza's death.
καινὴνnewAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying ἅμαξαν)→ object specificationκαινός: 'new / fresh'; renders חֲדָשָׁה; the 'new' cart echoes the Philistines' handling of the ark in 1 Kgdms 6:7 — an irony, since Israel imitates pagan procedure rather than Torah.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἦρενtook up / liftedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · αἴρωmain verb (removing the ark from the house)→ constative aorist (act of removal)αἴρω: 'lift / take up / carry away'; renders נָשָׂא; here the removal of the ark from Aminadab's house to begin the procession.
αὐτὴνitAccusativedirect object of ἦρεν (refers to the ark)→ participant referenceαὐτὴν: meaning 'it'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object of ἦρεν (refers to the ark).
ἐξout ofpreposition + genitive (source)→ spatial or relational framingἐξ: meaning 'out of'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (source).
οἴκουhouseGenitivegenitive object of ἐξ ('out of the house')→ relational specificationοἶκος: 'house / household'; renders בַּיִת; the dwelling of Aminadab where the ark had rested since 1 Kgdms 7:1.
ΑμιναδαβAminadabgenitive of possession (indeclinable: 'of Aminadab')→ participant identificationΑμιναδαβ: transliteration of Hebrew אֲבִינָדָב (Abinadab); indeclinable in the LXX; the man in whose house at Gibeah the ark had been kept.
τοῦthe (who)Genitivearticle governing the locative phrase (attributive: 'the one on the hill')→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ ἐν τῷ βουνῷ: the article + prepositional phrase functions attributively, identifying Aminadab's house as the one situated on the hill (Gibeah).
ἐνon / inpreposition + dative (locative)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'on'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (locative).
τῷtheDativearticle (with βουνῷ)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
βουνῷhillDativedative of place (locative: 'on the hill')→ sphere or referenceβουνός: 'hill / mound'; renders גִּבְעָה; here likely the place-name Gibeah (so understood as 'the hill'), where Aminadab's house stood.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (introducing the drivers)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ΟζαOzasubject (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΟζα: transliteration of Hebrew עֻזָּא (Uzzah); indeclinable in the LXX; one of the sons of Aminadab driving the cart — the man who will die at v. 7.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οἱtheNominativearticle (with ἀδελφοί)→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀδελφοὶbrothersNominativesubject (coordinate with Οζα)→ participant prominenceἀδελφός: 'brother'; renders אָח; Oza's brothers (in the parallel, Ahio) share the driving of the cart.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession (Oza's brothers)→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (Oza's brothers).
υἱοὶsonsNominativenominative in apposition ('the sons of Aminadab')→ participant prominenceυἱός: 'son'; renders בֵּן; the appositional 'sons of Aminadab' identifies the cart-drivers' lineage.
ΑμιναδαβAminadabgenitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'of Aminadab')→ participant identificationΑμιναδαβ: see above; here as father of the cart-drivers.
ἦγονwere driving / leadingImpf Act Indic 3 Pl · ἄγωmain verb (durative: 'were driving')→ descriptive imperfect (ongoing conveyance)ἄγω: 'lead / drive / guide'; renders נָהַג; the imperfect ἦγον depicts the continuous driving of the cart as the procession moves — the durative backdrop against which the sudden jolt of v. 6 erupts.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle (with ἅμαξαν)→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἅμαξανcartAccusativedirect object of ἦγον (the cart being driven)→ object specificationἅμαξα: 'cart / wagon' (see above); the conveyance the sons of Aminadab guide.
4
σὺν τῇ κιβωτῷ καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοὶ αὐτοῦ ἐπορεύοντο ἔμπροσθεν τῆς κιβωτοῦ
with the ark; and his brothers went before the ark.
v. 4 is textually difficult (the result of dittography in the Hebrew tradition): it reiterates the ark and the brothers' position 'before the ark.' The imperfect ἐπορεύοντο ('were going') maintains the durative aspect of the moving procession begun in v. 3; the locative ἔμπροσθεν τῆς κιβωτοῦ pictures the escort marching ahead of the sacred object.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
σὺνwithpreposition + dative (accompaniment)→ spatial or relational framingσύν: 'with / together with'; here links the preceding clause's cart to the ark it carries ('with the ark').
τῇtheDativearticle (with κιβωτῷ)→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κιβωτῷarkDativedative object of σύν ('with the ark')→ sphere or referenceκιβωτός: 'ark' (see v. 2); dative here as object of σύν.
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οἱtheNominativearticle (with ἀδελφοί)→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀδελφοὶbrothersNominativesubject of ἐπορεύοντο→ participant prominenceἀδελφός: 'brother' (see v. 3); the kinsmen escorting the ark.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession (Oza's brothers)→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (Oza's brothers).
ἐπορεύοντοwere goingImpf Mid(Dep) Indic 3 Pl · πορεύομαιmain verb (durative: 'were going / marching')→ descriptive imperfect (ongoing procession)πορεύομαι: 'go / proceed'; renders הָלַךְ; the imperfect sustains the continuous picture of the procession in motion.
ἔμπροσθενbefore / in front ofpreposition + genitive (position: 'in front of')→ spatial or relational framingἔμπροσθεν: 'in front of / before'; renders לִפְנֵי; here spatial — the brothers march ahead of the ark.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle (with κιβωτοῦ)→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κιβωτοῦarkGenitivegenitive object of ἔμπροσθεν→ relational specificationκιβωτός (gen. κιβωτοῦ): 'ark' (see v. 2); the reference point ahead of which the escort walks.
5
καὶ Δαυιδ καὶ οἱ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ παίζοντες ἐνώπιον κυρίου ἐν ὀργάνοις ἡρμοσμένοις ἐν ἰσχύι καὶ ἐν ᾠδαῖς καὶ ἐν κινύραις καὶ ἐν νάβλαις καὶ ἐν τυμπάνοις καὶ ἐν κυμβάλοις καὶ ἐν αὐλοῖς
And David and the sons of Israel were making merry before the LORD with tuned instruments, with might, and with songs, and with lyres, and with harps, and with timbrels, and with cymbals, and with flutes.
A verbless/participial clause (παίζοντες) describing the celebratory accompaniment of the procession. The cascade of ἐν + dative instruments (lyres, harps, timbrels, cymbals, flutes) renders a Hebrew list of musical instruments and builds a crescendo of joy that the disaster of v. 7 will violently interrupt. The verb παίζω ('play / make merry / dance') is the festal keynote, picked up by David's self-defense in vv. 21–22.
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 proper noun)→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable proper noun).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οἱtheNominativearticle (with υἱοί)→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱοὶsonsNominativesubject (coordinate with Δαυιδ)→ participant prominenceυἱός: 'son'; οἱ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ renders בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל ('the sons/children of Israel'), the whole people joining David in celebration.
ΙσραηλIsraelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'of Israel')→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: indeclinable transliteration (see v. 1).
παίζοντεςplaying / making merryPres Act Part Nom Pl Masc · παίζωcircumstantial participle (describing the manner of procession)→ descriptive present participle (ongoing festal play)παίζω: 'play / make merry / dance / celebrate'; renders שָׂחַק / מְשַׂחֲקִים; the festal keynote verb of the chapter — cultic celebration in music and dance; David picks it up in v. 21 (παίξομαι, 'I will make merry') to vindicate his exuberance against Melchol.
ἐνώπιονbefore / in the presence ofpreposition + genitive (before the LORD)→ spatial or relational framingἐνώπιον: 'before / in the sight of'; renders לִפְנֵי; the recurring ἐνώπιον κυρίου frames the whole celebration as cultic worship 'before the LORD.'
κυρίουof the LORDGenitivegenitive object of ἐνώπιον→ relational specificationκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה; the festal play is directed Godward, an act of worship.
ἐνwithpreposition + dative (instrumental)→ spatial or relational framingἐν + dative: instrumental ('with / by means of'), a Hebraizing use rendering בְּ-; introduces the catalogue of instruments.
ὀργάνοιςinstrumentsDativedative of instrument ('with instruments')→ sphere or referenceὄργανον: 'instrument / tool / musical instrument'; the general term heading the list, here qualified by ἡρμοσμένοις ('tuned / fitted').
ἡρμοσμένοιςtuned / fittedPerf Mid/Pass Part Dat Pl Neut · ἁρμόζωattributive participle (modifying ὀργάνοις: 'fitted/tuned instruments')→ resultative perfect participle (instruments in a tuned state)ἁρμόζω: 'fit / join / tune'; the perfect passive participle ἡρμοσμένοις denotes instruments tuned and ready; the phrase ἐν ὀργάνοις ἡρμοσμένοις recurs at v. 14 of David's own playing.
ἐνwith / inpreposition + dative (manner / instrument)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (manner / instrument).
ἰσχύιmight / strengthDativedative of manner ('with might / full force')→ sphere or referenceἰσχύς: 'strength / might'; renders עֹז; here adverbial ('with all their might / power'), describing the vigor of the playing and dancing — cf. David's wholehearted exertion in the parallel.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (joining list items)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐνwithpreposition + dative (instrumental)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (instrumental).
ᾠδαῖςsongsDativedative of instrument/manner ('with songs')→ sphere or referenceᾠδή: 'song / ode'; renders שִׁיר; vocal music joining the instrumental ensemble.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐνwithpreposition + dative (instrumental)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (instrumental).
κινύραιςlyresDativedative of instrument ('with lyres')→ sphere or referenceκινύρα: 'lyre / harp'; renders כִּנּוֹר; a stringed instrument, the classic accompaniment of David's own music (cf. 1 Kgdms 16:16).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐνwithpreposition + dative (instrumental)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (instrumental).
νάβλαιςharps / lutesDativedative of instrument ('with harps')→ sphere or referenceνάβλα: 'nabla / harp / lute'; renders נֵבֶל; a larger stringed instrument paired with the κινύρα in temple music.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐνwithpreposition + dative (instrumental)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (instrumental).
τυμπάνοιςtimbrels / drumsDativedative of instrument ('with timbrels')→ sphere or referenceτύμπανον: 'timbrel / hand-drum / tambourine'; renders תֹּף; the percussion of festal celebration (cf. Exod 15:20).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐνwithpreposition + dative (instrumental)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (instrumental).
κυμβάλοιςcymbalsDativedative of instrument ('with cymbals')→ sphere or referenceκύμβαλον: 'cymbal'; renders צֶלְצְלִים / מְצִלְתַּיִם; the bright metallic percussion completing the temple-music array.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐνwithpreposition + dative (instrumental)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (instrumental).
αὐλοῖςflutes / pipesDativedative of instrument ('with flutes')→ sphere or referenceαὐλός: 'flute / pipe / aulos'; the wind instrument closing the sevenfold catalogue of festal music.
6
καὶ παραγίνονται ἕως ἅλω Νωδαβ καὶ ἐξέτεινεν Οζα τὴν χεῖρα αὐτοῦ ἐπὶ τὴν κιβωτὸν τοῦ θεοῦ κατασχεῖν αὐτὴν καὶ ἐκράτησεν αὐτήν ὅτι περιέσπασεν αὐτὴν ὁ μόσχος τοῦ κατασχεῖν αὐτήν
And they came to the threshing-floor of Nodab, and Oza stretched out his hand to the ark of God to take hold of it, and he grasped it, because the ox jolted it, to take hold of it.
The historic present παραγίνονται ('they arrive') heightens the vividness at the narrative's turning point. The chain of aorists (ἐξέτεινεν … ἐκράτησεν … περιέσπασεν) reports Oza's fatal action: the ox jolts the ark and Oza grasps it. The causal ὅτι and the repeated infinitive of purpose κατασχεῖν / τοῦ κατασχεῖν ('to take hold of it') underline the well-meant but forbidden touch.
Word-by-word analysis· 29 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
παραγίνονταιthey arrive / comePres Mid(Dep) Indic 3 Pl · παραγίνομαιmain verb (historic present at the crisis pivot)→ historic present (vivid narrative immediacy)παραγίνομαι: 'come / arrive / be present'; renders בּוֹא; the historic present shifts the narrative into vivid foreground precisely at the moment of catastrophe.
ἕωςas far as / topreposition + genitive (extent: 'as far as')→ spatial or relational framingἕως: 'until / as far as'; renders עַד; here spatial, marking the destination reached.
ἅλωthreshing-floorGenitivegenitive object of ἕως ('to the threshing-floor')→ relational specificationἅλως / ἅλων: 'threshing-floor'; renders גֹּרֶן; the open, flat place where the ox jolts the cart; the parallel calls it the threshing-floor of Nachon/Chidon.
ΝωδαβNodabgenitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'of Nodab')→ participant identificationΝωδαβ: transliteration of the place-name (Hebrew נָכוֹן, Nachon, in the MT); indeclinable in the LXX; the threshing-floor where the disaster occurs.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐξέτεινενstretched outAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐκτείνωmain verb (Oza's reaching action)→ constative aorist (single act of reaching out)ἐκτείνω: 'stretch out / extend'; renders שָׁלַח (יָד); the idiom ἐξέτεινεν τὴν χεῖρα ('stretched out the hand') often denotes a presumptuous or decisive act — here the fatal touching of the holy ark.
ΟζαOzasubject (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΟζα: Uzzah (see v. 3); the subject whose touch brings death.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle (with χεῖρα)→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
χεῖραhandAccusativedirect object of ἐξέτεινεν→ object specificationχείρ: 'hand'; renders יָד; the instrument of Oza's well-meant but unlawful contact with the ark.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession (Oza's hand)→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (Oza's hand).
ἐπὶto / uponpreposition + accusative (direction of the reaching)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction of the reaching).
τὴνtheAccusativearticle (with κιβωτόν)→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κιβωτὸνarkAccusativeaccusative object of ἐπί (the ark Oza reaches for)→ object specificationκιβωτός: 'ark' (see v. 2); the holy object whose touching is fatal (cf. Num 4:15).
τοῦofGenitivearticle (with θεοῦ)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεοῦGodGenitivegenitive of possession ('the ark of God')→ relational specificationθεός: 'God'; the genitive stresses the divine ownership that makes the touch a violation.
κατασχεῖνto take hold ofAor Act Inf · κατέχωinfinitive of purpose (why Oza reached out)→ telic aorist infinitive (purpose: to steady it)κατέχω: 'hold fast / take hold of / restrain'; renders אָחַז; the infinitive of purpose states Oza's intent — to steady the tipping ark; the very act, however pious in motive, transgresses the prohibition on touching the holy.
αὐτὴνitAccusativedirect object of κατασχεῖν (the ark)→ participant referenceαὐτὴν: meaning 'it'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object of κατασχεῖν (the ark).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐκράτησενgrasped / seizedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · κρατέωmain verb (Oza takes hold of the ark)→ constative aorist (the fatal grasp)κρατέω: 'grasp / seize / hold firmly'; renders אָחַז; the completed act of grasping the ark — the immediate provocation of YHWH's wrath in v. 7.
αὐτήνitAccusativedirect object of ἐκράτησεν→ participant referenceαὐτήν: meaning 'it'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object of ἐκράτησεν.
ὅτιbecausecausal conjunction (introducing the reason)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: 'because / that'; here causal, explaining why Oza grasped the ark — the ox had jolted it.
περιέσπασενjolted / dragged asideAor Act Indic 3 Sg · περισπάωverb of causal clause (the ox's action)→ constative aorist (the jolting that prompted the grasp)περισπάω: 'pull around / drag aside / jolt / distract'; renders שָׁמַט ('let slip / stumble'); the ox's lurch tipped the ark, occasioning Oza's instinctive but lethal reach.
αὐτὴνitAccusativedirect object of περιέσπασεν (the ark)→ participant referenceαὐτὴν: meaning 'it'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object of περιέσπασεν (the ark).
ὁtheNominativearticle (with μόσχος)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
μόσχοςox / calfNominativesubject of περιέσπασεν→ participant prominenceμόσχος: 'calf / young bull / ox'; renders בָּקָר; the draft animal pulling the cart, whose stumble triggers the crisis.
τοῦto / in order toGenitivearticle governing the infinitive of purpose→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ + infinitive: articular genitive infinitive of purpose ('to take hold of it'), resuming the motive of Oza's reach.
κατασχεῖνto take hold ofAor Act Inf · κατέχωinfinitive of purpose (τοῦ κατασχεῖν: resumptive of Oza's intent)→ telic aorist infinitiveκατέχω: 'take hold / steady' (see above); the repeated infinitive frames the whole episode around Oza's attempt to hold the ark.
αὐτήνitAccusativedirect object of κατασχεῖν→ participant referenceαὐτήν: meaning 'it'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object of κατασχεῖν.
7
καὶ ἐθυμώθη κύριος τῷ Οζα καὶ ἔπαισεν αὐτὸν ἐκεῖ ὁ θεός καὶ ἀπέθανεν ἐκεῖ παρὰ τὴν κιβωτὸν τοῦ κυρίου ἐνώπιον τοῦ θεοῦ
And the LORD was angry with Oza, and God struck him there, and he died there beside the ark of the LORD, before God.
The triple aorist sequence ἐθυμώθη … ἔπαισεν … ἀπέθανεν ('was angry … struck … died') delivers the chapter's shock in three swift beats. The repeated ἐκεῖ ('there') and the locatives παρὰ τὴν κιβωτόν … ἐνώπιον τοῦ θεοῦ fix the death at the very site of the violation — the holy is lethal to unsanctioned contact.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐθυμώθηwas angry / grew wrothAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · θυμόωmain verb (divine wrath kindled)→ ingressive aorist (anger flaring up)θυμόω (pass. 'be angry'): 'become enraged'; renders חָרָה אַף ('the anger burned'); the passive ἐθυμώθη κύριος is the standard LXX expression for the kindling of divine wrath against a transgression.
κύριοςLORDNominativesubject of ἐθυμώθη→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה; YHWH himself, whose holiness is violated, is the subject of the wrath.
τῷwith / againstDativearticle (with Οζα; dative of the person angered against)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ Οζα: the article marks Oza as the dative object of the anger ('was angry at/with Oza').
ΟζαOzadative of person (indeclinable: the object of wrath)→ participant identificationΟζα: Uzzah (see v. 3); the recipient of divine anger and judgment.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔπαισενstruckAor Act Indic 3 Sg · παίωmain verb (the lethal blow)→ constative aorist (single decisive strike)παίω: 'strike / smite'; renders נָכָה; God's direct lethal action against Oza; a grim wordplay with παίζω ('make merry', v. 5) — the festal 'playing' turns to a deadly 'striking.'
αὐτὸνhimAccusativedirect object of ἔπαισεν (Oza)→ participant referenceαὐτὸν: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object of ἔπαισεν (Oza).
ἐκεῖthereadverb of place (locative: at the threshing-floor)→ adverbial qualificationἐκεῖ: 'there'; the repeated ἐκεῖ (here and with ἀπέθανεν) fixes the judgment at the exact site of the offense.
ὁtheNominativearticle (with θεός)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεόςGodNominativesubject of ἔπαισεν (in apposition to κύριος)→ participant prominenceθεός: 'God'; renders אֱלֹהִים; here naming the agent of the blow — the same divine subject as κύριος, now under the title 'God.'
καὶandcoordinate 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 (the result of the blow)→ constative aorist (death accomplished)ἀποθνῄσκω: 'die'; renders מוּת; the blunt report of Oza's death, sealing the lesson on the inviolable holiness of the ark.
ἐκεῖthereadverb of place (locative)→ adverbial qualificationἐκεῖ: 'there'; the second 'there' underlines that death came on the spot, beside the ark.
παρὰbesidepreposition + accusative (position: 'beside the ark')→ spatial or relational framingπαρά + acc.: 'beside / by'; renders עִם / אֵצֶל; locates the death immediately next to the ark — proximity to the holy is itself the danger.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle (with κιβωτόν)→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κιβωτὸνarkAccusativeaccusative object of παρά→ object specificationκιβωτός: 'ark' (see v. 2); Oza dies in its very presence.
τοῦof theGenitivearticle (with κυρίου)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κυρίουof the LORDGenitivegenitive of possession ('the ark of the LORD')→ relational specificationκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה; the ark belongs to YHWH, whose holiness Oza transgressed.
ἐνώπιονbeforepreposition + genitive ('before God')→ spatial or relational framingἐνώπιον: 'before / in the presence of' (see v. 5); here the death occurs 'before God,' in the divine presence localized at the ark.
τοῦofGenitivearticle (with θεοῦ)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεοῦGodGenitivegenitive object of ἐνώπιον→ relational specificationθεός: 'God'; the phrase ἐνώπιον τοῦ θεοῦ frames the death as occurring in the immediate divine presence.
8
καὶ ἠθύμησεν Δαυιδ ὑπὲρ οὗ διέκοψεν κύριος διακοπὴν ἐν τῷ Οζα καὶ ἐκλήθη ὁ τόπος ἐκεῖνος διακοπὴ Οζα ἕως τῆς ἡμέρας ταύτης
And David was disheartened because the LORD had broken forth with a breach against Oza; and that place was called the Breach of Oza, to this day.
David's reaction ἠθύμησεν ('was disheartened / vexed') registers the human aftermath of the judgment. The cognate construction διέκοψεν … διακοπήν ('broke forth a breach') is a Hebraizing figura etymologica naming the violent 'breach,' and the aetiological formula ἐκλήθη … ἕως τῆς ἡμέρας ταύτης ('was called … to this day') fixes the place-name Perez-uzzah (διακοπὴ Οζα) in living memory.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἠθύμησενwas disheartened / vexedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀθυμέωmain verb (David's emotional reaction)→ ingressive aorist (becoming despondent / angry)ἀθυμέω: 'lose heart / be despondent / be vexed'; renders חָרָה (David's distress / displeasure); the LXX captures David's mix of grief and frustration at the deadly breach.
ΔαυιδDavidsubject (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable proper noun).
ὑπὲρbecause of / overpreposition + genitive (cause / occasion of distress)→ spatial or relational framingὑπέρ + gen.: 'on account of / because of'; with the relative οὗ ('because of which') it introduces the cause of David's dismay.
οὗwhich / thatGenitiverelative pronoun (object of ὑπέρ; causal)→ relational specificationὅς (gen. οὗ): relative pronoun; ὑπὲρ οὗ = 'because of the fact that,' introducing the breach as the cause of David's vexation.
διέκοψενbroke through / broke forthAor Act Indic 3 Sg · διακόπτωverb of causal clause (the LORD's breaking out)→ constative aorist (the breach effected)διακόπτω: 'cut through / break out'; renders פָּרַץ; with its cognate object διακοπήν it forms a figura etymologica ('broke a breach') rendering the Hebrew פָּרַץ … פֶּרֶץ, the basis of the place-name Perez-uzzah.
κύριοςLORDNominativesubject of διέκοψεν→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה; YHWH is the agent of the breach against Oza.
διακοπὴνa breachAccusativecognate accusative (figura etymologica with διέκοψεν)→ object specificationδιακοπή: 'breach / breaking out'; the cognate accusative renders the Hebrew noun פֶּרֶץ; the cognate construction intensifies the violence and supplies the etymology of the place-name.
ἐνagainst / onpreposition + dative (the person against whom)→ spatial or relational framingἐν + dative: here adversative/locative ('against Oza'), a Hebraizing use rendering בְּ-.
τῷtheDativearticle (with Οζα)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΟζαOzadative object of ἐν (indeclinable: 'against Oza')→ participant identificationΟζα: Uzzah (see v. 3); the victim of the breach, whose name the place will bear.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐκλήθηwas calledAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · καλέωmain verb (aetiological naming formula)→ constative aorist passive (the name conferred)καλέω: 'call / name'; renders קָרָא; the passive ἐκλήθη … ἕως τῆς ἡμέρας ταύτης is the standard LXX aetiological formula assigning an enduring place-name.
ὁtheNominativearticle (with τόπος)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
τόποςplaceNominativesubject of ἐκλήθη→ participant prominenceτόπος: 'place / spot'; renders מָקוֹם; the threshing-floor site now memorialized by a name.
ἐκεῖνοςthatNominativedemonstrative adjective (modifying τόπος)→ participant prominenceἐκεῖνος: 'that'; the demonstrative points to the specific place of the breach.
διακοπὴBreach (of)Nominativepredicate nominative (the name given: 'Breach of Oza')→ participant prominenceδιακοπή: 'breach' (see above); here functioning as the proper place-name διακοπὴ Οζα = 'Breach of Oza,' the Greek rendering of Perez-uzzah (פֶּרֶץ עֻזָּא).
Οζαof Ozagenitive of relationship (indeclinable: part of the place-name)→ participant identificationΟζα: Uzzah (see v. 3); the eponym of the place-name 'Breach of Oza.'
ἕωςuntilpreposition + genitive (temporal extent)→ spatial or relational framingἕως: 'until'; with τῆς ἡμέρας ταύτης forms the aetiological 'to this day' formula.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle (with ἡμέρας)→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἡμέραςdayGenitivegenitive object of ἕως→ relational specificationἡμέρα: 'day'; renders יוֹם; the phrase ἕως τῆς ἡμέρας ταύτης ('to this day') marks the name's persistence to the narrator's own time.
ταύτηςthisGenitivedemonstrative adjective (modifying ἡμέρας)→ relational specificationοὗτος (gen. f. ταύτης): 'this'; completes the aetiological formula, locating the name's currency in the narrator's present.
9
καὶ ἐφοβήθη Δαυιδ τὸν κύριον ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐκείνῃ λέγων πῶς εἰσελεύσεται πρός με ἡ κιβωτὸς κυρίου
And David feared the LORD on that day, saying, 'How shall the ark of the LORD come in to me?'
David's disheartenment (v. 8) deepens into reverent dread: ἐφοβήθη … τὸν κύριον ('feared the LORD'). The participle λέγων introduces direct speech, and the rhetorical question πῶς εἰσελεύσεται … ('how shall it come to me?') voices David's sense that the ark's holiness is too dangerous to bring near — motivating the diversion to Abeddara in v. 10.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐφοβήθηfearedAor Pass(Dep) Indic 3 Sg · φοβέομαιmain verb (David's dread)→ ingressive aorist (fear taking hold)φοβέομαι: 'fear / be afraid / revere'; renders יָרֵא; here religious dread before the LORD's lethal holiness, not mere fright.
ΔαυιδDavidsubject (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable proper noun).
τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with κύριον)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κύριονLORDAccusativedirect object of ἐφοβήθη→ object specificationκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה; the object of David's reverent fear after the death of Oza.
ἐνon / inpreposition + dative (temporal)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'on'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (temporal).
τῇtheDativearticle (with ἡμέρᾳ)→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἡμέρᾳdayDativedative of time ('on that day')→ sphere or referenceἡμέρα: 'day'; the temporal phrase ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐκείνῃ ('on that day') fixes the fear at the moment of the breach.
ἐκείνῃthatDativedemonstrative adjective (modifying ἡμέρᾳ)→ sphere or referenceἐκεῖνος: 'that'; points to the day of Oza's death.
λέγωνsayingPres Act Part Nom Sg Masc · λέγωcircumstantial participle (introducing direct speech)→ verbal action or stateλέγω: 'say'; the participle λέγων is the standard LXX device for introducing direct discourse (rendering לֵאמֹר).
πῶςhowinterrogative adverb (introducing the question)→ clausal contributionπῶς: 'how?'; the rhetorical-deliberative question conveys David's reluctance and dread.
εἰσελεύσεταιshall come inFut Mid(Dep) Indic 3 Sg · εἰσέρχομαιverb of the question (deliberative future)→ deliberative future (anxious uncertainty)εἰσέρχομαι: 'come in / enter'; renders בּוֹא; the future expresses David's perplexity over how to bring the dangerous ark safely to himself.
πρόςtopreposition + accusative (direction: 'to me')→ spatial or relational framingπρός: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction: 'to me').
μεmeAccusativeaccusative object of πρός→ participant referenceἐγώ (acc. με): the first-person pronoun; David personalizes the danger — the ark coming 'to me.'
ἡtheNominativearticle (with κιβωτός)→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κιβωτὸςarkNominativesubject of εἰσελεύσεται→ participant prominenceκιβωτός: 'ark' (see v. 2); the holy object whose approach David now dreads.
κυρίουof the LORDGenitivegenitive of possession ('the ark of the LORD')→ relational specificationκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה; the ark belongs to YHWH, hence the danger.
10
καὶ οὐκ ἐβούλετο Δαυιδ τοῦ ἐκκλῖναι πρὸς αὑτὸν τὴν κιβωτὸν διαθήκης κυρίου εἰς τὴν πόλιν Δαυιδ καὶ ἀπέκλινεν αὐτὴν Δαυιδ εἰς οἶκον Αβεδδαρα τοῦ Γεθθαίου
And David was not willing to turn the ark of the covenant of the LORD aside to himself, into the city of David; and David diverted it to the house of Abeddara the Gittite.
David's fear (v. 9) issues in a decision: the negated imperfect οὐκ ἐβούλετο ('was unwilling') with the articular infinitive τοῦ ἐκκλῖναι reports his refusal to bring the ark directly into his city. The aorist ἀπέκλινεν ('he turned/diverted it aside') resolves the impasse — the ark goes to Abeddara, where the blessing of vv. 11–12 reverses David's dread.
Word-by-word analysis· 25 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οὐκnotnegative particle (negating ἐβούλετο)→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐ (οὐκ before vowel): the negative of fact; negates David's willingness.
ἐβούλετοwas willing / wishedImpf Mid(Dep) Indic 3 Sg · βούλομαιmain verb (David's disposition)→ descriptive imperfect (ongoing unwillingness)βούλομαι: 'wish / want / be willing'; renders אָבָה; the imperfect with the negative depicts David's settled reluctance to receive the ark.
ΔαυιδDavidsubject (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable proper noun).
τοῦtoGenitivearticle governing the complementary infinitive→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ + infinitive: articular genitive infinitive complementing ἐβούλετο ('was unwilling to turn aside').
ἐκκλῖναιto turn asideAor Act Inf · ἐκκλίνωcomplementary infinitive (object of ἐβούλετο)→ aorist infinitive (the action declined)ἐκκλίνω: 'turn aside / divert'; renders נָטָה / סוּר; here transitively, 'to turn the ark aside to himself'; David is unwilling to redirect it into his own city.
πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (direction: 'to himself')→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction: 'to himself').
αὑτὸνhimselfAccusativereflexive object of πρός (refers to David)→ participant referenceἑαυτόν (crasis αὑτόν): reflexive pronoun 'himself'; the rough breathing marks the reflexive contraction (= ἑαυτόν), referring back to David.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle (with κιβωτόν)→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κιβωτὸνarkAccusativedirect object of ἐκκλῖναι→ object specificationκιβωτός: 'ark' (see v. 2); here qualified as 'the ark of the covenant of the LORD.'
διαθήκηςof the covenantGenitivegenitive of relationship (modifying κιβωτόν)→ relational specificationδιαθήκη: 'covenant / testament'; renders בְּרִית; the ark as the repository of the covenant, the sign of YHWH's covenantal presence with Israel.
κυρίουof the LORDGenitivegenitive (the LORD's covenant)→ relational specificationκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה; the covenant is YHWH's.
εἰςintopreposition + accusative (goal of movement)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'into'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (goal of movement).
τὴνtheAccusativearticle (with πόλιν)→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πόλινcityAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς ('into the city')→ object specificationπόλις: 'city'; renders עִיר; ἡ πόλις Δαυιδ ('the city of David') is the Zion stronghold David captured (2 Kgdms 5).
Δαυιδof Davidgenitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'of David')→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: indeclinable (see v. 1); here as the eponym of the city.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀπέκλινενdiverted / turned asideAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀποκλίνωmain verb (the diversion of the ark)→ constative aorist (single act of redirection)ἀποκλίνω: 'turn aside / divert'; renders הִטָּה / סוּר; David redirects the ark away from his city to Abeddara's house.
αὐτὴνitAccusativedirect object of ἀπέκλινεν (the ark)→ participant referenceαὐτὴν: meaning 'it'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object of ἀπέκλινεν (the ark).
ΔαυιδDavidsubject (indeclinable proper noun, resumptive)→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable proper noun, resumptive).
εἰςto / intopreposition + accusative (goal)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (goal).
οἶκονhouseAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς ('to the house')→ object specificationοἶκος: 'house / household' (see v. 3); the dwelling of Abeddara that becomes the ark's three-month resting-place.
ΑβεδδαραAbeddaragenitive of possession (indeclinable: 'of Abeddara')→ participant identificationΑβεδδαρα: transliteration of Hebrew עֹבֵד אֱדֹם (Obed-edom); indeclinable in the LXX; the Gittite in whose house the ark rests and is blessed.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle (with Γεθθαίου; attributive)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
Γεθθαίουthe GittiteGenitivegenitive in apposition / attributive (gentilic: 'of Gath')→ relational specificationΓεθθαῖος: 'Gittite / man of Gath'; gentilic adjective rendering הַגִּתִּי; identifies Abeddara as a man from Gath (perhaps of Philistine origin or a Levite settled there).
11
καὶ ἐκάθισεν ἡ κιβωτὸς τοῦ κυρίου εἰς οἶκον Αβεδδαρα τοῦ Γεθθαίου μῆνας τρεῖς καὶ εὐλόγησεν κύριος ὅλον τὸν οἶκον Αβεδδαρα καὶ πάντα τὰ αὐτοῦ
And the ark of the LORD remained in the house of Abeddara the Gittite three months; and the LORD blessed the whole house of Abeddara and all that was his.
The aorist ἐκάθισεν ('settled / remained') marks the ark's three-month rest, and εὐλόγησεν κύριος ('the LORD blessed') reverses the menace of vv. 6–8: the same holy presence that killed Oza now blesses the household that hosts it. The comprehensive ὅλον τὸν οἶκον … καὶ πάντα τὰ αὐτοῦ ('the whole house … and all that was his') stresses the totality of the blessing — the news that prompts David's second attempt (v. 12).
Word-by-word analysis· 24 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐκάθισενsettled / remainedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · καθίζωmain verb (the ark's residence)→ constative aorist (the period of rest)καθίζω: 'sit / settle / remain'; renders יָשַׁב; here intransitive of the ark 'resting / staying' in Abeddara's house.
ἡtheNominativearticle (with κιβωτός)→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κιβωτὸςarkNominativesubject of ἐκάθισεν→ participant prominenceκιβωτός: 'ark' (see v. 2).
τοῦof theGenitivearticle (with κυρίου)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κυρίουof the LORDGenitivegenitive of possession ('the ark of the LORD')→ relational specificationκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה.
εἰςin / intopreposition + accusative (locative with verb of rest, Hellenistic)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς + acc.: in Koine often overlaps with ἐν ('in'); here locative ('in the house') despite the verb of rest.
οἶκονhouseAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς ('in the house')→ object specificationοἶκος: 'house' (see v. 3).
ΑβεδδαραAbeddaragenitive of possession (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΑβεδδαρα: Obed-edom (see v. 10).
τοῦtheGenitivearticle (with Γεθθαίου)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
Γεθθαίουthe GittiteGenitiveattributive (gentilic)→ relational specificationΓεθθαῖος: 'Gittite' (see v. 10).
μῆναςmonthsAccusativeaccusative of duration ('for three months')→ object specificationμήν: 'month'; renders חֹדֶשׁ; accusative of extent of time, marking the ark's sojourn.
τρεῖςthreeAccusativenumeral (modifying μῆνας)→ measure or countτρεῖς: 'three'; renders שְׁלֹשָׁה; the duration of the blessing-interlude.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εὐλόγησενblessedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · εὐλογέωmain verb (the LORD's blessing)→ constative aorist (the blessing conferred)εὐλογέω: 'bless / speak well of'; renders בֵּרַךְ; the ark's presence brings blessing — the antithesis of Oza's fate — making YHWH's holiness life-giving to those who honor it.
κύριοςLORDNominativesubject of εὐλόγησεν→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה; the source of the household's blessing.
ὅλονwholeAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying οἶκον: 'the whole house')→ object specificationὅλος: 'whole / entire'; renders כֹּל; stresses the comprehensiveness of the blessing on Abeddara's household.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with οἶκον)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
οἶκονhouseAccusativedirect object of εὐλόγησεν→ object specificationοἶκος: 'house / household' (see v. 3); here the family and estate of Abeddara.
Αβεδδαραof Abeddaragenitive of possession (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΑβεδδαρα: Obed-edom (see v. 10).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πάνταallAccusativesubstantival adjective (object of εὐλόγησεν: 'all that was his')→ object specificationπᾶς: 'all'; the neuter plural πάντα τὰ αὐτοῦ ('all that was his') extends the blessing to Abeddara's entire estate.
τὰthe thingsAccusativearticle (substantizing αὐτοῦ: 'the things of his')→ noun-phrase markingτά: the neuter plural article substantivizes the possessive ('the things belonging to him').
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession (Abeddara's belongings)→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (Abeddara's belongings).
12
καὶ ἀπηγγέλη τῷ βασιλεῖ Δαυιδ λέγοντες ηὐλόγησεν κύριος τὸν οἶκον Αβεδδαρα καὶ πάντα τὰ αὐτοῦ ἕνεκεν τῆς κιβωτοῦ τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ ἐπορεύθη Δαυιδ καὶ ἀνήγαγεν τὴν κιβωτὸν τοῦ κυρίου ἐκ τοῦ οἴκου Αβεδδαρα εἰς τὴν πόλιν Δαυιδ ἐν εὐφροσύνῃ
And it was reported to King David, saying, 'The LORD has blessed the house of Abeddara and all that is his on account of the ark of God.' And David went and brought up the ark of the LORD from the house of Abeddara into the city of David with rejoicing.
The passive ἀπηγγέλη ('it was reported') with the loosely-attached participle λέγοντες ('saying', a constructio ad sensum) conveys the news of blessing that transforms David's fear into resolve. The causal ἕνεκεν τῆς κιβωτοῦ τοῦ θεοῦ ('on account of the ark of God') is decisive: the ark is a source of blessing, not only danger. The renewed procession (ἐπορεύθη … ἀνήγαγεν) now proceeds ἐν εὐφροσύνῃ ('with rejoicing').
Word-by-word analysis· 39 words
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: 'it was reported')→ constative aorist passive (the news delivered)ἀπαγγέλλω: 'report / announce'; renders הֻגַּד (Hophal of נָגַד); the impersonal passive introduces the report that reaches the king.
τῷto theDativearticle (with βασιλεῖ)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
βασιλεῖkingDativedative indirect object ('to the king')→ sphere or referenceβασιλεύς: 'king'; renders מֶלֶךְ; the title τῷ βασιλεῖ Δαυιδ underscores David's royal office at the moment of decision.
ΔαυιδDaviddative in apposition (indeclinable: 'King David')→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as dative in apposition (indeclinable: 'King David').
λέγοντεςsayingPres Act Part Nom Pl Masc · λέγωparticiple (constructio ad sensum, introducing direct speech)→ progressive participleλέγω: 'say'; the masculine plural λέγοντes (the unnamed reporters) introduces direct speech though the main verb is impersonal passive — a common LXX loose construction rendering לֵאמֹר.
ηὐλόγησενhas blessedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · εὐλογέωverb of the reported speech (the content of the report)→ constative aorist (the blessing already effected)εὐλογέω: 'bless' (see v. 11); the augmented form ηὐλόγησεν reports the accomplished blessing of Abeddara's house.
κύριοςLORDNominativesubject of ηὐλόγησεν→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with οἶκον)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
οἶκονhouseAccusativedirect object of ηὐλόγησεν→ object specificationοἶκος: 'house / household' (see v. 3).
Αβεδδαραof Abeddaragenitive of possession (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΑβεδδαρα: Obed-edom (see v. 10).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πάνταallAccusativesubstantival adjective ('all that is his')→ object specificationπᾶς: 'all'; cf. v. 11; the totality of Abeddara's estate is blessed.
τὰthe thingsAccusativearticle (substantizing αὐτοῦ)→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ἕνεκενon account ofpreposition + genitive (cause)→ spatial or relational framingἕνεκεν: 'because of / on account of'; renders בַּעֲבוּר; the causal phrase ascribes the blessing directly to the ark's presence — the theological key that reverses David's fear.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle (with κιβωτοῦ)→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κιβωτοῦarkGenitivegenitive object of ἕνεκεν ('because of the ark')→ relational specificationκιβωτός (gen. κιβωτοῦ): 'ark' (see v. 2); the cause of the blessing.
τοῦofGenitivearticle (with θεοῦ)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεοῦGodGenitivegenitive of possession ('the ark of God')→ relational specificationθεός: 'God' (see v. 2).
καὶandnarrative conjunction (resuming main action)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐπορεύθηwentAor Pass(Dep) Indic 3 Sg · πορεύομαιmain verb (David sets out anew)→ constative aorist (the second procession begun)πορεύομαι: 'go / proceed' (see v. 2); David's renewed initiative to fetch the ark.
ΔαυιδDavidsubject (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable proper noun).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀνήγαγενbrought upAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀνάγωmain verb (the successful bringing-up)→ constative aorist (the ark conveyed up)ἀνάγω: 'bring up' (see v. 2); the leitwort now realized — David successfully brings the ark up to his city.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle (with κιβωτόν)→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κιβωτὸνarkAccusativedirect object of ἀνήγαγεν→ object specificationκιβωτός: 'ark' (see v. 2).
τοῦof theGenitivearticle (with κυρίου)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κυρίουof the LORDGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה.
ἐκfrom / out ofpreposition + genitive (source)→ spatial or relational framingἐκ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (source).
τοῦtheGenitivearticle (with οἴκου)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
οἴκουhouseGenitivegenitive object of ἐκ ('out of the house')→ relational specificationοἶκος (gen. οἴκου): 'house' (see v. 3).
Αβεδδαραof Abeddaragenitive of possession (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΑβεδδαρα: Obed-edom (see v. 10).
εἰςintopreposition + accusative (goal)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'into'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (goal).
τὴνtheAccusativearticle (with πόλιν)→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πόλινcityAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς ('into the city')→ object specificationπόλις: 'city' (see v. 10); the destination, the city of David.
Δαυιδof Davidgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: indeclinable (see v. 1); the city's eponym.
ἐνwithpreposition + dative (manner)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (manner).
εὐφροσύνῃrejoicing / gladnessDativedative of manner ('with rejoicing')→ sphere or referenceεὐφροσύνη: 'gladness / joy / festivity'; renders שִׂמְחָה; the festal mood that now governs the corrected procession — joy replacing the earlier dread.
13
καὶ ἦσαν μετ᾿ αὐτῶν αἴροντες τὴν κιβωτὸν ἑπτὰ χοροὶ καὶ θῦμα μόσχος καὶ ἄρνα
And there were with them, carrying the ark, seven choirs, and a sacrifice — an ox and a lamb.
A periphrastic-style description (ἦσαν … αἴροντες) of those bearing the ark — 'seven choirs' (ἑπτὰ χοροί), where the LXX diverges from the MT's '(every) six paces.' The sacrifice (θῦμα) of ox and lamb sanctifies the procession's progress. The verse foregrounds the cultic correction of the first attempt: now there is worship and offering accompanying the bearers.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἦσανthere wereImpf Act Indic 3 Pl · εἰμίmain verb (with participle αἴροντες, periphrastic-like)→ descriptive imperfect (ongoing circumstance)εἰμί: 'be / exist'; the imperfect ἦσαν with the participle αἴροντες describes the ongoing presence of the bearers accompanying the procession.
μετ᾿withpreposition + genitive (accompaniment; elided)→ spatial or relational framingμετ᾿: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (accompaniment; elided).
αὐτῶνthemGenitivegenitive object of μετά (the procession company)→ relational specificationαὐτῶν: meaning 'them'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive object of μετά (the procession company).
αἴροντεςcarrying / liftingPres Act Part Nom Pl Masc · αἴρωcircumstantial participle (the bearers of the ark)→ descriptive present participle (ongoing bearing)αἴρω: 'lift / carry' (see v. 3); here the bearers who carry the ark — implicitly the corrected, Levitical mode of transport on the shoulder rather than the cart.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle (with κιβωτόν)→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κιβωτὸνarkAccusativedirect object of αἴροντες→ object specificationκιβωτός: 'ark' (see v. 2).
ἑπτὰsevennumeral (modifying χοροί)→ measure or countἑπτά: 'seven'; indeclinable cardinal; the LXX 'seven choirs' diverges from the MT's reckoning of six paces — a textual variant in the Greek transmission.
χοροὶchoirs / dancing-bandsNominativesubject of ἦσαν ('seven choirs')→ participant prominenceχορός: 'choir / dance / band of dancers'; here groups of singers/dancers accompanying the ark; the LXX presents the procession as richly liturgical.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
θῦμαa sacrifice / victimNominativesubject (further item of the procession: 'a sacrifice')→ participant prominenceθῦμα: 'that which is sacrificed / victim / offering'; renders זֶבַח; the sacrificial victim accompanying the ark, specified as ox and lamb.
μόσχοςox / calfNominativenominative in apposition to θῦμα→ participant prominenceμόσχος: 'calf / ox' (see v. 6); here a sacrificial animal in apposition to θῦμα.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἄρναa lambAccusativeappositional (loose: 'and a lamb', acc. form in apposition to θῦμα)→ object specificationἀρήν (acc. ἄρνα): 'lamb / sheep'; renders שֶׂה / כֶּבֶשׂ; the noun is defective (no nominative), so the accusative ἄρνα stands loosely in apposition to the sacrifice; the ox-and-lamb pairing constitutes the offering accompanying the ark.
14
καὶ Δαυιδ ἀνεκρούετο ἐν ὀργάνοις ἡρμοσμένοις ἐνώπιον κυρίου καὶ ὁ Δαυιδ ἐνδεδυκὼς στολὴν ἔξαλλον
And David struck up music on tuned instruments before the LORD; and David was clothed in a distinctive robe.
The imperfect ἀνεκρούετο ('was striking up / playing') depicts David's continuous music-making before the LORD, echoing ἐν ὀργάνοις ἡρμοσμένοις from v. 5. The perfect participle ἐνδεδυκώς ('having clothed himself') with στολὴν ἔξαλλον ('a distinctive/special robe', the LXX's rendering of the linen ephod) marks David's priestly-festal garb — the very self-presentation Melchol will scorn (v. 20).
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ΔαυιδDavidsubject (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable proper noun).
ἀνεκρούετοwas striking up / playingImpf Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἀνακρούωmain verb (David's music-making)→ descriptive imperfect (ongoing playing)ἀνακρούω (mid.): 'strike up / play (an instrument)'; the middle ἀνεκρούετο depicts David himself making music; the verb recurs (ἀνακρουόμενον) of David's dancing-playing at v. 16.
ἐνon / withpreposition + dative (instrumental)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'on'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (instrumental).
ὀργάνοιςinstrumentsDativedative of instrument ('on instruments')→ sphere or referenceὄργανον: 'instrument' (see v. 5).
ἡρμοσμένοιςtuned / fittedPerf Mid/Pass Part Dat Pl Neut · ἁρμόζωattributive participle (modifying ὀργάνοις)→ resultative perfect participle (instruments in tuned state)ἁρμόζω: 'tune / fit' (see v. 5); the phrase ἐν ὀργάνοις ἡρμοσμένοις deliberately echoes v. 5, binding David's personal worship to the corporate festal music.
ἐνώπιονbeforepreposition + genitive ('before the LORD')→ spatial or relational framingἐνώπιον: 'before / in the presence of' (see v. 5); the recurring frame of cultic worship.
κυρίουof the LORDGenitivegenitive object of ἐνώπιον→ relational specificationκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (introducing the dress note)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὁtheNominativearticle (with the name Δαυιδ; substantizing the subject)→ noun-phrase markingὁ Δαυιδ: the article before the indeclinable name marks David as the topic of the circumstantial clause about his clothing.
ΔαυιδDavidsubject (indeclinable proper noun, with article)→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable proper noun, with article).
ἐνδεδυκὼςclothed / having put onPerf Act Part Nom Sg Masc · ἐνδύωpredicate participle (David's state of dress)→ resultative perfect participle (the state of being clothed)ἐνδύω (perf. act. part., intransitive sense 'having clothed oneself'): 'put on / be clothed'; renders חָגוּר / לָבוּשׁ; describes David girded in his festal-priestly garment (the linen ephod in the parallel).
στολὴνrobe / garmentAccusativedirect object of ἐνδεδυκώς ('clothed in a robe')→ object specificationστολή: 'robe / festal garment / vestment'; the LXX's στολὴν ἔξαλλον renders the Hebrew אֵפוֹד בָּד ('linen ephod'); a special cultic vesture, marking David's priestly-royal role in the procession.
ἔξαλλονdistinctive / specialAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying στολήν)→ object specificationἔξαλλος: 'extraordinary / distinctive / out of the common'; qualifies the robe as a special festal vestment; the LXX interprets the priestly linen ephod as a striking, set-apart garment.
15
καὶ Δαυιδ καὶ πᾶς ὁ οἶκος Ισραηλ ἀνήγαγον τὴν κιβωτὸν κυρίου μετὰ κραυγῆς καὶ μετὰ φωνῆς σάλπιγγος
And David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting and with the sound of a trumpet.
The aorist ἀνήγαγον (3 pl., now with David and 'all the house of Israel' as joint subject) completes the leitwort ἀνάγω: the ark is successfully brought up. The accompaniment μετὰ κραυγῆς … μετὰ φωνῆς σάλπιγγος ('with shouting and trumpet-blast') is the language of acclamation enthroning the divine King (cf. Ps 46:6 LXX).
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ΔαυιδDavidsubject (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable proper noun).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πᾶςallNominativeattributive adjective (modifying ὁ οἶκος)→ participant prominenceπᾶς: 'all / whole'; πᾶς ὁ οἶκος Ισραηλ ('all the house of Israel') makes the whole nation joint agent of the ark's enthronement.
ὁtheNominativearticle (with οἶκος)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
οἶκοςhouseNominativesubject (coordinate with Δαυιδ)→ participant prominenceοἶκος: 'house / household'; ὁ οἶκος Ισραηλ ('the house of Israel') renders בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל, the nation as a corporate body.
ΙσραηλIsraelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'of Israel')→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: indeclinable (see v. 1).
ἀνήγαγονbrought upAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ἀνάγωmain verb (the corporate bringing-up)→ constative aorist (the ark conveyed up)ἀνάγω: 'bring up' (see v. 2); the 3 pl. completes the chapter's central action — David and all Israel together bring the ark up to the city.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle (with κιβωτόν)→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κιβωτὸνarkAccusativedirect object of ἀνήγαγον→ object specificationκιβωτός: 'ark' (see v. 2).
κυρίουof the LORDGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה.
μετὰwithpreposition + genitive (accompaniment / manner)→ spatial or relational framingμετὰ: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (accompaniment / manner).
κραυγῆςshouting / acclamationGenitivegenitive object of μετά ('with shouting')→ relational specificationκραυγή: 'shout / outcry / acclamation'; renders תְּרוּעָה; the festal shout of enthronement-acclamation accompanying the ark's ascent.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
μετὰwithpreposition + genitive (accompaniment)→ spatial or relational framingμετὰ: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (accompaniment).
φωνῆςsound / voiceGenitivegenitive object of μετά ('with the sound')→ relational specificationφωνή: 'sound / voice'; renders קוֹל; φωνὴ σάλπιγγος ('sound of a trumpet') is the standard idiom for the trumpet-blast of acclamation and theophany (cf. Exod 19:16).
σάλπιγγοςof a trumpetGenitivegenitive of relationship (modifying φωνῆς)→ relational specificationσάλπιγξ: 'trumpet'; renders שׁוֹפָר; the ram's-horn trumpet sounded at the ark's enthronement, signaling the presence of the divine King.
16
καὶ ἐγένετο τῆς κιβωτοῦ παραγινομένης ἕως πόλεως Δαυιδ καὶ Μελχολ ἡ θυγάτηρ Σαουλ διέκυπτεν διὰ τῆς θυρίδος καὶ εἶδεν τὸν βασιλέα Δαυιδ ὀρχούμενον καὶ ἀνακρουόμενον ἐνώπιον κυρίου καὶ ἐξουδένωσεν αὐτὸν ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτῆς
And it came to pass, as the ark was arriving at the city of David, that Melchol the daughter of Saul was looking out through the window, and she saw King David dancing and making music before the LORD, and she despised him in her heart.
The temporal-narrative formula καὶ ἐγένετο … with the genitive absolute τῆς κιβωτοῦ παραγινομένης ('as the ark was arriving') is the classic LXX scene-setting device. Against the festal joy, the imperfect διέκυπτεν ('was peering out') and the aorist ἐξουδένωσεν ('despised') introduce Melchol's inward contempt — the discordant note that will erupt into the dialogue of vv. 20–23.
Word-by-word analysis· 34 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐγένετοit came to passAor Mid(Dep) Indic 3 Sg · γίνομαιmain verb (temporal-narrative formula)→ constative aorist (scene-setting 'and it happened')γίνομαι: 'become / happen'; καὶ ἐγένετο renders וַיְהִי, the standard LXX narrative-transition formula introducing a new scene.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle (with κιβωτοῦ; genitive absolute)→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κιβωτοῦarkGenitivesubject of genitive absolute→ relational specificationκιβωτός (gen. κιβωτοῦ): 'ark' (see v. 2); subject of the temporal genitive-absolute clause.
παραγινομένηςarriving / comingPres Mid(Dep) Part Gen Sg Fem · παραγίνομαιparticiple of genitive absolute ('as the ark was arriving')→ descriptive present participle (action in progress)παραγίνομαι: 'come / arrive' (see v. 6); the genitive absolute sets the temporal frame — the ark's arrival is the backdrop for Melchol's gaze.
ἕωςto / as far aspreposition + genitive (extent: 'as far as the city')→ spatial or relational framingἕως: 'as far as' (see v. 6); marks the ark's approach to the city.
πόλεωςcityGenitivegenitive object of ἕως→ relational specificationπόλις (gen. πόλεως): 'city' (see v. 10); the city of David, destination of the ark.
Δαυιδof Davidgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: indeclinable (see v. 1).
καὶandnarrative conjunction (introducing the apodosis)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαί: here the apodotic καί following καὶ ἐγένετο, a Hebraism (וַ-) introducing the main clause after the temporal frame.
ΜελχολMelcholsubject (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΜελχολ: transliteration of Hebrew מִיכַל (Michal); indeclinable in the LXX; Saul's daughter and David's wife, whose contempt drives the closing scene.
ἡtheNominativearticle (with θυγάτηρ)→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θυγάτηρdaughterNominativenominative in apposition to Μελχολ→ participant prominenceθυγάτηρ: 'daughter'; renders בַּת; the appositive 'daughter of Saul' (rather than 'wife of David') subtly aligns Melchol with the rejected house of Saul against David.
Σαουλof Saulgenitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'of Saul')→ participant identificationΣαουλ: transliteration of Hebrew שָׁאוּל (Saul); indeclinable in the LXX; the rejected former king, whose dynastic line ends with Melchol's childlessness (v. 23).
διέκυπτενwas looking out / peeringImpf Act Indic 3 Sg · διακύπτωmain verb (Melchol's observation)→ descriptive imperfect (ongoing peering)διακύπτω: 'peer through / look out / stoop to look'; renders נִשְׁקְפָה; the imperfect pictures Melchol watching from above, physically and emotionally aloof from the celebration below.
διὰthroughpreposition + genitive (means / aperture)→ spatial or relational framingδιὰ: meaning 'through'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (means / aperture).
τῆςtheGenitivearticle (with θυρίδος)→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θυρίδοςwindowGenitivegenitive object of διά ('through the window')→ relational specificationθυρίς: 'window'; renders חַלּוֹן; the window-frame distances Melchol above and apart from the rejoicing procession — a recurring image of the aloof or doomed royal woman (cf. Sisera's mother, Jezebel).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἶδενsawAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ὁράωmain verb (Melchol's perception)→ constative aorist (the act of seeing)ὁράω (aor. εἶδεν): 'see'; renders רָאָה; introduces what Melchol observed — David dancing and playing — the trigger of her contempt.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with βασιλέα)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
βασιλέαkingAccusativedirect object of εἶδεν ('the king David')→ object specificationβασιλεύς: 'king' (see v. 12); the title τὸν βασιλέα Δαυιδ heightens the scandal in Melchol's eyes — a king dancing like a commoner.
ΔαυιδDavidaccusative in apposition to βασιλέα (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as accusative in apposition to βασιλέα (indeclinable).
ὀρχούμενονdancingPres Mid(Dep) Part Acc Sg Masc · ὀρχέομαιsupplementary participle (object of perception with εἶδεν)→ descriptive present participle (ongoing dancing)ὀρχέομαι: 'dance'; renders מְפַזֵּז וּמְכַרְכֵּר ('leaping and whirling'); David's exuberant cultic dance, the very act Melchol despises; the verb recurs in David's defiant ὀρχήσομαι ('I will dance', v. 21).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀνακρουόμενονmaking music / playingPres Mid Part Acc Sg Masc · ἀνακρούωsupplementary participle (coordinate with ὀρχούμενον)→ descriptive present participle (ongoing playing)ἀνακρούω (mid.): 'strike up / play' (see v. 14); paired with ὀρχούμενον it captures David's combined dance-and-music before the ark.
ἐνώπιονbeforepreposition + genitive ('before the LORD')→ spatial or relational framingἐνώπιον: 'before' (see v. 5); David's dance is worship 'before the LORD' — the point Melchol fails to grasp.
κυρίουof the LORDGenitivegenitive object of ἐνώπιον→ relational specificationκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐξουδένωσενdespised / set at naughtAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐξουδενόωmain verb (Melchol's inward contempt)→ constative aorist (the act of despising)ἐξουδενόω: 'despise / treat as nothing / set at naught'; renders בָּזָה; Melchol's contempt for David's self-abasement; the verb sharply contrasts her scorn with David's joyful self-humbling before YHWH.
αὐτὸνhimAccusativedirect object of ἐξουδένωσεν (David)→ participant referenceαὐτὸν: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object of ἐξουδένωσεν (David).
ἐνinpreposition + dative (locative: inward seat of contempt)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (locative: inward seat of contempt).
τῇtheDativearticle (with καρδίᾳ)→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
καρδίᾳheartDativedative of place (locative: 'in her heart')→ sphere or referenceκαρδία: 'heart'; renders לֵב; the inner seat of thought and will; Melchol's contempt is interior and unspoken here, to be voiced openly at v. 20.
αὐτῆςherGenitivegenitive of possession (Melchol's heart)→ relational specificationαὐτῆς: meaning 'her'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (Melchol's heart).
17
καὶ φέρουσιν τὴν κιβωτὸν τοῦ κυρίου καὶ ἀνέθηκαν αὐτὴν εἰς τὸν τόπον αὐτῆς εἰς μέσον τῆς σκηνῆς ἧς ἔπηξεν αὐτῇ Δαυιδ καὶ ἀνήνεγκεν Δαυιδ ὁλοκαυτώματα ἐνώπιον κυρίου καὶ εἰρηνικάς
And they bring the ark of the LORD and set it in its place, in the middle of the tent which David had pitched for it; and David offered up whole burnt offerings before the LORD, and peace offerings.
The historic present φέρουσιν ('they bring') heightens the climactic installation, followed by aorists ἀνέθηκαν … ἔπηξεν … ἀνήνεγκεν. The ark is set εἰς τὸν τόπον αὐτῆς ('in its place') within the tent David pitched, and the cult is inaugurated with ὁλοκαυτώματα ('whole burnt offerings') and εἰρηνικάς ('peace offerings') — the king acting in priestly capacity before YHWH.
Word-by-word analysis· 29 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
φέρουσινthey bringPres Act Indic 3 Pl · φέρωmain verb (historic present at the installation)→ historic present (vivid narrative immediacy)φέρω: 'carry / bring'; renders הֵבִיא; the historic present marks the climactic moment of installing the ark in its tent.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle (with κιβωτόν)→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κιβωτὸνarkAccusativedirect object of φέρουσιν→ object specificationκιβωτός: 'ark' (see v. 2).
τοῦof theGenitivearticle (with κυρίου)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κυρίουof the LORDGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀνέθηκανset up / placedAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ἀνατίθημιmain verb (placing the ark)→ constative aorist (the ark set in place)ἀνατίθημι: 'set up / place / dedicate'; renders הִצִּיג / שִׂים; the verb of installing the ark in its appointed spot within the tent.
αὐτὴνitAccusativedirect object of ἀνέθηκαν (the ark)→ participant referenceαὐτὴν: meaning 'it'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object of ἀνέθηκαν (the ark).
εἰςin / intopreposition + accusative (goal / location)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (goal / location).
τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with τόπον)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
τόπονplaceAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς ('in its place')→ object specificationτόπος: 'place / spot' (see v. 8); the appointed resting-place of the ark within the tent.
αὐτῆςitsGenitivegenitive of possession ('its place', referring to the ark)→ relational specificationαὐτῆς: meaning 'its'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession ('its place', referring to the ark).
εἰςin / intopreposition + accusative (further specification)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (further specification).
μέσονmiddle / midstAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς ('in the midst of')→ object specificationμέσος (neut. μέσον): 'middle / midst'; εἰς μέσον τῆς σκηνῆς ('in the middle of the tent') specifies the central, honored position of the ark.
τῆςof theGenitivearticle (with σκηνῆς)→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
σκηνῆςtentGenitivegenitive of relationship (with μέσον: 'midst of the tent')→ relational specificationσκηνή: 'tent / tabernacle'; renders אֹהֶל; the special tent David pitched for the ark in Jerusalem (distinct from the Mosaic tabernacle at Gibeon).
ἧςwhichGenitiverelative pronoun (object of ἔπηξεν; antecedent σκηνῆς)→ relational specificationὅς, ἥ, ὅ (gen. ἧς): relative pronoun, attracted to the genitive of its antecedent σκηνῆς; introduces the clause 'which David pitched.'
ἔπηξενpitched / set upAor Act Indic 3 Sg · πήγνυμιverb of relative clause (David's pitching of the tent)→ constative aorist (the tent erected)πήγνυμι: 'fix / pitch / set up'; renders נָטָה (of a tent); David himself prepared the tent to house the ark.
αὐτῇfor itDativedative of advantage ('for it', i.e. the ark)→ participant reference or interestαὐτή (dat. αὐτῇ): the dative of advantage refers to the ark — the tent was pitched 'for it.'
ΔαυιδDavidsubject of ἔπηξεν (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject of ἔπηξεν (indeclinable proper noun).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀνήνεγκενoffered upAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀναφέρωmain verb (David's sacrificial offering)→ constative aorist (the offerings made)ἀναφέρω: 'bring up / offer up'; renders הֶעֱלָה (of sacrifice); the technical verb for presenting burnt offerings on the altar; David functions in a priestly-royal role.
ΔαυιδDavidsubject (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable proper noun).
ὁλοκαυτώματαwhole burnt offeringsAccusativedirect object of ἀνήνεγκεν→ object specificationὁλοκαύτωμα: 'whole burnt offering / holocaust'; renders עֹלָה; the offering wholly consumed on the altar, signifying total dedication to YHWH.
ἐνώπιονbeforepreposition + genitive ('before the LORD')→ spatial or relational framingἐνώπιον: 'before' (see v. 5); the offerings are made in the LORD's presence at the installed ark.
κυρίουof the LORDGenitivegenitive object of ἐνώπιον→ relational specificationκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἰρηνικάςpeace offeringsAccusativedirect object of ἀνήνεγκεν (coordinate with ὁλοκαυτώματα)→ object specificationεἰρηνικός (fem. pl. εἰρηνικάς, sc. θυσίας): 'peace / well-being offerings'; renders שְׁלָמִים; the shared sacrificial meal of communion, signifying restored fellowship and celebration — fitting the joy of the ark's enthronement.
18
καὶ συνετέλεσεν Δαυιδ συναναφέρων τὰς ὁλοκαυτώσεις καὶ τὰς εἰρηνικὰς καὶ εὐλόγησεν τὸν λαὸν ἐν ὀνόματι κυρίου τῶν δυνάμεων
And when David had finished offering up the whole burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of hosts.
The aorist συνετέλεσεν with the supplementary participle συναναφέρων ('finished offering up') marks the conclusion of the sacrificial act, and εὐλόγησεν τὸν λαόν … ἐν ὀνόματι κυρίου τῶν δυνάμεων ('blessed the people in the name of the LORD of hosts') casts David in a priestly-mediatorial role (cf. Melchizedek, Aaron). The throne-title κύριος τῶν δυνάμεων bracket-echoes v. 2.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
συνετέλεσενfinished / completedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · συντελέωmain verb (completion of the offerings)→ constative aorist (the sacrifice concluded)συντελέω: 'complete / finish / accomplish'; renders כִּלָּה; marks the end of the sacrificial sequence, transitioning to the blessing and distribution.
ΔαυιδDavidsubject (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable proper noun).
συναναφέρωνoffering up (together)Pres Act Part Nom Sg Masc · συναναφέρωsupplementary participle (complementing συνετέλεσεν: 'finished offering')→ descriptive present participle (the action being completed)συναναφέρω: 'offer up together / bring up with'; an intensive compound of ἀναφέρω (v. 17); the participle specifies what David completed — the offering up of the sacrifices.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle (with ὁλοκαυτώσεις)→ noun-phrase markingτὰς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὁλοκαυτώσειςwhole burnt offeringsAccusativedirect object of συναναφέρων→ object specificationὁλοκαύτωσις: 'whole burnt offering' (a variant form of ὁλοκαύτωμα, v. 17); renders עֹלָה; the offering wholly burnt to YHWH.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle (with εἰρηνικάς)→ noun-phrase markingτὰς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
εἰρηνικὰςpeace offeringsAccusativedirect object of συναναφέρων (coordinate)→ object specificationεἰρηνικός: 'peace offering' (see v. 17); the communion sacrifice of well-being.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εὐλόγησενblessedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · εὐλογέωmain verb (David blesses the people)→ constative aorist (the blessing pronounced)εὐλογέω: 'bless' (see v. 11); here David, in priestly-royal role, pronounces blessing over the assembled people in YHWH's name.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with λαόν)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
λαὸνpeopleAccusativedirect object of εὐλόγησεν→ object specificationλαός: 'people' (see v. 2); the covenant assembly David blesses.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (instrumental/authority: 'in the name')→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (instrumental/authority: 'in the name').
ὀνόματιnameDativedative of means/authority ('in the name of')→ sphere or referenceὄνομα (dat. ὀνόματι): 'name' (see v. 2); to bless 'in the name of the LORD' (ἐν ὀνόματι κυρίου) is to invoke YHWH's own authority and presence over the people.
κυρίουof the LORDGenitivegenitive (the name belonging to the LORD)→ relational specificationκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה; with τῶν δυνάμεων the throne-title 'LORD of hosts' echoes v. 2, framing the chapter's worship.
τῶνof theGenitivearticle (with δυνάμεων)→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δυνάμεωνof hosts / powersGenitivegenitive (military-cosmic title: 'of hosts')→ relational specificationδύναμις (pl. δυνάμεων): 'host / power' (see v. 2); κύριος τῶν δυνάμεων renders יהוה צְבָאוֹת ('LORD of hosts').
19
καὶ διεμέρισεν παντὶ τῷ λαῷ εἰς πᾶσαν τὴν δύναμιν τοῦ Ισραηλ ἀπὸ Δαν ἕως Βηρσαβεε ἀπὸ ἀνδρὸς ἕως γυναικὸς ἑκάστῳ κολλυρίδα ἄρτου καὶ ἐσχαρίτην καὶ λάγανον ἀπὸ τηγάνου καὶ ἀπῆλθεν πᾶς ὁ λαὸς ἕκαστος εἰς τὸν οἶκον αὐτοῦ
And he distributed to all the people, to the whole host of Israel, from Dan to Bersabee, from man to woman, to each a loaf of bread and a baked cake and a griddle-cake from the pan; and all the people departed, each to his own house.
The aorist διεμέρισεν ('he distributed') caps David's beneficence: the merism ἀπὸ Δαν ἕως Βηρσαβεε ('from Dan to Bersabee') and ἀπὸ ἀνδρὸς ἕως γυναικός ('from man to woman') stress the total inclusiveness of the gift. The threefold portion (loaf, baked cake, griddle-cake) is festal provision. The closing ἀπῆλθεν … ἕκαστος εἰς τὸν οἶκον αὐτοῦ ('each departed to his own house') dismisses the assembly and pivots to the private scene with Melchol (v. 20).
Word-by-word analysis· 38 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
διεμέρισενdistributed / divided outAor Act Indic 3 Sg · διαμερίζωmain verb (the distribution of food)→ constative aorist (the largesse given)διαμερίζω: 'divide / distribute / apportion'; renders חִלֵּק; David distributes festal portions to the whole assembly — kingship expressed as generosity.
παντὶallDativeattributive adjective (modifying τῷ λαῷ)→ sphere or referenceπᾶς: 'all' (see v. 2); παντὶ τῷ λαῷ ('to all the people') marks the comprehensiveness of the distribution.
τῷtheDativearticle (with λαῷ)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
λαῷpeopleDativedative indirect object ('to the people')→ sphere or referenceλαός: 'people' (see v. 2); the recipients of David's gift.
εἰςto / forpreposition + accusative (extent / distribution)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (extent / distribution).
πᾶσανwhole / allAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying δύναμιν)→ object specificationπᾶς: 'all / whole'; πᾶσαν τὴν δύναμιν ('the whole host') extends the gift to the entire multitude.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle (with δύναμιν)→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δύναμινhost / multitudeAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς ('to the whole host')→ object specificationδύναμις: 'host / multitude / army'; here the assembled multitude of Israel (cf. the throne-title δυνάμεων, vv. 2, 18); the gathered people as a 'host.'
τοῦofGenitivearticle (with Ισραηλ)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΙσραηλIsraelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable: 'of Israel')→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: indeclinable (see v. 1).
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (start of geographic merism)→ spatial or relational framingἀπό: with ἕως forms the merism ἀπὸ Δαν ἕως Βηρσαβεε ('from Dan to Beersheba'), the standard idiom for the whole land of Israel from north to south.
ΔανDangenitive object of ἀπό (indeclinable place-name)→ participant identificationΔαν: transliteration of Hebrew דָּן (Dan); indeclinable in the LXX; the northernmost city, the north pole of the land-merism.
ἕωςto / as far aspreposition + genitive (end of merism)→ spatial or relational framingἕως: 'as far as'; completes the north-south merism.
ΒηρσαβεεBersabeegenitive object of ἕως (indeclinable place-name)→ participant identificationΒηρσαβεε: transliteration of Hebrew בְּאֵר שֶׁבַע (Beersheba); indeclinable in the LXX; the southernmost city, the south pole of the land-merism.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (start of second merism: gender)→ spatial or relational framingἀπό: with ἕως forms a second merism ἀπὸ ἀνδρὸς ἕως γυναικός ('from man to woman'), stressing total inclusion of both sexes.
ἀνδρὸςmanGenitivegenitive object of ἀπό ('from man')→ relational specificationἀνήρ (gen. ἀνδρός): 'man / male'; renders אִישׁ; one pole of the gender-merism.
ἕωςtopreposition + genitive (end of gender-merism)→ spatial or relational framingἕως: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (end of gender-merism).
γυναικὸςwomanGenitivegenitive object of ἕως ('to woman')→ relational specificationγυνή (gen. γυναικός): 'woman' (see Exodus 11:2); renders אִשָּׁה; the other pole of the gender-merism — every Israelite without exception receives a portion.
ἑκάστῳto eachDativedistributive dative ('to each one')→ sphere or referenceἕκαστος: 'each / every one'; distributive — every individual receives the threefold portion.
κολλυρίδαloaf / cakeAccusativedirect object of διεμέρισεν ('a loaf')→ object specificationκολλυρίς: 'small loaf / round cake'; renders חַלַּת לֶחֶם; the first item of the festal portion.
ἄρτουof breadGenitivegenitive of material (modifying κολλυρίδα: 'loaf of bread')→ relational specificationἄρτος: 'bread / loaf'; renders לֶחֶם; the staple of the portion.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐσχαρίτηνa baked cakeAccusativedirect object of διεμέρισεν (coordinate portion)→ object specificationἐσχαρίτης: 'cake baked on the hearth / griddle-cake'; from ἐσχάρα ('hearth'); a portion of baked food; the exact Hebrew term is uncertain (perhaps אֶשְׁפָּר, 'a portion of meat/dates').
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
λάγανονa griddle-cake / waferAccusativedirect object of διεμέρισεν (third portion)→ object specificationλάγανον: 'thin cake / wafer / pancake'; renders אֲשִׁישָׁה ('raisin-cake'); a thin baked delicacy completing the threefold festal gift.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (source / means of baking)→ spatial or relational framingἀπὸ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (source / means of baking).
τηγάνουthe pan / griddleGenitivegenitive object of ἀπό ('from the pan')→ relational specificationτήγανον: 'frying-pan / griddle'; the cooking vessel from which the λάγανον comes, specifying its mode of preparation.
καὶandnarrative conjunction (dismissal of the assembly)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀπῆλθενdepartedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀπέρχομαιmain verb (the people disperse)→ constative aorist (the assembly dismissed)ἀπέρχομαι: 'go away / depart'; renders הָלַךְ; closes the public celebration as the people return home, pivoting to the private David-Melchol scene.
πᾶςallNominativeattributive adjective (modifying ὁ λαός)→ participant prominenceπᾶς: 'all' (see v. 2).
ὁtheNominativearticle (with λαός)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
λαὸςpeopleNominativesubject of ἀπῆλθεν→ participant prominenceλαός: 'people' (see v. 2).
ἕκαστοςeach oneNominativeappositional subject (distributive: 'each')→ participant prominenceἕκαστος: 'each' (see above); distributive apposition — each individual goes to his own house.
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (goal)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (goal).
τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with οἶκον)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
οἶκονhouseAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς ('to his house')→ object specificationοἶκος: 'house / home' (see v. 3); each returns to his own dwelling.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession ('his own house')→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession ('his own house').
20
καὶ ἐπέστρεψεν Δαυιδ εὐλογῆσαι τὸν οἶκον αὐτοῦ καὶ ἐξῆλθεν Μελχολ ἡ θυγάτηρ Σαουλ εἰς ἀπάντησιν Δαυιδ καὶ εὐλόγησεν αὐτὸν καὶ εἶπεν τί δεδόξασται σήμερον ὁ βασιλεὺς Ισραηλ ὃς ἀπεκαλύφθη σήμερον ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖς παιδισκῶν τῶν δούλων ἑαυτοῦ καθὼς ἀποκαλύπτεται ἀποκαλυφθεὶς εἷς τῶν ὀρχουμένων
And David returned to bless his own house; and Melchol the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and she blessed him and said, 'How the king of Israel has glorified himself today, who exposed himself today in the eyes of the slave-girls of his servants, as one of the dancers shamelessly uncovers himself!'
David returns 'to bless his own house' (εὐλογῆσαι), but is met by Melchol's mock-blessing (εὐλόγησεν αὐτόν, ironic) and biting sarcasm. The exclamatory τί δεδόξασται ('how he has glorified himself!') and the play on ἀποκαλύπτω ('uncover / expose', thrice) cast David's cultic dance as vulgar self-exposure before slave-girls — Melchol's aristocratic Saulide contempt fully voiced.
Word-by-word analysis· 42 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 (David's return home)→ constative aorist (the act of returning)ἐπιστρέφω: 'turn back / return'; renders שׁוּב; David returns from the public celebration to his household.
ΔαυιδDavidsubject (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable proper noun).
εὐλογῆσαιto blessAor Act Inf · εὐλογέωinfinitive of purpose (why David returned)→ telic aorist infinitive (purpose: to bless his house)εὐλογέω: 'bless' (see v. 11); David's intent to bless his own household parallels his blessing of the people (v. 18) — the irony being that he is met with Melchol's mock-blessing instead.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with οἶκον)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
οἶκονhouse / householdAccusativedirect object of εὐλογῆσαι→ object specificationοἶκος: 'house / household' (see v. 3); David's own family.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession ('his own house')→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession ('his own house').
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐξῆλθενcame outAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐξέρχομαιmain verb (Melchol's confrontation)→ constative aorist (the act of coming out)ἐξέρχομαι: 'go out / come out'; renders יָצָא; Melchol comes out to meet David — an aggressive, confrontational approach setting up her rebuke.
ΜελχολMelcholsubject (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΜελχολ: Michal (see v. 16).
ἡtheNominativearticle (with θυγάτηρ)→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θυγάτηρdaughterNominativenominative in apposition to Μελχολ→ participant prominenceθυγάτηρ: 'daughter' (see v. 16); again 'daughter of Saul,' aligning her with the rejected dynasty.
Σαουλof Saulgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΣαουλ: Saul (see v. 16).
εἰςto / forpreposition + accusative (purpose: 'to meet')→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (purpose: 'to meet').
ἀπάντησινa meeting / encounterAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς (idiom: 'to meet')→ object specificationἀπάντησις: 'meeting / encounter'; renders לִקְרַאת; the idiom εἰς ἀπάντησιν ('to meet') is the standard LXX rendering — here a hostile rather than welcoming encounter.
ΔαυιδDavidgenitive/objective with ἀπάντησιν (indeclinable: 'to meet David')→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as genitive/objective with ἀπάντησιν (indeclinable: 'to meet David').
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εὐλόγησενblessed (ironically)Aor Act Indic 3 Sg · εὐλογέωmain verb (Melchol's mock-greeting)→ constative aorist (ironic 'blessing')εὐλογέω: 'bless' (see v. 11); here heavily ironic — Melchol's 'blessing' is the sarcastic greeting that introduces her stinging rebuke (a euphemistic usage, as 'bless' can mask its opposite, cf. 3 Kgdms 21:10).
αὐτὸνhimAccusativedirect object of εὐλόγησεν (David)→ participant referenceαὐτὸν: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object of εὐλόγησεν (David).
καὶandcoordinate 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 Melchol's speech)→ constative aorist (the speech-act)λέγω (aor. εἶπεν): 'say'; introduces Melchol's sarcastic rebuke.
τίhow!Accusativeexclamatory/interrogative accusative (adverbial: 'how!')→ participant referenceτίς, τί: interrogative pronoun; here exclamatory-adverbial ('how!'), rendering מַה in its exclamatory force — dripping with sarcasm: 'how the king has covered himself with glory today!'
δεδόξασταιhas been glorified / honored himselfPerf Mid/Pass Indic 3 Sg · δοξάζωmain verb of Melchol's exclamation→ resultative perfect (state of 'glory' achieved — sarcastically)δοξάζω: 'glorify / honor'; renders נִכְבַּד; the perfect δεδόξασται ('has gotten himself honor') is bitterly ironic — Melchol means David has disgraced, not glorified, himself; David turns the word against her at v. 22 (δοξασθῆναι).
σήμερονtodayadverb of time→ clausal contributionσήμερον: 'today'; renders הַיּוֹם; the repeated σήμερον (×2) sharpens the immediacy of the day's spectacle.
ὁtheNominativearticle (with βασιλεύς)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
βασιλεὺςkingNominativesubject of δεδόξασται→ participant prominenceβασιλεύς: 'king' (see v. 12); 'the king of Israel' — Melchol uses the royal title to heighten the supposed indignity of David's behavior.
Ισραηλof Israelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: indeclinable (see v. 1).
ὃςwhoNominativerelative pronoun (subject of ἀπεκαλύφθη)→ participant referenceὅς: relative pronoun; introduces the accusing clause describing David's self-exposure.
ἀπεκαλύφθηexposed himself / was uncoveredAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · ἀποκαλύπτωverb of relative clause (David's 'exposure')→ constative aorist passive (reflexive: 'uncovered himself')ἀποκαλύπτω: 'uncover / reveal / expose'; renders נִגְלָה; the passive/reflexive 'uncovered himself' charges David with indecent self-exposure during his vigorous dance; the verb is hammered three times in vv. 20–22, the chapter's lexical battleground.
σήμερονtodayadverb of time (repeated)→ clausal contributionσήμερον: 'today' (see above).
ἐνinpreposition + dative (locative: 'in the eyes of')→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (locative: 'in the eyes of').
ὀφθαλμοῖςeyesDativedative of place (idiom: 'in the eyes of' = in the sight of)→ sphere or referenceὀφθαλμός: 'eye'; ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖς ('in the eyes of') renders לְעֵינֵי, a Hebraism for 'in the sight/presence of.'
παιδισκῶνslave-girls / maidservantsGenitivegenitive (whose eyes: 'of the slave-girls')→ relational specificationπαιδίσκη: 'female slave / maidservant'; renders אָמָה / שִׁפְחָה; Melchol's contemptuous emphasis — the king exposed himself before the lowliest women, the slave-girls of his own servants.
τῶνof theGenitivearticle (with δούλων)→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δούλωνservants / slavesGenitivegenitive of possession (the slave-girls' masters)→ relational specificationδοῦλος: 'slave / servant'; renders עֶבֶד; the παιδίσκαι belong to David's δοῦλοι — a doubly demeaning detail in Melchol's eyes.
ἑαυτοῦhis ownGenitivereflexive genitive of possession (David's own servants)→ relational specificationἑαυτοῦ: reflexive pronoun 'his own'; refers back to David — the king exposed before the slave-girls of his own servants.
καθὼςas / just ascomparative conjunction (introducing the simile)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαθώς: 'as / just as'; renders כְּ-; introduces Melchol's degrading comparison — David behaving like a vulgar dancer.
ἀποκαλύπτεταιuncovers himselfPres Mid/Pass Indic 3 Sg · ἀποκαλύπτωverb of the comparative clause (habitual present)→ customary present (what such a dancer typically does)ἀποκαλύπτω: 'uncover / expose' (see above); the present depicts the habitual indecent self-exposure of a low dancer — the demeaning model to which Melchol likens the king.
ἀποκαλυφθεὶςshamelessly exposing himselfAor Pass Part Nom Sg Masc · ἀποκαλύπτωparticiple (intensifying the verb: figura etymologica)→ aorist passive participle (reinforcing the exposure)ἀποκαλύπτω: the cognate participle ἀποκαλύπτεται … ἀποκαλυφθείς is a Hebraizing figura etymologica (rendering the infinitive absolute הִגָּלוֹת נִגְלוֹת) intensifying the charge: 'one who utterly/shamelessly exposes himself.'
εἷςoneNominativepredicate nominative ('one of the dancers')→ measure or countεἷς, μία, ἕν: 'one'; David is likened to 'one of the [vulgar] dancers' — the climax of Melchol's insult.
τῶνof theGenitivearticle (with ὀρχουμένων; partitive)→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὀρχουμένωνdancers / those dancingPres Mid(Dep) Part Gen Pl Masc · ὀρχέομαιsubstantival participle (partitive genitive: 'of the dancers')→ descriptive present participle (substantival)ὀρχέομαι: 'dance' (see v. 16); the substantival participle τῶν ὀρχουμένων ('the dancers') turns David's worshipful dance into the mark of a common entertainer — the very word that he will reclaim in vindication (ὀρχήσομαι, v. 21).
21
καὶ εἶπεν Δαυιδ πρὸς Μελχολ ἐνώπιον κυρίου ὀρχήσομαι εὐλογητὸς κύριος ὃς ἐξελέξατό με ὑπὲρ τὸν πατέρα σου καὶ ὑπὲρ πάντα τὸν οἶκον αὐτοῦ τοῦ καταστῆσαί με εἰς ἡγούμενον ἐπὶ τὸν λαὸν αὐτοῦ ἐπὶ τὸν Ισραηλ καὶ παίξομαι καὶ ὀρχήσομαι ἐνώπιον κυρίου
And David said to Melchol, 'Before the LORD I will dance. Blessed be the LORD who chose me over your father and over all his house, to appoint me as ruler over his people, over Israel; and I will make merry and dance before the LORD.'
David rebuts Melchol by reclaiming her insult-words: the emphatic fronted ἐνώπιον κυρίου ὀρχήσομαι ('before the LORD I will dance') turns 'dancer' (v. 20) into a badge of devotion. The doxology εὐλογητὸς κύριος ὃς ἐξελέξατό με ('blessed be the LORD who chose me') grounds his dance in election over Saul's house, and the closing παίξομαι καὶ ὀρχήσομαι ('I will make merry and dance') defiantly affirms the very behavior Melchol despised.
Word-by-word analysis· 41 words
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 David's reply)→ constative aorist (the speech-act)λέγω (aor. εἶπεν): 'say'; introduces David's vindicating response to Melchol.
ΔαυιδDavidsubject (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΔαυιδ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable proper noun).
πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (direction of speech)→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction of speech).
ΜελχολMelcholaccusative object of πρός (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΜελχολ: Michal (see v. 16); the addressee of David's reply.
ἐνώπιονbeforepreposition + genitive (emphatically fronted: 'before the LORD')→ spatial or relational framingἐνώπιον: 'before' (see v. 5); the emphatic fronting before ὀρχήσομαι reframes the dance as worship directed to YHWH, answering Melchol's charge of vulgarity.
κυρίουof the LORDGenitivegenitive object of ἐνώπιον→ relational specificationκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה.
ὀρχήσομαιI will danceFut Mid(Dep) Indic 1 Sg · ὀρχέομαιmain verb (David's defiant affirmation)→ volitive/predictive future (resolve to dance)ὀρχέομαι: 'dance' (see v. 16); David reclaims the word Melchol used to demean him (τῶν ὀρχουμένων, v. 20), turning the insult into a vow of continued worship.
εὐλογητὸςblessedNominativepredicate adjective (in the doxology: 'blessed be the LORD')→ participant prominenceεὐλογητός: 'blessed / worthy of praise'; renders בָּרוּךְ; the doxological adjective opens a blessing-formula praising YHWH for David's election — a genuine blessing answering Melchol's mock-blessing (v. 20).
κύριοςLORDNominativesubject of the doxology→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה; the object of David's praise.
ὃςwhoNominativerelative pronoun (subject of ἐξελέξατο)→ participant referenceὅς: relative pronoun; introduces the ground of the blessing — YHWH's choice of David.
ἐξελέξατόchoseAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἐκλέγομαιverb of relative clause (the LORD's election of David)→ constative aorist (the act of election)ἐκλέγομαι: 'choose / select'; renders בָּחַר; the language of divine election — YHWH chose David over Saul's house; this is the theological heart of David's defense.
μεmeAccusativedirect object of ἐξελέξατο→ participant referenceἐγώ (acc. με): the chosen one — David.
ὑπὲρover / abovepreposition + accusative (comparison: 'over / in preference to')→ spatial or relational framingὑπέρ + acc.: 'above / beyond / in preference to'; renders מִן in comparative force — YHWH chose David in preference to Saul's house.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with πατέρα)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πατέραfatherAccusativeaccusative object of ὑπέρ ('over your father')→ object specificationπατήρ: 'father'; renders אָב; 'your father' = Saul, the rejected king whom YHWH passed over for David.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession (Melchol's father)→ relational specificationσύ (gen. σου): 'your'; pointedly reminds Melchol that her own father was the rejected king.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὑπὲρoverpreposition + accusative (comparison, repeated)→ spatial or relational framingὑπὲρ: meaning 'over'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (comparison, repeated).
πάνταallAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying οἶκον)→ object specificationπᾶς: 'all' (see v. 2); 'all his house' = the entire Saulide dynasty over which David was chosen.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with οἶκον)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
οἶκονhouseAccusativeaccusative object of ὑπέρ ('over all his house')→ object specificationοἶκος: 'house / dynasty' (see v. 3); here the house of Saul.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession (Saul's house)→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (Saul's house).
τοῦto / in order toGenitivearticle governing the infinitive of purpose→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ + infinitive: articular genitive infinitive of purpose ('to appoint me').
καταστῆσαίto appoint / establishAor Act Inf · καθίστημιinfinitive of purpose (the goal of election)→ telic aorist infinitive (purpose: to make David ruler)καθίστημι: 'appoint / establish / set in office'; renders צִוָּה / שִׂים (of installing a ruler); states the purpose of the divine election — to make David ἡγούμενος over Israel.
μεmeAccusativeaccusative subject of the infinitive (David appointed)→ participant referenceμε: meaning 'me'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as accusative subject of the infinitive (David appointed).
εἰςas / to bepreposition + accusative (predicative: 'as ruler')→ spatial or relational framingεἰς + acc.: predicative ('as / to be'), a Hebraism (לְ-) — appointed 'as ruler.'
ἡγούμενονruler / leaderPres Mid(Dep) Part Acc Sg Masc · ἡγέομαιsubstantival participle (predicate of καταστῆσαι: 'as ruler')→ substantival present participle ('leader')ἡγέομαι: 'lead / govern'; the substantival participle ἡγούμενος ('leader / ruler') renders נָגִיד ('prince / ruler-designate'); a favored Davidic title (cf. 2 Kgdms 5:2), stressing covenantal appointment rather than mere kingship.
ἐπὶoverpreposition + accusative (rule over)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'over'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (rule over).
τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with λαόν)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
λαὸνpeopleAccusativeaccusative object of ἐπί ('over the people')→ object specificationλαός: 'people' (see v. 2); 'his people' = YHWH's covenant people Israel, over whom David is made ruler.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession (YHWH's people)→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: refers to YHWH — Israel is the LORD's people, entrusted to David's rule.
ἐπὶoverpreposition + accusative (epexegetical repetition)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'over'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (epexegetical repetition).
τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with Ισραηλ)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΙσραηλIsraelaccusative object of ἐπί (epexegetical: 'over Israel')→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: indeclinable (see v. 1); the epexegetical 'over Israel' clarifies 'his people.'
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
παίξομαιI will make merry / playFut Mid(Dep) Indic 1 Sg · παίζωmain verb (David's defiant resolve)→ volitive future (resolve to celebrate)παίζω: 'play / make merry / dance' (see v. 5); David vows to continue the festal 'play' — reclaiming the celebratory keynote of the procession against Melchol's scorn.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὀρχήσομαιI will danceFut Mid(Dep) Indic 1 Sg · ὀρχέομαιmain verb (emphatic restatement of the vow)→ volitive future (resolve to dance)ὀρχέομαι: 'dance' (see v. 16); the repeated ὀρχήσομαι (cf. the verse's opening) forms an emphatic inclusio around David's reply — his dancing is settled worship.
ἐνώπιονbeforepreposition + genitive ('before the LORD')→ spatial or relational framingἐνώπιον: 'before' (see v. 5); the closing ἐνώπιον κυρίου seals David's point — all his exuberance is Godward worship.
κυρίουof the LORDGenitivegenitive object of ἐνώπιον→ relational specificationκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה.
22
καὶ ἀποκαλυφθήσομαι ἔτι οὕτως καὶ ἔσομαι ἀχρεῖος ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖς σου καὶ μετὰ τῶν παιδισκῶν ὧν εἶπάς με δοξασθῆναι
And I will yet be more uncovered than this, and I will be worthless in your eyes; yet with the slave-girls of whom you spoke, by them I shall be held in honor.
David doubles down: ἀποκαλυφθήσομαι ἔτι οὕτως ('I will be even more uncovered than this') seizes Melchol's loaded verb and intensifies it. He accepts being ἀχρεῖος ('worthless') in her eyes, but flips her insult about the slave-girls — by those very παιδίσκαι he expects to be δοξασθῆναι ('held in honor'). The verse turns Melchol's two sneers (exposure, slave-girls) into the grounds of David's honor.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction (continuing David's speech)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀποκαλυφθήσομαιI will be uncovered / humble myselfFut Pass Indic 1 Sg · ἀποκαλύπτωmain verb (David embraces self-abasement)→ predictive/volitive future (willing further self-humbling)ἀποκαλύπτω: 'uncover / expose / humble' (see v. 20); David seizes Melchol's own verb and embraces it as voluntary self-humbling before YHWH — willing to be even more 'exposed' in lowly worship.
ἔτιstill / yet moreadverb (intensifying: 'yet more')→ clausal contributionἔτι: 'still / yet / further'; renders עוֹד; intensifies David's resolve — he will go even further in self-abasement.
οὕτωςthan this / thusadverb of manner (comparison: 'like this / than this')→ adverbial qualificationοὕτως: 'thus / in this way'; with ἔτι ('yet more thus') it means David will be humbled even beyond today's display.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔσομαιI will beFut Mid(Dep) Indic 1 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (predicate: 'I will be worthless')→ predictive future (accepted self-assessment)εἰμί (fut. ἔσομαι): 'be'; David accepts the role of being 'worthless' in Melchol's estimation as the price of his devotion.
ἀχρεῖοςworthless / baseNominativepredicate adjective (with ἔσομαι: 'be worthless')→ participant prominenceἀχρεῖος: 'useless / worthless / base'; renders שָׁפָל ('lowly / abased'); David willingly embraces lowliness in Melchol's eyes — a deliberate inversion of her charge that he disgraced himself.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (locative: 'in your eyes')→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (locative: 'in your eyes').
ὀφθαλμοῖςeyesDativedative of place (idiom: 'in the eyes of')→ sphere or referenceὀφθαλμός: 'eye' (see v. 20); ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖς σου ('in your eyes') = in Melchol's estimation.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession (Melchol's eyes)→ relational specificationσύ (gen. σου): 'your'; David contrasts Melchol's contemptuous view with the honor he expects from the lowly.
καὶand / yetcoordinate conjunction (adversative force: 'but / yet')→ discourse linkage or contrastκαί: here with adversative nuance ('yet / but'), contrasting Melchol's scorn with the slave-girls' honor.
μετὰwith / amongpreposition + genitive (association: 'with / among')→ spatial or relational framingμετά + gen.: 'with / among'; here the slave-girls are the company among whom David will be honored — the inversion of Melchol's snobbery.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle (with παιδισκῶν)→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
παιδισκῶνslave-girls / maidservantsGenitivegenitive object of μετά ('with the slave-girls')→ relational specificationπαιδίσκη: 'maidservant / slave-girl' (see v. 20); David takes Melchol's contemptuous reference and makes the slave-girls the very ones who will honor him — a reversal of social valuation grounded in humble worship.
ὧνof whomGenitiverelative pronoun (genitive; antecedent παιδισκῶν)→ relational specificationὅς (gen. pl. ὧν): relative pronoun, genitive by attraction to παιδισκῶν; 'of whom you spoke.'
εἶπάςyou spokeAor Act Indic 2 Sg · λέγωverb of relative clause (Melchol's earlier words)→ constative aorist (Melchol's prior speech)λέγω (aor. εἶπας): 'say'; refers back to Melchol's sarcastic words in v. 20 about the slave-girls — David quotes her insult to overturn it.
μεmeAccusativeaccusative subject of the infinitive δοξασθῆναι→ participant referenceἐγώ (acc. με): David himself, the one to be honored.
δοξασθῆναιto be held in honor / glorifiedAor Pass Inf · δοξάζωinfinitive (content of expectation: 'that I will be honored')→ aorist passive infinitive (anticipated honor)δοξάζω: 'glorify / honor' (see v. 20); David completes the inversion — Melchol said he 'gloried' (δεδόξασται) shamefully, but by the very slave-girls he will truly be δοξασθῆναι ('honored'); true honor comes through humble worship, not royal dignity.
23
καὶ τῇ Μελχολ θυγατρὶ Σαουλ οὐκ ἐγένετο παιδίον ἕως τῆς ἡμέρας τοῦ ἀποθανεῖν αὐτήν
And to Melchol the daughter of Saul there was no child, to the day of her death.
The chapter ends with a terse narratorial judgment. The construction οὐκ ἐγένετο παιδίον ('there was no child') with the dative τῇ Μελχολ (dative of possession) and the appositive 'daughter of Saul' seals the dynastic significance: the line of Saul produces no heir through Melchol. The temporal ἕως τῆς ἡμέρας τοῦ ἀποθανεῖν αὐτήν ('to the day of her death') makes the childlessness permanent — Saul's house has no future against David's chosen kingship.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction (closing verdict)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τῇto theDativearticle (with Μελχολ; dative of possession)→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΜελχολMelcholdative of possession (indeclinable: 'to Melchol')→ participant identificationΜελχολ: Michal (see v. 16); the dative of possession ('to Melchol there was no child') is the standard idiom for childlessness.
θυγατρὶdaughterDativedative in apposition to Μελχολ→ sphere or referenceθυγάτηρ (dat. θυγατρί): 'daughter' (see v. 16); the final 'daughter of Saul' underlines that it is Saul's line, through Melchol, that comes to a dead end.
Σαουλof Saulgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΣαουλ: Saul (see v. 16); the rejected king whose dynasty fails to continue.
οὐκnotnegative particle (negating ἐγένετο)→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐ (οὐκ before vowel): the negative of fact; there was no child.
ἐγένετοthere was / came to beAor Mid(Dep) Indic 3 Sg · γίνομαιmain verb (existential: 'there was no child')→ constative aorist (the settled fact of childlessness)γίνομαι: 'become / come to be / be born'; with the dative of possession and οὐκ, the existential ('to Melchol there came no child') states her permanent childlessness — whether by divine judgment or David's estrangement, the narrative leaves the dynastic point unmistakable.
παιδίονchildNominativesubject of ἐγένετο ('no child')→ participant prominenceπαιδίον: 'child / little one'; renders יֶלֶד; the child Melchol never bore — the end of Saul's hope of dynastic continuance through her.
ἕωςuntil / topreposition + genitive (temporal extent)→ spatial or relational framingἕως: 'until / to'; marks the permanence of the childlessness up to her death.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle (with ἡμέρας)→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἡμέραςdayGenitivegenitive object of ἕως ('to the day')→ relational specificationἡμέρα: 'day' (see v. 8); the day of Melchol's death, the terminus of her barrenness.
τοῦof theGenitivearticle governing the infinitive (epexegetical: 'of dying')→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ + infinitive: articular genitive infinitive, here epexegetical/temporal ('the day of her dying').
ἀποθανεῖνto die / of dyingAor Act Inf · ἀποθνῄσκωinfinitive (epexegetical with ἡμέρας: 'the day of her death')→ aorist infinitive (the event of death)ἀποθνῄσκω: 'die' (see v. 7); the articular infinitive τοῦ ἀποθανεῖν αὐτήν ('of her dying') specifies the day to which the childlessness extends — permanent and final.
αὐτήνshe / herAccusativeaccusative subject of the infinitive ἀποθανεῖν→ participant referenceαὐτή (acc. αὐτήν): the accusative subject of the infinitive — Melchol, whose death closes the account.