Lexical Summary sheli: My, mine Original Word: שְׁלִי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance quietly From shalah; privacy -- + quietly. see HEBREW shalah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom shalah Definition quietness NASB Translation privately (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [שְׁלִי] noun [masculine] quietness; — בַּשֶּׁ֑לִי 2 Samuel 3:27, i.e. quietly, privately (compare  often in the same sense PS4167). Topical Lexicon Biblical SettingThe solitary appearance of שְׁלִי in Scripture occurs in 2 Samuel 3:27, where Joab lures Abner “as though to speak with him privately” (Berean Standard Bible). The word focuses the reader’s attention on the manner of the encounter—an apparently peaceful, confidential conversation that conceals murderous intent. Its placement in the gateway of Hebron, a city of refuge (Joshua 20:7), intensifies the irony: Abner seeks safety under covenant with David, yet is slain through stealth. Narrative Purpose 1. Vindication of David Immediately afterward David publicly denounces the killing (2 Samuel 3:31–39). By highlighting that Joab acted “privately,” the text absolves David of complicity and preserves the legitimacy of his rising kingship. 2. Exposure of Joab’s Character Joab’s ruthless pragmatism surfaces repeatedly (2 Samuel 18:14; 2 Samuel 20:10). The adverb signals the beginning of a pattern of covert violence that will later bring divine judgment (1 Kings 2:5–6, 28–34). 3. Foreshadowing of Retribution The narrative’s stress on secrecy sets up later prophetic justice in which concealed sin is brought to light: “The LORD will repay the evildoer according to his wickedness” (2 Samuel 3:39). Theological Implications • God sees beyond outward appearances (1 Samuel 16:7). Joab’s hidden treachery cannot escape divine notice. Lessons for Ministry Integrity in Leadership Church leaders must avoid the temptation to manipulate circumstances “quietly” for personal gain. Paul calls ministers to “renounce secret and shameful ways” (2 Corinthians 4:2). Accountability Structures Joab operated without effective oversight. Healthy ministry establishes checks so that hidden agendas are exposed before they harm the flock (Acts 20:28–30). Safeguarding the Vulnerable Abner expected protection; instead, he was ambushed. Believers are charged to defend rather than exploit seekers of refuge (James 1:27). Related Scriptural Themes 1. Deceptive Peace 2. Exposure of Hidden Sin 3. The Gate as a Place of Justice Gates were traditional venues for legal matters (Ruth 4:1–11). Joab’s crime in the gateway subverts that purpose, turning a seat of justice into a stage for injustice. Practical Application for Believers • Cultivate transparency; let “your yes be yes” (Matthew 5:37). Forms and Transliterations בַּשֶּׁ֑לִי בשלי baš·še·lî bashSheli baššelîLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Samuel 3:27 HEB: לְדַבֵּ֥ר אִתּ֖וֹ בַּשֶּׁ֑לִי וַיַּכֵּ֤הוּ שָׁם֙ NAS: to speak with him privately, and there KJV: to speak with him quietly, and smote INT: to speak for privately struck and there 1 Occurrence |
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