2 Kings 1:11

Authorized King James Version

Again also he sent unto him another captain of fifty with his fifty. And he answered and said unto him, O man of God, thus hath the king said, Come down quickly.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּ֜שָׁב
Again
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#2
וַיִּשְׁלַ֥ח
also he sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#3
אֵלָ֛יו
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
שַׂר
captain
a head person (of any rank or class)
#5
וַֽחֲמִשָּׁ֑יו
of fifty
fifty
#6
אַחֵ֖ר
unto him another
properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc
#7
וַֽחֲמִשָּׁ֑יו
of fifty
fifty
#8
וַיַּ֙עַן֙
And he answered
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
#9
וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר
and said
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#10
אֵלָ֔יו
near, with or among; often in general, to
#11
אִ֚ישׁ
unto him O man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#12
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים
of God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#13
כֹּֽה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#14
אָמַ֥ר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#15
הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ
thus hath the king
a king
#16
מְהֵרָ֥ה
quickly
properly, a hurry; hence (adverbially) promptly
#17
רֵֽדָה׃
Come down
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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