2 Kings 1:16

Authorized King James Version

And he said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Forasmuch as thou hast sent messengers to enquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron, is it not because there is no God in Israel to enquire of his word? therefore thou shalt not come down off that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְדַבֵּ֨ר

H1696

And he said

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֵלָ֜יו

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כֹּֽה

H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֣ר

H559

unto him Thus saith

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֗ה

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

יַ֜עַן

H3282

properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

שָׁלַ֣חְתָּ

H7971

Forasmuch as thou hast sent

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

מַלְאָכִים֮

H4397

messengers

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

#10

לִדְרֹ֖שׁ

H1875

to enquire

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

#11

בְּבַ֣עַל

#12

זְבוּב֮

H1176

of Baalzebub

baal-zebub, a special deity of the ekronites

#13

אֱלֹהִים֙

H430

is it not because there is no 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

#14

עֶקְרוֹן֒

H6138

of Ekron

ekron, a place in palestine

#15

הַֽמִבְּלִ֤י

H1097

properly, failure, i.e., nothing or destruction; usually (with preposition) without, not yet, because not, as long as, etc

#16

אֵין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#17

אֱלֹהִים֙

H430

is it not because there is no 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

#18

בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

H3478

in Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#19

לִדְרֹ֖שׁ

H1875

to enquire

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

#20

בִּדְבָר֑וֹ

H1697

of his word

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#21

לָ֠כֵן

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

#22

הַמִּטָּ֞ה

H4296

off that bed

a bed (as extended) for sleeping or eating; by analogy, a sofa, litter or bier

#23

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

#24

עָלִ֥יתָ

H5927

on which thou art gone up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

#25

שָּׁ֛ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

#26

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#27

תֵרֵ֥ד

H3381

therefore thou shalt not 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

#28

מִמֶּ֖נָּה

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#29

כִּי

H3588

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

#30

תָּמֽוּת׃

H4191

but shalt surely

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

#31

תָּמֽוּת׃

H4191

but shalt surely

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to 2 Kings's theological argument.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 2 Kings Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within 2 Kings chapter 1 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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