2 Kings 1:4

Authorized King James Version

Now therefore thus saith the LORD, Thou shalt not come down from that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die. And Elijah departed.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְלָכֵן֙

H3651

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

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

Now therefore thus saith

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

the LORD

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

הַמִּטָּ֞ה

H4296

from that bed

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

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

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

שָּׁ֛ם

H8033

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

לֹֽא

H3808

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

#10

תֵרֵ֥ד

H3381

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

#11

מִמֶּ֖נָּה

H4480

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

#12

כִּ֣י

H3588

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

#13

תָּמ֑וּת

H4191

but shalt surely

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

#14

תָּמ֑וּת

H4191

but shalt surely

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

#15

וַיֵּ֖לֶךְ

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#16

אֵֽלִיָּֽה׃

H452

And Elijah

elijah, the name of the famous prophet and of two other israelites

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Kings. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

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