2 Kings 1:5

Authorized King James Version

And when the messengers turned back unto him, he said unto them, Why are ye now turned back?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שַׁבְתֶּֽם׃
turned back
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#2
הַמַּלְאָכִ֖ים
And when the messengers
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
#3
אֵלָ֑יו
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר
unto him he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#5
אֲלֵיהֶ֖ם
near, with or among; often in general, to
#6
מַה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#7
זֶּ֥ה
unto them Why are ye now
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#8
שַׁבְתֶּֽם׃
turned back
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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