2 Kings 1:8

Authorized King James Version

And they answered him, He was an hairy man, and girt with a girdle of leather about his loins. And he said, It is Elijah the Tishbite.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּאמַ֕ר
And he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אֵלָ֗יו
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
אִ֚ישׁ
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)
#4
בַּ֣עַל
man
a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)
#5
שֵׂעָ֔ר
him He was an hairy
hair (as if tossed or bristling)
#6
וְאֵז֥וֹר
with a girdle
something girt; a belt, also a band
#7
ע֖וֹר
of leather
skin (as naked); by implication, hide, leather
#8
אָז֣וּר
and girt
to belt
#9
בְּמָתְנָ֑יו
about his loins
properly, the waist or small of the back; only in plural the loins
#10
וַיֹּאמַ֕ר
And he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#11
אֵֽלִיָּ֥ה
It is Elijah
elijah, the name of the famous prophet and of two other israelites
#12
הַתִּשְׁבִּ֖י
the Tishbite
a tishbite or inhabitant of tishbeh (in gilead)
#13
הֽוּא׃
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Kings. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, 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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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