2 Kings 11:4

Authorized King James Version

And the seventh year Jehoiada sent and fetched the rulers over hundreds, with the captains and the guard, and brought them to him into the house of the LORD, and made a covenant with them, and took an oath of them in the house of the LORD, and shewed them the king's son.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּבַשָּׁנָ֣ה

H8141

year

a year (as a revolution of time)

הַ֠שְּׁבִיעִית

H7637

And the seventh

seventh

שָׁלַ֨ח

H7971

sent

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

יְהֽוֹיָדָ֜ע

H3077

Jehoiada

jehojada, the name of three israelites

וַיִּקַּ֣ח׀

H3947

and fetched

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שָׂרֵ֣י

H8269

the rulers

a head person (of any rank or class)

הַמֵּא֗יוֹת

H3967

over hundreds

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

לַכָּרִי֙

H3746

with the captains

a life-guardsman

#10

וְלָ֣רָצִ֔ים

H7323

and the guard

to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)

#11

וַיָּבֵ֥א

H935

and brought

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#12

אֹתָ֛ם

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#13

אֵלָ֖יו

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#14

בְּבֵ֣ית

H1004

of them in the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#15

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

#16

וַיִּכְרֹת֩

H3772

and made

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

#17

לָהֶ֨ם

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

#18

בְּרִ֜ית

H1285

a covenant

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

#19

וַיַּשְׁבַּ֤ע

H7650

with them and took an oath

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

#20

אֹתָם֙

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#21

בְּבֵ֣ית

H1004

of them in the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#22

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

#23

וַיַּ֥רְא

H7200

and shewed

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

#24

אֹתָ֖ם

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#25

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#26

בֶּן

H1121

son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#27

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃

H4428

them the king's

a king

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Kings, this passage highlights covenant through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of covenant connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 2 Kings.

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 covenant. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How might the original audience's understanding of covenant differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What practical applications emerge from understanding covenant as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?

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