2 Kings 11:5

Authorized King James Version

And he commanded them, saying, This is the thing that ye shall do; A third part of you that enter in on the sabbath shall even be keepers of the watch of the king's house;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְצַוֵּ֣ם
And he commanded
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
#2
לֵאמֹ֔ר
them saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#3
זֶ֥ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#4
הַדָּבָ֖ר
This is the thing
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#5
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#6
תַּֽעֲשׂ֑וּן
that ye shall do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#7
הַשְּׁלִשִׁ֤ית
A third part
third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)
#8
מִכֶּם֙
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#9
בָּאֵ֣י
of you that enter in
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#10
הַשַּׁבָּ֔ת
on the sabbath
intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath
#11
וְשֹׁ֣מְרֵ֔י
shall even be keepers
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#12
מִשְׁמֶ֖רֶת
of the watch
watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (
#13
בֵּ֥ית
house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#14
הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃
of the king's
a king

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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 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 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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