2 Kings 11:8

Authorized King James Version

And ye shall compass the king round about, every man with his weapons in his hand: and he that cometh within the ranges, let him be slain: and be ye with the king as he goeth out and as he cometh in.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהִקַּפְתֶּ֨ם
And ye shall compass
to strike with more or less violence (beat, fell, corrode); by implication (of attack) to knock together, i.e., surround or circulate
#2
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#3
הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ
and be ye with the king
a king
#4
סָבִ֗יב
round about
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
#5
אִ֚ישׁ
every man
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)
#6
וְכֵלָ֣יו
with his weapons
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
#7
בְּיָד֔וֹ
in his hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#8
וּבְבֹאֽוֹ׃
and as he cometh in
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#9
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#10
הַשְּׂדֵר֖וֹת
within the ranges
a row, i.e., rank (of soldiers), story (of rooms)
#11
יוּמָ֑ת
let him be slain
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#12
וִֽהְי֥וּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#13
אֶת
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#14
הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ
and be ye with the king
a king
#15
בְּצֵאת֥וֹ
as he goeth out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#16
וּבְבֹאֽוֹ׃
and as he cometh in
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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