2 Kings 13:21

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that, behold, they spied a band of men; and they cast the man into the sepulchre of Elisha: and when the man was let down, and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood up on his feet.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִ֞י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
הֵ֣ם׀
they (only used when emphatic)
#3
קֹֽבְרִ֣ים
And it came to pass as they were burying
to inter
#4
הָאִישׁ֙
a 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)
#5
וְהִנֵּה֙
lo!
#6
רָא֣וּ
that behold they spied
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#7
אֶֽת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
הַגְּד֔וּד
a band
a crowd (especially of soldiers)
#9
וַיַּשְׁלִ֥יכוּ
of men and they cast
to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)
#10
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
הָאִישׁ֙
a 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)
#12
בְּקֶ֣בֶר
into the sepulchre
a sepulcher
#13
אֱלִישָׁ֔ע
of Elisha
elisha, the famous prophet
#14
וַיֵּ֜לֶךְ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#15
וַיִּגַּ֤ע
and touched
properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive
#16
הָאִישׁ֙
a 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)
#17
בְּעַצְמ֣וֹת
the bones
a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame
#18
אֱלִישָׁ֔ע
of Elisha
elisha, the famous prophet
#19
וַיְחִ֖י
he revived
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
#20
וַיָּ֥קָם
and stood up
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#21
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#22
רַגְלָֽיו׃
on his feet
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources