2 Kings 13:23

Authorized King James Version

And the LORD was gracious unto them, and had compassion on them, and had respect unto them, because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them, neither cast he them from his presence as yet.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּחָן֩
H2603
was gracious
properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e., move to favor by petition)
#2
יְהוָ֨ה
H3068
And the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
אֹתָ֤ם
H854
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#4
וַֽיְרַחֲמֵם֙
H7355
unto them and had compassion
to fondle; by implication, to love, especially to compassionate
#5
וַיִּ֣פֶן
H6437
on them and had respect
to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc
#6
אֲלֵיהֶ֔ם
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#7
לְמַ֣עַן
H4616
unto them because of
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
#8
בְּרִית֔וֹ
H1285
his covenant
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
#9
אֶת
H854
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#10
אַבְרָהָ֖ם
H85
with Abraham
abraham, the later name of abram
#11
יִצְחָ֣ק
H3327
Isaac
jitschak (or isaac), son of abraham
#12
וְיַֽעֲקֹ֑ב
H3290
and Jacob
jaakob, the israelitish patriarch
#13
וְלֹ֤א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#14
אָבָה֙
H14
and would
to breathe after, i.e., (figuratively) to be acquiescent
#15
הַשְׁחִיתָ֔ם
H7843
not destroy
to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)
#16
וְלֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#17
הִשְׁלִיכָ֥ם
H7993
them neither cast
to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)
#18
מֵֽעַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#19
פָּנָ֖יו
H6440
he them from his presence
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#20
עַד
H5704
as yet
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#21
עָֽתָּה׃
H6258
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

Analysis

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

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 covenant particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show treaty language and adoption practices from the ancient world, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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