2 Kings 14:7

Authorized King James Version

He slew of Edom in the valley of salt ten thousand, and took Selah by war, and called the name of it Joktheel unto this day.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הוּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

הִכָּ֨ה

H5221

He slew

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶת

H853

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

אֱד֤וֹם

H123

of Edom

edom, the elder twin-brother of jacob; hence the region (idumaea) occupied by him

בְּגֵי

H1516

in the valley

a gorge (from its lofty sides; hence, narrow, but not a gully or winter-torrent)

המֶ֙לַח֙

H4417

of salt

properly, powder, i.e., (specifically) salt (as easily pulverized and dissolved)

עֲשֶׂ֣רֶת

H6235

ten

ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)

אֲלָפִ֔ים

H505

thousand

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

וְתָפַ֥שׂ

H8610

and took

to manipulate, i.e., seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably

#10

אֶת

H853

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

#11

הַסֶּ֖לַע

H5554

Selah

sela, the rock-city of idumaea

#12

בַּמִּלְחָמָ֑ה

H4421

by war

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

#13

וַיִּקְרָ֤א

H7121

and called

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

#14

אֶת

H853

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

#15

שְׁמָהּ֙

H8034

the name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

#16

יָקְתְאֵ֔ל

H3371

of it Joktheel

joktheel, the name of a place in palestine, and of one in idumaea

#17

עַ֖ד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#18

הַיּ֥וֹם

H3117

unto this day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#19

הַזֶּֽה׃

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 2 Kings Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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