2 Kings 15:16

Authorized King James Version

Then Menahem smote Tiphsah, and all that were therein, and the coasts thereof from Tirzah: because they opened not to him, therefore he smote it; and all the women therein that were with child he ripped up.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אָ֣ז

H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

וַיַּ֑ךְ

H5221

not to him therefore he smote

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

מְ֠נַחֵם

H4505

Then Menahem

menachem, an israelite

אֶת

H853

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

תִּפְסַ֨ח

H8607

Tiphsah

tiphsach, a place in mesopotamia

וְאֶת

H853

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

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בָּ֤הּ

#10

וְאֶת

H853

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

#11

גְּבוּלֶ֙יהָ֙

H1366

and all that were therein and the coasts

properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

#12

מִתִּרְצָ֔ה

H8656

thereof from Tirzah

tirtsah, a place in palestine; also an israelitess

#13

כִּ֛י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#14

לֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#15

פָתַ֖ח

H6605

because they opened

to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

#16

וַיַּ֑ךְ

H5221

not to him therefore he smote

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

#17

אֵ֛ת

H853

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

#18

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#19

הֶהָ֥רוֹתֶ֖יהָ

H2030

it and all the women therein that were with child

pregnant

#20

בִּקֵּֽעַ׃

H1234

he ripped up

to cleave; generally, to rend, break, rip or open

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

How does this verse's literary context within 2 Kings chapter 15 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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