2 Kings 17:27

Authorized King James Version

Then the king of Assyria commanded, saying, Carry thither one of the priests whom ye brought from thence; and let them go and dwell there, and let him teach them the manner of the God of the land.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְצַ֨ו

H6680

commanded

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

מֶֽלֶךְ

H4428

Then the king

a king

אַשּׁ֜וּר

H804

of Assyria

ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire

לֵאמֹ֗ר

H559

saying

to say (used with great latitude)

הֹלִ֤יכוּ

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

שָׁ֙מָּה֙

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

אֶחָ֤ד

H259

thither one

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

מֵהַכֹּֽהֲנִים֙

H3548

of the priests

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

#10

הִגְלִיתֶ֣ם

H1540

whom ye brought

to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal

#11

מִשָּׁ֔ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

#12

וְיֵֽלְכ֖וּ

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#13

וְיֵ֣שְׁבוּ

H3427

and dwell

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

#14

שָׁ֑ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

#15

וְיֹרֵ֕ם

H3384

there and let him teach

properly, to flow as water (i.e., to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e., to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by

#16

אֶת

H853

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

#17

מִשְׁפַּ֖ט

H4941

them the manner

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

#18

אֱלֹהֵ֥י

H430

of the God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#19

הָאָֽרֶץ׃

H776

of the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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 sovereignty 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

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

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this verse's literary context within 2 Kings chapter 17 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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