2 Kings 17:29

Authorized King James Version

Howbeit every nation made gods of their own, and put them in the houses of the high places which the Samaritans had made, every nation in their cities wherein they dwelt.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּֽהְי֣וּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
עָשׂוּ֙
had made
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#3
גּוֹי֙
Howbeit every nation
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#4
גּוֹי֙
Howbeit every nation
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#5
אֱלֹהָ֑יו
gods
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
#6
וַיַּנִּ֣יחוּ׀
of their own and put
to deposit; by implication, to allow to stay
#7
בְּבֵ֣ית
them in the houses
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#8
הַבָּמ֗וֹת
of the high places
an elevation
#9
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#10
עָשׂוּ֙
had made
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#11
הַשֹּׁ֣מְרֹנִ֔ים
which the Samaritans
a shomeronite (collectively) or inhabitants of shomeron
#12
גּוֹי֙
Howbeit every nation
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#13
גּוֹי֙
Howbeit every nation
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#14
בְּעָ֣רֵיהֶ֔ם
in their cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#15
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#16
הֵ֥ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#17
יֹֽשְׁבִ֖ים
wherein they dwelt
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#18
שָֽׁם׃
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

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

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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