2 Kings 17:33

Authorized King James Version

They feared the LORD, and served their own gods, after the manner of the nations whom they carried away from thence.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אֶת

H853

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

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

הָי֣וּ

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

יְרֵאִ֑ים

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

וְאֶת

H853

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

אֱלֹֽהֵיהֶם֙

H430

their own 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

הָי֣וּ

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

עֹֽבְדִ֔ים

H5647

and served

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

כְּמִשְׁפַּט֙

H4941

after the manner

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

#10

הַגּוֹיִ֔ם

H1471

of the nations

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

#11

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

#12

הִגְל֥וּ

H1540

whom they carried away

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

#13

אֹתָ֖ם

H853

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

#14

מִשָּֽׁם׃

H8033

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?

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