2 Kings 17:36

Authorized King James Version

But the LORD, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt with great power and a stretched out arm, him shall ye fear, and him shall ye worship, and to him shall ye do sacrifice.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּ֣י

H3588

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

אִֽם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

אֶת

H853

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

יְהוָ֗ה

H3068

But the LORD

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

אֲשֶׁר֩

H834

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

הֶֽעֱלָ֨ה

H5927

who brought you up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

אֶתְכֶ֜ם

H853

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

מֵאֶ֧רֶץ

H776

out of the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִצְרַ֛יִם

H4714

of Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

#10

בְּכֹ֧חַ

H3581

power

vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)

#11

גָּד֛וֹל

H1419

with great

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

#12

וּבִזְר֥וֹעַ

H2220

arm

the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force

#13

נְטוּיָ֖ה

H5186

and a stretched out

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

#14

אֹת֣וֹ

H853

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

#15

תִירָ֑אוּ

H3372

him shall ye fear

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

#16

וְל֥וֹ

#17

תִֽשְׁתַּחֲו֖וּ

H7812

and him shall ye worship

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

#18

וְל֥וֹ

#19

תִזְבָּֽחוּ׃

H2076

and to him shall ye do sacrifice

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

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

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?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
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?

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