2 Kings 18:18

Authorized King James Version

And when they had called to the king, there came out to them Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַֽיִּקְרְאוּ֙

H7121

And when they had called

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ

H4428

to the king

a king

וַיֵּצֵ֧א

H3318

there came out

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אֲלֵהֶ֛ם

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֶלְיָקִ֥ים

H471

to them Eliakim

eljakim, the name of four israelites

בֶּן

H1121

the son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

חִלְקִיָּ֖הוּ

H2518

of Hilkiah

chilhijah, the name of eight israelites

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

#10

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#11

הַבָּ֑יִת

H1004

which was over the household

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#12

וְשֶׁבְנָה֙

H7644

and Shebna

shebna or shebnah, an israelite

#13

הַסֹּפֵ֔ר

H5608

the scribe

properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra

#14

וְיוֹאָ֥ח

H3098

and Joah

joach, the name of four israelites

#15

בֶּן

H1121

the son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#16

אָסָ֖ף

H623

of Asaph

asaph, the name of three israelites, and of the family of the first

#17

הַמַּזְכִּֽיר׃

H2142

the recorder

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

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

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within 2 Kings chapter 18 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources

Biblical Maps