2 Kings 18:20

Authorized King James Version

Thou sayest, (but they are but vain words,) I have counsel and strength for the war. Now on whom dost thou trust, that thou rebellest against me?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אָמַ֙רְתָּ֙
Thou sayest
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אַךְ
a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only
#3
דְּבַר
words
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#4
שְׂפָתַ֔יִם
but they are but vain
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
#5
עֵצָ֥ה
I have counsel
advice; by implication, plan; also prudence
#6
וּגְבוּרָ֖ה
and strength
force (literally or figuratively); by implication, valor, victory
#7
לַמִּלְחָמָ֑ה
for the war
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
#8
עַתָּה֙
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#9
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
מִ֣י
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#11
בָטַ֔חְתָּ
Now on whom dost thou trust
properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure
#12
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#13
מָרַ֖דְתָּ
that thou rebellest
to rebel
#14
בִּֽי׃
H0

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Kings. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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