2 Kings 18:21

Authorized King James Version

Now, behold, thou trustest upon the staff of this bruised reed, even upon Egypt, on which if a man lean, it will go into his hand, and pierce it: so is Pharaoh king of Egypt unto all that trust on him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עַתָּ֡ה
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#2
הִנֵּ֣ה
lo!
#3
הַבֹּטְחִ֖ים
Now behold thou trustest
properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure
#4
לְּךָ֡
H0
#5
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
מִשְׁעֶנֶת֩
upon the staff
support (abstractly), i.e., (figuratively) sustenance or (concretely) a walking-stick
#7
הַקָּנֶ֨ה
reed
a reed (as erect); by resemblance a rod (especially for measuring), shaft, tube, stem, the radius (of the arm), beam (of a steelyard)
#8
הָרָצ֤וּץ
of this bruised
to crack in pieces, literally or figuratively
#9
הַזֶּה֙
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#10
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
מִצְרַ֔יִם
even upon Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#12
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#13
יִסָּמֵ֥ךְ
lean
to prop (literally or figuratively); reflexively, to lean upon or take hold of (in a favorable or unfavorable sense)
#14
אִישׁ֙
on which if a man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#15
עָלָ֔יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#16
וּבָ֥א
it will go
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#17
בְכַפּ֖וֹ
into his hand
the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
#18
וּנְקָבָ֑הּ
and pierce
to puncture, literally (to perforate, with more or less violence) or figuratively (to specify, designate, libel)
#19
כֵּ֚ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#20
פַּרְעֹ֣ה
it so is Pharaoh
paroh, a general title of egyptian kings
#21
מֶֽלֶךְ
king
a king
#22
מִצְרַ֔יִם
even upon Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#23
לְכָֽל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#24
הַבֹּטְחִ֖ים
Now behold thou trustest
properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure
#25
עָלָֽיו׃
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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