2 Kings 18:23

Authorized King James Version

Now therefore, I pray thee, give pledges to my lord the king of Assyria, and I will deliver thee two thousand horses, if thou be able on thy part to set riders upon them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְעַתָּה֙
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#2
הִתְעָ֣רֶב
Now therefore I pray thee give pledges
to braid, i.e., intermix; technically, to traffic (as if by barter); also or give to be security (as a kind of exchange)
#3
נָ֔א
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
#4
אֶת
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#5
אֲדֹנִ֖י
to my lord
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
#6
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
מֶ֣לֶךְ
the king
a king
#8
אַשּׁ֑וּר
of Assyria
ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire
#9
לָ֥תֶת
and I will deliver
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#10
לְךָ֙
H0
#11
אַלְפַּ֣יִם
thee two thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#12
סוּסִ֔ים
horses
a horse (as leaping)
#13
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#14
תּוּכַ֕ל
if thou be able
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
#15
לָ֥תֶת
and I will deliver
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#16
לְךָ֖
H0
#17
רֹֽכְבִ֥ים
riders
to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch
#18
עֲלֵיהֶֽם׃
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 sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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