2 Kings 18:27

Authorized King James Version

But Rabshakeh said unto them, Hath my master sent me to thy master, and to thee, to speak these words? hath he not sent me to the men which sit on the wall, that they may eat their own dung, and drink their own piss with you?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אֲלֵיהֶ֜ם
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
רַבְשָׁקֵ֗ה
But Rabshakeh
rabshakeh, a babylonian official
#4
הַעַ֨ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
אֲדֹנִ֔י
me to thy master
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
#6
וְאֵלֶ֙יךָ֙
near, with or among; often in general, to
#7
שְׁלָחַ֣נִי
sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#8
אֲדֹנִ֔י
me to thy master
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
#9
לְדַבֵּ֖ר
and to thee to speak
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#10
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
הַדְּבָרִ֣ים
these words
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#12
הָאֵ֑לֶּה
these or those
#13
הֲלֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#14
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#15
הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֗ים
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)
#16
הַיֹּֽשְׁבִים֙
which sit
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#17
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#18
הַ֣חֹמָ֔ה
on the wall
a wall of protection
#19
לֶֽאֱכֹ֣ל
that they may eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#20
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#21
חרָיהָ֗ם
excrements of doves or a vegetable
#22
וְלִשְׁתּ֛וֹת
and drink
to imbibe (literally or figuratively)
#23
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#24
שֵׁינֵיהֶם
urine
#25
עִמָּכֶֽם׃
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

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 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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