2 Kings 18:5

Authorized King James Version

He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him.

Word-by-Word Analysis

בַּֽיהוָ֥ה

H3068

in the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֵֽי

H430

God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

בָּטָ֑ח

H982

He trusted

properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure

וְאַֽחֲרָ֞יו

H310

so that after

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הָיָ֣ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כָמֹ֗הוּ

H3644

as, thus, so

בְּכֹל֙

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#10

מַלְכֵ֣י

H4428

him was none like him among all the kings

a king

#11

יְהוּדָ֔ה

H3063

of Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

#12

וַֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

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

#13

הָי֖וּ

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#14

לְפָנָֽיו׃

H6440

nor any that were before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

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

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

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
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 does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

Related Resources

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

People

Study Resources

Biblical Maps