2 Kings 19:24

Authorized King James Version

I have digged and drunk strange waters, and with the sole of my feet have I dried up all the rivers of besieged places.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אֲנִ֣י

H589

קַ֔רְתִּי

H6979

I have digged

to trench; by implication, to throw forth; to wall up, whether literal (to build a wall) or figurative (to estop)

וְשָׁתִ֖יתִי

H8354

and drunk

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

מַ֣יִם

H4325

waters

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

זָרִ֑ים

H2114

strange

to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery

וְאַחְרִב֙

H2717

have I dried

to parch (through drought) i.e., (by analogy,) to desolate, destroy, kill

בְּכַף

H3709

and with the sole

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-

פְּעָמַ֔י

H6471

of my feet

a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)

כֹּ֖ל

H3605

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

#10

יְאֹרֵ֥י

H2975

up all the rivers

a channel, e.g., a fosse, canal, shaft; specifically the nile, as the one river of egypt, including its collateral trenches; also the tigris, as the m

#11

מָצֽוֹר׃

H4693

of besieged places

egypt (as the border of palestine)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 2 Kings Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

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

People

Study Resources

Biblical Maps