2 Kings 19:26

Authorized King James Version

Therefore their inhabitants were of small power, they were dismayed and confounded; they were as the grass of the field, and as the green herb, as the grass on the housetops, and as corn blasted before it be grown up.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְיֹֽשְׁבֵיהֶן֙
Therefore their inhabitants
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#2
קִצְרֵי
were of small
short (whether in size, number, life, strength or temper)
#3
יָ֔ד
power
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#4
חַ֖תּוּ
they were dismayed
properly, to prostrate; hence, to break down, either (literally) by violence, or (figuratively) by confusion and fear
#5
וַיֵּבֹ֑שׁוּ
and confounded
properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed
#6
הָי֞וּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#7
עֵ֤שֶׂב
they were as the grass
grass (or any tender shoot)
#8
שָׂדֶה֙
of the field
a field (as flat)
#9
וִ֣ירַק
and as the green
properly, green; concretely, a vegetable
#10
דֶּ֔שֶׁא
herb
a sprout; by analogy, grass
#11
חֲצִ֣יר
as the grass
grass; also a leek (collectively)
#12
גַּגּ֔וֹת
on the housetops
a roof; by analogy, the top of an altar
#13
וּשְׁדֵפָ֖ה
and as corn blasted
blight
#14
לִפְנֵ֥י
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
#15
קָמָֽה׃
it be grown up
something that rises, i.e., a stalk of grain

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 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

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