2 Kings 19:37

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword: and they escaped into the land of Armenia. And Esar-haddon his son reigned in his stead.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִי֩
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
ה֨וּא
H1931
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#3
מִֽשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֜ה
H7812
And it came to pass as he was worshipping
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
#4
בֵּ֣ית׀
H1004
in the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#5
נִסְרֹ֣ךְ
H5268
of Nisroch
nisrok, a babylonian idol
#6
אֱלֹהָ֗יו
H430
his 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
#7
וְֽאַדְרַמֶּ֨לֶךְ
H152
that Adrammelech
adrammelek, the name of an assyrian idol, also of a son of sennacherib
#8
וְשַׂרְאֶ֤צֶר
H8272
and Sharezer
sharetser, the name of an assyrian and an israelite
#9
בְּנ֖וֹ
H1121
his son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#10
הִכֻּ֣הוּ
H5221
smote
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#11
בַחֶ֔רֶב
H2719
him with the sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#12
וְהֵ֥מָּה
H1992
they (only used when emphatic)
#13
נִמְלְט֖וּ
H4422
and they escaped
properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn
#14
אֶ֣רֶץ
H776
into the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#15
אֲרָרָ֑ט
H780
of Armenia
ararat (or rather armenia)
#16
וַיִּמְלֹ֛ךְ
H4427
reigned
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
#17
אֵֽסַר
H0
#18
חַדֹּ֥ן
H634
And Esarhaddon
esar-chaddon, an assyrian king
#19
בְּנ֖וֹ
H1121
his son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#20
תַּחְתָּֽיו׃
H8478
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Kings, this passage highlights kingdom of God through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 kingdom of God 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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