2 Kings 2:10

Authorized King James Version

And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֖אמֶר

H559

And he said

to say (used with great latitude)

הִקְשִׁ֣יתָ

H7185

a hard thing

properly, to be dense, i.e., tough or severe (in various applications)

לִשְׁא֑וֹל

H7592

Thou hast asked

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

תִּרְאֶ֨ה

H7200

nevertheless if thou see

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֹתִ֜י

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

לֻקָּ֤ח

H3947

me when I am taken

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מֵֽאִתָּךְ֙

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יְהִֽי

H1961

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

#10

לְךָ֣

#11

כֵ֔ן

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

#12

וְאִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#13

אַ֖יִן

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#14

לֹ֥א

H3808

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

#15

יִֽהְיֶֽה׃

H1961

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

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

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?
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 does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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