2 Kings 2:11

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְהִ֗י

H1961

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

הֵ֣מָּה

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

הָלוֹךְ֙

H1980

And it came to pass as they still

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

הָלוֹךְ֙

H1980

And it came to pass as they still

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וְדַבֵּ֔ר

H1696

and talked

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

וְהִנֵּ֤ה

H2009

lo!

רֶֽכֶב

H7393

that behold there appeared a chariot

a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone

אֵ֔שׁ

H784

of fire

fire (literally or figuratively)

וְס֣וּסֵי

H5483

and horses

a horse (as leaping)

#10

אֵ֔שׁ

H784

of fire

fire (literally or figuratively)

#11

וַיַּפְרִ֖דוּ

H6504

and parted

to break through, i.e., spread or separate (oneself)

#12

בֵּ֣ין

H996

asunder

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

#13

שְׁנֵיהֶ֑ם

H8147

them both

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

#14

וַיַּ֙עַל֙

H5927

went up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

#15

אֵ֣לִיָּ֔הוּ

H452

and Elijah

elijah, the name of the famous prophet and of two other israelites

#16

בַּֽסְּעָרָ֖ה

H5591

by a whirlwind

a hurricane

#17

הַשָּׁמָֽיִם׃

H8064

into heaven

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Kings. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

How does this verse's literary context within 2 Kings chapter 2 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?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

Related Resources

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

People

Study Resources

Biblical Maps