2 Kings 2:13

Authorized King James Version

He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּ֙רֶם֙
He took up
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
אַדֶּ֣רֶת
also the mantle
something ample (as a large vine, a wide dress)
#4
אֵֽלִיָּ֔הוּ
of Elijah
elijah, the name of the famous prophet and of two other israelites
#5
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#6
נָֽפְלָ֖ה
that fell
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#7
מֵֽעָלָ֑יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
וַיָּ֥שָׁב
from him and went back
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#9
וַֽיַּעֲמֹ֖ד
and stood
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#10
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
שְׂפַ֥ת
by the bank
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
#12
הַיַּרְדֵּֽן׃
of Jordan
jarden, the principal river 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

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

People

Study Resources