2 Kings 2:14

Authorized King James Version

And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the LORD God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּקַּח֩
And he took
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
אַדֶּ֨רֶת
the mantle
something ample (as a large vine, a wide dress)
#4
אֵֽלִיָּ֑הוּ
of Elijah
elijah, the name of the famous prophet and of two other israelites
#5
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#6
נָֽפְלָ֤ה
that fell
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#7
מֵֽעָלָיו֙
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
וַיַּכֶּ֣ה
and when he also had smitten
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#9
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
הַמַּ֗יִם
the waters
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#11
וַיֹּאמַ֕ר
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#12
אַיֵּ֕ה
where?
#13
יְהוָ֖ה
Where is the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#14
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
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
#15
אֵֽלִיָּ֑הוּ
of Elijah
elijah, the name of the famous prophet and of two other israelites
#16
אַף
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
#17
ה֣וּא׀
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
#18
וַיַּכֶּ֣ה
and when he also had smitten
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#19
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#20
הַמַּ֗יִם
the waters
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#21
וַיֵּֽחָצוּ֙
they parted
to cut or split in two; to halve
#22
הֵ֣נָּה
hither or thither (but used both of place and time)
#23
וָהֵ֔נָּה
hither or thither (but used both of place and time)
#24
וַֽיַּעֲבֹ֖ר
went over
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#25
אֱלִישָֽׁע׃
hither and thither and Elisha
elisha, the famous prophet

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. 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 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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