2 Kings 2:15

Authorized King James Version

And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּרְאֻ֨הוּ
saw
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#2
בְנֵֽי
And when the sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#3
הַנְּבִיאִ֤ים
of the prophets
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
#4
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
בִּֽירִיחוֹ֙
which were to view at Jericho
jericho or jerecho, a place in palestine
#6
מִנֶּ֔גֶד
a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before
#7
וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ
him they said
to say (used with great latitude)
#8
נָ֛חָה
doth rest
to rest, i.e., settle down; used in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, intransitive, transitive and causative (to dwell, stay, l
#9
ר֥וּחַ
The spirit
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
#10
אֵֽלִיָּ֖הוּ
of Elijah
elijah, the name of the famous prophet and of two other israelites
#11
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
אֱלִישָׁ֑ע
on Elisha
elisha, the famous prophet
#13
וַיָּבֹ֙אוּ֙
And they came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#14
לִקְרָאת֔וֹ
to meet
an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)
#15
וַיִּשְׁתַּֽחֲווּ
him and bowed
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
#16
ל֖וֹ
H0
#17
אָֽרְצָה׃
themselves to the ground
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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

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