2 Kings 2:17

Authorized King James Version

And when they urged him till he was ashamed, he said, Send. They sent therefore fifty men; and they sought three days, but found him not.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּפְצְרוּ
And when they urged
to peck at, i.e., (figuratively) stun or dull
#2
ב֥וֹ
H0
#3
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#4
בֹּ֖שׁ
him till he was ashamed
properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed
#5
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר
he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#6
וַֽיִּשְׁלְחוּ֙
Send
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#7
וַֽיִּשְׁלְחוּ֙
Send
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#8
חֲמִשִּׁ֣ים
therefore fifty
fifty
#9
אִ֔ישׁ
men
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#10
וַיְבַקְשׁ֥וּ
and they sought
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
#11
שְׁלֹשָֽׁה
three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#12
יָמִ֖ים
days
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#13
וְלֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#14
מְצָאֻֽהוּ׃
but found
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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