2 Kings 2:21

Authorized King James Version

And he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there, and said, Thus saith the LORD, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or barren land.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֵּצֵא֙

H3318

And he went forth

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מוֹצָ֣א

H4161

unto the spring

a going forth, i.e., (the act) an egress, or (the place) an exit; hence, a source or product; specifically, dawn, the rising of the sun (the east), ex

לַמַּ֣יִם

H4325

of the waters

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

וַיַּשְׁלֶךְ

H7993

and cast

to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)

שָׁ֖ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

מֶ֑לַח

H4417

the salt

properly, powder, i.e., (specifically) salt (as easily pulverized and dissolved)

אָמַ֣ר

H559

Thus saith

to say (used with great latitude)

כֹּֽה

H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

#10

אָמַ֣ר

H559

Thus saith

to say (used with great latitude)

#11

יְהוָ֗ה

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#12

רִפִּ֙אתִי֙

H7495

I have healed

properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e., (figuratively) to cure

#13

לַמַּ֣יִם

H4325

of the waters

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

#14

הָאֵ֔לֶּה

H428

these or those

#15

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#16

יִהְיֶ֥ה

H1961

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

#17

מִשָּׁ֛ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

#18

ע֖וֹד

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

#19

מָ֥וֶת

H4194

there shall not be from thence any more death

death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin

#20

וּמְשַׁכָּֽלֶת׃

H7921

or barren

properly, to miscarry, i.e., suffer abortion; by analogy, to bereave (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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

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

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
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?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

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