2 Kings 2:24

Authorized King James Version

And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the LORD. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּ֤פֶן
And he turned
to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc
#2
אַֽחֲרָיו֙
back
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#3
וַיִּרְאֵ֔ם
and looked
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#4
וַֽיְקַלְלֵ֖ם
on them and cursed
to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.)
#5
בְּשֵׁ֣ם
them in the name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#6
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#7
וַתֵּצֶ֨אנָה
And there came forth
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#8
וּשְׁנֵ֖י
and two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#9
דֻּבִּים֙
she bears
the bear (as slow)
#10
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#11
הַיַּ֔עַר
out of the wood
a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)
#12
וַתְּבַקַּ֣עְנָה
and tare
to cleave; generally, to rend, break, rip or open
#13
מֵהֶ֔ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#14
אַרְבָּעִ֥ים
forty
forty
#15
וּשְׁנֵ֖י
and two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#16
יְלָדִֽים׃
children
something born, i.e., a lad or offspring

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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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