2 Kings 2:5

Authorized King James Version

And the sons of the prophets that were at Jericho came to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he answered, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּגְּשׁ֨וּ
came
to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati
#2
בְנֵֽי
And 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
הַנְּבִיאִ֥ים
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
בִּֽירִיחוֹ֮
that were at Jericho
jericho or jerecho, a place in palestine
#6
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#7
אֱלִישָׁע֒
to Elisha
elisha, the famous prophet
#8
וַיֹּ֛אמֶר
And he answered
to say (used with great latitude)
#9
אֵלָ֔יו
near, with or among; often in general, to
#10
יָדַ֖עְתִּי
Yea I know
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#11
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#12
הַיּ֗וֹם
to day
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
יְהוָ֛ה
thou that the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#14
לֹקֵ֥חַ
will take away
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#15
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#16
אֲדֹנֶ֖יךָ
thy master
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
#17
מֵעַ֣ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#18
רֹאשֶׁ֑ךָ
from thy head
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#19
וַיֹּ֛אמֶר
And he answered
to say (used with great latitude)
#20
גַּם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#21
אֲנִ֥י
i
#22
יָדַ֖עְתִּי
Yea I know
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#23
הֶֽחֱשֽׁוּ׃
it hold ye your peace
to hush or keep quiet

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Kings. The concept of peace reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 peace in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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