2 Kings 2:7

Authorized King James Version

And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood to view afar off: and they two stood by Jordan.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽחֲמִשִּׁ֨ים
And fifty
fifty
#2
אִ֜ישׁ
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
#3
מִבְּנֵ֤י
of 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
#4
הַנְּבִיאִים֙
of the prophets
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
#5
הָֽלְכ֔וּ
went
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#6
עָֽמְד֥וּ
and stood
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#7
מִנֶּ֖גֶד
to view
a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before
#8
מֵֽרָח֑וֹק
afar off
remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)
#9
וּשְׁנֵיהֶ֖ם
and they two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#10
עָֽמְד֥וּ
and stood
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#11
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
הַיַּרְדֵּֽן׃
by Jordan
jarden, the principal river of palestine

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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