2 Kings 2:9

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְהִ֣י

H1961

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

כְעָבְרָ֗ם

H5674

And it came to pass when they were gone over

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

וְאֵ֨לִיָּ֜הוּ

H452

that Elijah

elijah, the name of the famous prophet and of two other israelites

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֱלִישָׁ֔ע

H477

from thee And Elisha

elisha, the famous prophet

שְׁאַל֙

H7592

Ask

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

מָ֣ה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

אֶֽעֱשֶׂה

H6213

what I shall do

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#10

לָּ֔ךְ

#11

בְּטֶ֖רֶם

H2962

properly, non-occurrence; used adverbially, not yet or before

#12

אֶלָּקַ֣ח

H3947

for thee before I be taken away

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

#13

מֵֽעִמָּ֑ךְ

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#14

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

#15

אֱלִישָׁ֔ע

H477

from thee And Elisha

elisha, the famous prophet

#16

וִֽיהִי

H1961

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

#17

נָ֛א

H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

#18

פִּֽי

H6310

portion

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

#19

שְׁנַ֥יִם

H8147

I pray thee let a double

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

#20

בְּרֽוּחֲךָ֖

H7307

of thy spirit

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

#21

אֵלָֽי׃

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources

Biblical Maps