2 Kings 20:1

Authorized King James Version

In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בַּיָּמִ֣ים
In those days
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
#2
הָהֵ֔ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#3
חָלָ֥ה
sick
properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to stroke (in flattering), entreat
#4
חִזְקִיָּ֖הוּ
was Hezekiah
chizkijah, a king of judah, also the name of two other israelites
#5
מֵ֥ת
for thou shalt die
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#6
וַיָּבֹ֣א
came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#7
אֵ֠לָיו
near, with or among; often in general, to
#8
יְשַׁעְיָ֨הוּ
Isaiah
jeshajah, the name of seven israelites
#9
בֶן
the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#10
אָמ֜וֹץ
of Amoz
amots, an israelite
#11
הַנָּבִ֗יא
And the prophet
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
#12
אָמַ֤ר
to him and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#13
אֵלָ֜יו
near, with or among; often in general, to
#14
כֹּֽה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#15
אָמַ֤ר
to him and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#16
יְהוָה֙
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#17
צַ֣ו
in order
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
#18
לְבֵיתֶ֔ךָ
Set thine house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#19
כִּ֛י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#20
מֵ֥ת
for thou shalt die
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#21
אַתָּ֖ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#22
וְלֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#23
תִֽחְיֶֽה׃
and not live
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Kings. The concept of divine sovereignty 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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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