2 Kings 20:11

Authorized King James Version

And Isaiah the prophet cried unto the LORD: and he brought the shadow ten degrees backward, by which it had gone down in the dial of Ahaz.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּקְרָ֛א

H7121

cried

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

יְשַׁעְיָ֥הוּ

H3470

And Isaiah

jeshajah, the name of seven israelites

הַנָּבִ֖יא

H5030

the prophet

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָ֑ה

H3068

unto the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וַיָּ֣שֶׁב

H7725

and he brought

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַצֵּ֗ל

H6738

the shadow

shade, whether literal or figurative

בַּֽ֠מַּעֲלוֹת

H4600

to press, i.e., to pierce, emasculate, handle

#10

אֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#11

יָֽרְדָ֜ה

H3381

which it had gone down

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

#12

מַֽעֲלֽוֹת׃

H4609

elevation, i.e., the act (literally, a journey to a higher place, figuratively, a thought arising), or (concretely) the condition (literally, a step o

#13

אָחָ֛ז

H271

of Ahaz

achaz, the name of a jewish king and of an israelite

#14

אֲחֹֽרַנִּ֖ית

H322

backward

backwards

#15

עֶ֥שֶׂר

H6235

ten

ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)

#16

מַֽעֲלֽוֹת׃

H4609

elevation, i.e., the act (literally, a journey to a higher place, figuratively, a thought arising), or (concretely) the condition (literally, a step o

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

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this verse's literary context within 2 Kings chapter 20 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

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

People

Study Resources

Biblical Maps