2 Kings 21:12

Authorized King James Version

Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Behold, I am bringing such evil upon Jerusalem and Judah, that whosoever heareth of it, both his ears shall tingle.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לָכֵ֗ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#2
כֹּֽה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#3
אָמַ֤ר
Therefore thus saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#4
יְהוָה֙
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#6
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#7
הִנְנִי֙
lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if
#8
מֵבִ֣יא
Behold I am bringing
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#9
רָעָ֔ה
such evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#10
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
יְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֖ם
upon Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
#12
וִֽיהוּדָ֑ה
and Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#13
אֲשֶׁר֙
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#14
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#15
שֹׁ֣מְעָ֔יו
that whosoever heareth
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#16
תִּצַּ֖לְנָה
shall tingle
to tinkle, i.e., rattle together (as the ears in reddening with shame, or the teeth in chattering with fear)
#17
שְׁתֵּ֥י
of it both
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#18
אָזְנָֽיו׃
his ears
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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