2 Kings 21:13

Authorized King James Version

And I will stretch over Jerusalem the line of Samaria, and the plummet of the house of Ahab: and I will wipe Jerusalem as a man wipeth a dish, wiping it, and turning it upside down.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְנָטִ֣יתִי

H5186

And I will stretch

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֜ם

H3389

Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

אֵ֚ת

H853

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

קָ֣ו

H6957

the line

a cord (as connecting), especially for measuring; figuratively, a rule; also a rim, a musical string or accord

שֹֽׁמְר֔וֹן

H8111

of Samaria

shomeron, a place in palestine

וְאֶת

H853

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

מִשְׁקֹ֖לֶת

H4949

and the plummet

a weight, i.e., a plummet (with line attached)

בֵּ֣ית

H1004

of the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#10

אַחְאָ֑ב

H256

of Ahab

achab, the name of a king of israel and of a prophet at babylon

#11

מָחָ֔ה

H4229

and I will wipe

properly, to stroke or rub; by implication, to erase; also to smooth (as if with oil), i.e., grease or make fat

#12

אֶת

H853

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

#13

יְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֜ם

H3389

Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

#14

כַּֽאֲשֶׁר

H834

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

#15

מָחָ֔ה

H4229

and I will wipe

properly, to stroke or rub; by implication, to erase; also to smooth (as if with oil), i.e., grease or make fat

#16

אֶת

H853

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

#17

הַצַּלַּ֙חַת֙

H6747

a dish

something advanced or deep, i.e., a bowl; figuratively, the bosom

#18

מָחָ֔ה

H4229

and I will wipe

properly, to stroke or rub; by implication, to erase; also to smooth (as if with oil), i.e., grease or make fat

#19

וְהָפַ֖ךְ

H2015

it and turning

to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert

#20

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#21

פָּנֶֽיהָ׃

H6440

it upside down

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

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

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

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?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within 2 Kings chapter 21 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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