2 Kings 21:6

Authorized King James Version

And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהֶֽעֱבִ֤יר
pass
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
בְּנוֹ֙
And he made his 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
#4
בָּאֵ֔שׁ
through the fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#5
וְעוֹנֵ֣ן
and observed times
figuratively, to act covertly, i.e., practise magic
#6
וְנִחֵ֔שׁ
and used enchantments
properly, to hiss, i.e., whisper a (magic) spell; generally, to prognosticate
#7
לַֽעֲשׂ֥וֹת
and dealt
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#8
א֖וֹב
with familiar spirits
properly, a mumble, i.e., a water-skin (from its hollow sound); hence a necromancer (ventriloquist, as from a jar)
#9
וְיִדְּעֹנִ֑ים
and wizards
properly, a knowing one; specifically, a conjurer; (by impl) a ghost
#10
הִרְבָּ֗ה
much
to increase (in whatever respect)
#11
לַֽעֲשׂ֥וֹת
and dealt
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#12
הָרַ֛ע
wickedness
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#13
בְּעֵינֵ֥י
in the sight
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#14
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#15
לְהַכְעִֽיס׃
to provoke him to anger
to trouble; by implication, to grieve, rage, be indignant

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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