2 Kings 22:1

Authorized King James Version

Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty and one years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jedidah, the daughter of Adaiah of Boscath.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בֶּן
old
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#2
שְׁמֹנֶ֤ה
was eight
a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth
#3
שָׁנָ֔ה
years
a year (as a revolution of time)
#4
יֹֽאשִׁיָּ֣הוּ
Josiah
joshijah, the name of two israelites
#5
מָלַ֖ךְ
and he reigned
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
#6
וּשְׁלֹשִׁ֤ים
thirty
thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth
#7
וְאַחַת֙
and one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#8
שָׁנָ֔ה
years
a year (as a revolution of time)
#9
מָלַ֖ךְ
and he reigned
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
#10
בִּירֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם
in Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
#11
וְשֵׁ֣ם
name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#12
אִמּ֔וֹ
And his mother's
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
#13
יְדִידָ֥ה
was Jedidah
jedidah, an israelitess
#14
בַת
the daughter
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#15
עֲדָ֖יָה
of Adaiah
adajah, the name of eight israelites
#16
מִבָּֽצְקַֽת׃
of Boscath
botscath, a place in palestine

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Kings, this passage highlights kingdom of God through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by introducing key themes that will be developed throughout 2 Kings.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on kingdom of God particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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