2 Kings 22:17

Authorized King James Version

Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be kindled against this place, and shall not be quenched.

Word-by-Word Analysis

תַּ֣חַת׀

H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

עֲזָב֗וּנִי

H5800

Because they have forsaken

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

וַֽיְקַטְּרוּ֙

H6999

me and have burned incense

to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)

לֵֽאלֹהִ֣ים

H430

gods

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

אֲחֵרִ֔ים

H312

unto other

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

לְמַ֙עַן֙

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

הַכְעִיסֵ֔נִי

H3707

that they might provoke me to anger

to trouble; by implication, to grieve, rage, be indignant

בְּכֹ֖ל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#10

מַֽעֲשֵׂ֣ה

H4639

with all the works

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

#11

יְדֵיהֶ֑ם

H3027

of their hands

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#12

וְנִצְּתָ֧ה

H3341

shall be kindled

to burn or set on fire; figuratively, to desolate

#13

חֲמָתִ֛י

H2534

therefore my wrath

heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)

#14

בַּמָּק֥וֹם

H4725

against this place

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

#15

הַזֶּ֖ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#16

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#17

תִכְבֶּֽה׃

H3518

and shall not be quenched

to expire or (causatively) to extinguish (fire, light, anger)

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 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

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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