2 Kings 22:8

Authorized King James Version

And Hilkiah the high priest said unto Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD. And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַ֠יֹּאמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
חִלְקִיָּ֧ה
And Hilkiah
chilhijah, the name of eight israelites
#3
הַכֹּהֵ֤ן
priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#4
הַגָּדוֹל֙
the high
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#5
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
שָׁפָ֖ן
to Shaphan
a species of rock-rabbit (from its hiding), i.e., probably the hyrax
#7
הַסֹּפֵ֔ר
the scribe
properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra
#8
הַסֵּ֛פֶר
the book
properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book
#9
הַתּוֹרָ֛ה
of the law
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
#10
מָצָ֖אתִי
I have found
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
#11
בְּבֵ֣ית
in the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#12
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#13
וַיִּתֵּ֨ן
gave
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#14
חִלְקִיָּ֧ה
And Hilkiah
chilhijah, the name of eight israelites
#15
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#16
הַסֵּ֛פֶר
the book
properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book
#17
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#18
שָׁפָ֖ן
to Shaphan
a species of rock-rabbit (from its hiding), i.e., probably the hyrax
#19
וַיִּקְרָאֵֽהוּ׃
and he read
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources