2 Kings 23:10

Authorized King James Version

And he defiled Topheth, which is in the valley of the children of Hinnom, that no man might make his son or his daughter to pass through the fire to Molech.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְטִמֵּ֣א
And he defiled
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
הַתֹּ֔פֶת
Topheth
topheth, a place near jerusalem
#4
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
בְּגֵ֣י
which is in the valley
a gorge (from its lofty sides; hence, narrow, but not a gully or winter-torrent)
#6
בְּנ֧וֹ
might make 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
#7
הִנֹּ֑ם
of Hinnom
hinnom, apparently a jebusite
#8
לְבִלְתִּ֗י
properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n
#9
לְהַֽעֲבִ֨יר
to pass through
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#10
אִ֜ישׁ
that no man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#11
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
בְּנ֧וֹ
might make 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
#13
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
בִּתּ֛וֹ
or his daughter
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#15
בָּאֵ֖שׁ
the fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#16
לַמֹּֽלֶךְ׃
to Molech
molek (i.e., king), the chief deity of the ammonites

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Kings. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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