2 Kings 23:18

Authorized King James Version

And he said, Let him alone; let no man move his bones. So they let his bones alone, with the bones of the prophet that came out of Samaria.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙

H559

And he said

to say (used with great latitude)

הַנִּ֣יחוּ

H3240

Let him alone

to deposit; by implication, to allow to stay

ל֔וֹ

אִ֖ישׁ

H376

let 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)

אַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

יָנַ֣ע

H5128

move

to waver, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (as subjoined)

עַצְמ֣וֹת

H6106

So they let his bones

a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame

וַֽיְמַלְּטוּ֙

H4422

alone

properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn

עַצְמ֣וֹת

H6106

So they let his bones

a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame

#10

אֵ֚ת

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#11

עַצְמ֣וֹת

H6106

So they let his bones

a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame

#12

הַנָּבִ֔יא

H5030

of the prophet

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

#13

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

#14

בָּ֖א

H935

that came out

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#15

מִשֹּֽׁמְרֽוֹן׃

H8111

of Samaria

shomeron, a place in palestine

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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 building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 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 salvation 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

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within 2 Kings chapter 23 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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