2 Kings 23:2

Authorized King James Version

And the king went up into the house of the LORD, and all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem with him, and the priests, and the prophets, and all the people, both small and great: and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant which was found in the house of the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּ֣עַל

H5927

went up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ

H4428

And the king

a king

בְּבֵ֥ית

H1004

in the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וְכָל

H3605

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

אִ֣ישׁ

H376

and all the men

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)

יְהוּדָה֩

H3063

of Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

וְכָל

H3605

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

יֹֽשְׁבֵ֨י

H3427

and all the inhabitants

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

#10

יְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֜ם

H3389

of Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

#11

אִתּ֗וֹ

H854

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

#12

וְהַכֹּֽהֲנִים֙

H3548

with him and the priests

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

#13

וְהַנְּבִיאִ֔ים

H5030

and the prophets

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

#14

וְכָל

H3605

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

#15

הָעָ֖ם

H5971

and all the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#16

לְמִקָּטֹ֣ן

H6996

both small

abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)

#17

וְעַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#18

גָּד֑וֹל

H1419

and great

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

#19

וַיִּקְרָ֣א

H7121

and he read

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

#20

בְאָזְנֵיהֶ֗ם

H241

in their ears

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

#21

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#22

כָּל

H3605

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

#23

דִּבְרֵי֙

H1697

all the words

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#24

סֵ֣פֶר

H5612

of the book

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

#25

הַבְּרִ֔ית

H1285

of the covenant

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

#26

הַנִּמְצָ֖א

H4672

which was 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

#27

בְּבֵ֥ית

H1004

in the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#28

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Kings, this passage highlights covenant through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of covenant connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant, 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 covenant 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 covenant in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding covenant in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about covenant?
How does the covenant theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?

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