2 Kings 23:20

Authorized King James Version

And he slew all the priests of the high places that were there upon the altars, and burned men's bones upon them, and returned to Jerusalem.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַ֠יִּזְבַּח

H2076

And he slew

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

אֶת

H853

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

כָּל

H3605

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

כֹּֽהֲנֵ֨י

H3548

all the priests

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

הַבָּמ֤וֹת

H1116

of the high places

an elevation

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

שָׁם֙

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַֽמִּזְבְּח֔וֹת

H4196

that were there upon the altars

an altar

#10

וַיִּשְׂרֹ֛ף

H8313

and burned

to be (causatively, set) on fire

#11

אֶת

H853

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

#12

עַצְמ֥וֹת

H6106

bones

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

#13

אָדָ֖ם

H120

men's

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

#14

עֲלֵיהֶ֑ם

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#15

וַיָּ֖שָׁב

H7725

upon them and returned

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

#16

יְרֽוּשָׁלִָֽם׃

H3389

to Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

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 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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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