2 Kings 25:3

Authorized King James Version

And on the ninth day of the fourth month the famine prevailed in the city, and there was no bread for the people of the land.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בְּתִשְׁעָ֣ה
And on the ninth
nine or (ordinal) ninth
#2
לַחֹ֔דֶשׁ
day of the fourth month
the new moon; by implication, a month
#3
וַיֶּֽחֱזַ֥ק
prevailed
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
#4
הָֽרָעָ֖ב
the famine
hunger (more or less extensive)
#5
בָּעִ֑יר
in the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#6
וְלֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
הָ֥יָה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#8
לֶ֖חֶם
and there was no bread
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
#9
לְעַ֥ם
for the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#10
הָאָֽרֶץ׃
of the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing covenant community contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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