2 Kings 25:4

Authorized King James Version

And the city was broken up, and all the men of war fled by night by the way of the gate between two walls, which is by the king's garden: (now the Chaldees were against the city round about:) and the king went the way toward the plain.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתִּבָּקַ֣ע
was broken up
to cleave; generally, to rend, break, rip or open
#2
הָעִ֖יר
And the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#3
וְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#4
אַנְשֵׁ֨י
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)
#5
הַמִּלְחָמָ֤ה׀
of war
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
#6
הַלַּ֙יְלָה֙
fled by night
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
#7
דֶּ֥רֶךְ
by the way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#8
שַׁ֣עַר׀
of the gate
an opening, i.e., door or gate
#9
בֵּ֣ין
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#10
הַחֹֽמֹתַ֗יִם
between two walls
a wall of protection
#11
אֲשֶׁר֙
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#12
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#13
גַּ֣ן
garden
a garden (as fenced)
#14
הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ
which is by the king's
a king
#15
וְכַשְׂדִּ֥ים
now the Chaldees
a kasdite, or descendant of kesed; by implication, a chaldaean (as if so descended); also an astrologer (as if proverbial of that people
#16
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#17
הָעִ֖יר
And the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#18
סָבִ֑יב
round about
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
#19
וַיֵּ֖לֶךְ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#20
דֶּ֥רֶךְ
by the way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#21
הָֽעֲרָבָֽה׃
toward the plain
a desert; especially (with the article prefix) the (generally) sterile valley of the jordan and its continuation to the red sea

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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

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

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