2 Kings 3:1

Authorized King James Version

Now Jehoram the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned twelve years.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וִֽיהוֹרָ֣ם
Now Jehoram
jehoram, the name of a syrian and of three israelites
#2
בֶּן
the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#3
אַחְאָ֗ב
of Ahab
achab, the name of a king of israel and of a prophet at babylon
#4
וַיִּמְלֹ֖ךְ
and reigned
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
#5
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
over Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#7
בְּשֹׁ֣מְר֔וֹן
in Samaria
shomeron, a place in palestine
#8
שָׁנָֽה׃
year
a year (as a revolution of time)
#9
שְׁמֹנֶ֣ה
the eighteenth
a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth
#10
עֶשְׂרֵ֔ה
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
#11
לִיהֽוֹשָׁפָ֖ט
of Jehoshaphat
jehoshaphat, the name of six israelites; also of a valley near jerusalem
#12
מֶ֣לֶךְ
king
a king
#13
יְהוּדָ֑ה
of Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#14
וַיִּמְלֹ֖ךְ
and reigned
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
#15
שְׁתֵּים
twelve
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#16
עֶשְׂרֵ֥ה
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
#17
שָׁנָֽה׃
year
a year (as a revolution of time)

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to 2 Kings. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of kingdom of God 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 kingdom of God 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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources