2 Kings 3:11

Authorized King James Version

But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD, that we may enquire of the LORD by him? And one of the king of Israel's servants answered and said, Here is Elisha the son of Shaphat, which poured water on the hands of Elijah.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֔אמֶר

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהֽוֹשָׁפָ֗ט

H3092

But Jehoshaphat

jehoshaphat, the name of six israelites; also of a valley near jerusalem

הַאֵ֨ין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

פֹּ֤ה

H6311

this place (french ici), i.e., here or hence

נָבִיא֙

H5030

Is there not here a prophet

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

וְנִדְרְשָׁ֥ה

H1875

that we may enquire

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

אֶת

H853

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

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

#10

מֵֽאוֹת֑וֹ

H854

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

#11

וַ֠יַּעַן

H6030

answered

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

#12

אֶחָ֞ד

H259

by him And one

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

#13

מֵֽעַבְדֵ֤י

H5650

servants

a servant

#14

מֶֽלֶךְ

H4428

of the king

a king

#15

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙

H3478

of Israel's

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#16

וַיֹּ֔אמֶר

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

#17

פֹּ֚ה

H6311

this place (french ici), i.e., here or hence

#18

אֱלִישָׁ֣ע

H477

Here is Elisha

elisha, the famous prophet

#19

בֶּן

H1121

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

#20

שָׁפָ֔ט

H8202

of Shaphat

shaphat, the name of four israelites

#21

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

#22

יָ֥צַק

H3332

which poured

properly, to pour out (transitive or intransitive); by implication, to melt or cast as metal; by extension, to place firmly, to stiffen or grow hard

#23

מַ֖יִם

H4325

water

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

#24

עַל

H5921

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

#25

יְדֵ֥י

H3027

on the hands

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#26

אֵֽלִיָּֽהוּ׃

H452

of Elijah

elijah, the name of the famous prophet and of two other israelites

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Kings. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

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