2 Kings 3:14

Authorized King James Version

And Elisha said, As the LORD of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, surely, were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look toward thee, nor see thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

אֱלִישָׁ֗ע

H477

And Elisha

elisha, the famous prophet

חַי

H2416

liveth

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

יְהוָ֤ה

H3068

As the LORD

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

צְבָאוֹת֙

H6635

of hosts

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

עָמַ֣דְתִּי

H5975

whom I stand

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

פְּנֵ֛י

H6440

before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

כִּ֗י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#10

לוּלֵ֛י

H3884

surely were it not that

if not

#11

פְּנֵ֛י

H6440

before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#12

יְהֽוֹשָׁפָ֥ט

H3092

of Jehoshaphat

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

#13

מֶֽלֶךְ

H4428

the king

a king

#14

יְהוּדָ֖ה

H3063

of Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

#15

אֲנִ֣י

H589

#16

נֹשֵׂ֑א

H5375

I regard

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

#17

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#18

אַבִּ֥יט

H5027

I would not look

to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care

#19

אֵלֶ֖יךָ

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#20

וְאִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#21

אֶרְאֶֽךָּ׃

H7200

toward thee nor see

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

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 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within 2 Kings chapter 3 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?

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