2 Kings 3:19

Authorized King James Version

And ye shall smite every fenced city, and every choice city, and shall fell every good tree, and stop all wells of water, and mar every good piece of land with stones.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהִכִּיתֶ֞ם
And ye shall smite
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#2
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#3
עִ֣יר
city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#4
מִבְצָר֙
every fenced
a fortification, castle, or fortified city; figuratively, a defender
#5
וְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#6
עִ֣יר
city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#7
מִבְח֔וֹר
and every choice
select, i.e., well fortified
#8
וְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#9
עֵ֥ץ
tree
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
#10
הַטּוֹבָ֔ה
every good
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
#11
תַּפִּ֔ילוּ
and shall fell
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#12
וְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#13
מַעְיְנֵי
all wells
a fountain (also collectively), figuratively, a source (of satisfaction)
#14
מַ֖יִם
of water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#15
תִּסְתֹּ֑מוּ
and stop
to stop up; by implication, to repair; figuratively, to keep secret
#16
וְכֹל֙
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#17
הַֽחֶלְקָ֣ה
piece
properly, smoothness; figuratively, flattery
#18
הַטּוֹבָ֔ה
every good
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
#19
תַּכְאִ֖בוּ
and mar
properly, to feel pain; by implication, to grieve; figuratively, to spoil
#20
בָּֽאֲבָנִֽים׃
H68
of land with stones
a stone

Analysis

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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