2 Kings 3:23

Authorized King James Version

And they said, This is blood: the kings are surely slain, and they have smitten one another: now therefore, Moab, to the spoil.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּֽאמְרוּ֙
And they said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
דָּ֣ם
This is blood
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
#3
זֶ֔ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#4
נֶֽחֶרְבוּ֙
are surely
to parch (through drought) i.e., (by analogy,) to desolate, destroy, kill
#5
נֶֽחֶרְבוּ֙
are surely
to parch (through drought) i.e., (by analogy,) to desolate, destroy, kill
#6
הַמְּלָכִ֔ים
the kings
a king
#7
וַיַּכּ֖וּ
and they have smitten
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#8
אִ֣ישׁ
one
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)
#9
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
רֵעֵ֑הוּ
another
an associate (more or less close)
#11
וְעַתָּ֥ה
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#12
לַשָּׁלָ֖ל
to the spoil
booty
#13
מוֹאָֽב׃
now therefore Moab
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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