2 Kings 3:26

Authorized King James Version

And when the king of Moab saw that the battle was too sore for him, he took with him seven hundred men that drew swords, to break through even unto the king of Edom: but they could not.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּרְא֙

H7200

saw

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

מֶ֥לֶךְ

H4428

And when the king

a king

מוֹאָ֔ב

H4124

of Moab

moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants

כִּֽי

H3588

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

חָזַ֥ק

H2388

was too sore

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

מִמֶּ֖נּוּ

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַמִּלְחָמָ֑ה

H4421

that the battle

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

וַיִּקַּ֣ח

H3947

for him he took

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

א֠וֹתוֹ

H854

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

#10

שְׁבַע

H7651

with him seven

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

#11

מֵא֨וֹת

H3967

hundred

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

#12

אִ֜ישׁ

H376

men

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)

#13

שֹׁ֣לֵֽף

H8025

that drew

to pull out, up or off

#14

חֶ֗רֶב

H2719

swords

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

#15

לְהַבְקִ֛יעַ

H1234

to break through

to cleave; generally, to rend, break, rip or open

#16

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#17

מֶ֥לֶךְ

H4428

And when the king

a king

#18

אֱד֖וֹם

H123

of Edom

edom, the elder twin-brother of jacob; hence the region (idumaea) occupied by him

#19

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#20

יָכֹֽלוּ׃

H3201

but they could

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

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

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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