2 Kings 3:27

Authorized King James Version

Then he took his eldest son that should have reigned in his stead, and offered him for a burnt offering upon the wall. And there was great indignation against Israel: and they departed from him, and returned to their own land.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּקַּח֩
H3947
Then he took
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#2
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
בְּנ֨וֹ
H1121
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
#4
הַבְּכ֜וֹר
H1060
his eldest
first-born; hence, chief
#5
אֲשֶׁר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#6
יִמְלֹ֣ךְ
H4427
that should have reigned
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
#7
תַּחְתָּ֗יו
H8478
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#8
וַיַּֽעֲלֵ֤הוּ
H5927
in his stead and offered
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#9
עֹלָה֙
H5930
him for a burnt offering
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
#10
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
הַ֣חֹמָ֔ה
H2346
upon the wall
a wall of protection
#12
וַיְהִ֥י
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#13
קֶֽצֶף
H7110
indignation
a splinter (as chipped off)
#14
גָּד֖וֹל
H1419
And there was great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#15
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#16
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
H3478
against Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#17
וַיִּסְעוּ֙
H5265
and they departed
properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey
#18
מֵֽעָלָ֔יו
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#19
וַיָּשֻׁ֖בוּ
H7725
from him and returned
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#20
לָאָֽרֶץ׃
H776
to their own land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Kings, this passage highlights kingdom of God through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 2 Kings.

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 kingdom of God 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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