2 Kings 3:8

Authorized King James Version

And he said, Which way shall we go up? And he answered, The way through the wilderness of Edom.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֕אמֶר
And he answered
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אֵי
where? hence how?
#3
זֶ֥ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#4
דֶּ֖רֶךְ
The way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#5
נַֽעֲלֶ֑ה
shall we go up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#6
וַיֹּ֕אמֶר
And he answered
to say (used with great latitude)
#7
דֶּ֖רֶךְ
The way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#8
מִדְבַּ֥ר
through the wilderness
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
#9
אֱדֽוֹם׃
of Edom
edom, the elder twin-brother of jacob; hence the region (idumaea) occupied by him

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 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

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