2 Kings 4:1

Authorized King James Version

Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the LORD: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מִנְּשֵׁ֣י
of the wives
a woman
#2
אַחַ֣ת
a certain
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#3
מִנְּשֵׁ֣י
of the wives
a woman
#4
בְנֵֽי
of the sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#5
הַ֠נְּבִיאִים
of the prophets
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
#6
צָֽעֲקָ֨ה
Now there cried
to shriek; (by implication) to proclaim (an assembly)
#7
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#8
אֱלִישָׁ֜ע
unto Elisha
elisha, the famous prophet
#9
לֵאמֹ֗ר
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#10
לַֽעֲבָדִֽים׃
Thy servant
a servant
#11
אִישִׁי֙
my husband
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)
#12
מֵ֔ת
is dead
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#13
וְאַתָּ֣ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#14
יָדַ֔עְתָּ
and thou knowest
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#15
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#16
לַֽעֲבָדִֽים׃
Thy servant
a servant
#17
הָיָ֥ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#18
יָרֵ֖א
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
#19
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#20
יְהוָ֑ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#21
וְהַ֨נֹּשֶׁ֔ה
and the creditor
to lend or (by reciprocity) borrow on security or interest
#22
בָּ֗א
is come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#23
לָקַ֜חַת
to take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#24
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#25
שְׁנֵ֧י
unto him my two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#26
יְלָדַ֛י
sons
something born, i.e., a lad or offspring
#27
ל֖וֹ
H0
#28
לַֽעֲבָדִֽים׃
Thy servant
a servant

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Kings. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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