2 Kings 4:13

Authorized King James Version

And he said unto him, Say now unto her, Behold, thou hast been careful for us with all this care; what is to be done for thee? wouldest thou be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the host? And she answered, I dwell among mine own people.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַתֹּ֕אמֶר

H559

And he said

to say (used with great latitude)

ל֗וֹ

וַתֹּ֕אמֶר

H559

And he said

to say (used with great latitude)

נָ֣א

H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

אֵלֶיהָ֮

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הִנֵּ֣ה

H2009

lo!

חָרַ֣דְתְּ׀

H2729

now unto her Behold thou hast been careful

to shudder with terror; hence, to fear; also to hasten (with anxiety)

אֵלֵינוּ֮

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֶת

H854

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

#10

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#11

הַֽחֲרָדָ֣ה

H2731

for us with all this care

fear, anxiety

#12

הַזֹּאת֒

H2063

this (often used adverb)

#13

מֶ֚ה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

#14

לַֽעֲשׂ֣וֹת

H6213

what is to be done

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#15

לָ֔ךְ

#16

הֲיֵ֤שׁ

H3426

for thee wouldest

there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)

#17

לְדַבֶּר

H1696

thou be spoken

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

#18

לָךְ֙

#19

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#20

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ

H4428

for to the king

a king

#21

א֖וֹ

H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

#22

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#23

שַׂ֣ר

H8269

or to the captain

a head person (of any rank or class)

#24

הַצָּבָ֑א

H6635

of the host

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

#25

וַתֹּ֕אמֶר

H559

And he said

to say (used with great latitude)

#26

בְּת֥וֹךְ

H8432

among

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

#27

עַמִּ֖י

H5971

mine own people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#28

אָֽנֹכִ֥י

H595

#29

יֹשָֽׁבֶת׃

H3427

I dwell

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Kings, this passage highlights salvation 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding covenant community in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources

Biblical Maps