2 Kings 4:2

Authorized King James Version

And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַתֹּ֗אמֶר

H559

And she said

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלֶ֤יהָ

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֱלִישָׁע֙

H477

And Elisha

elisha, the famous prophet

מָ֣ה

H4100

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

אֶֽעֱשֶׂה

H6213

unto her What shall I do

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

לָּ֔ךְ

הַגִּ֣ידִי

H5046

for thee tell

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לִ֔י

מַה

H4100

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

#10

יֶּשׁ

H3426

me what hast

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

#11

לָ֖כְי

#12

בַּבַּ֔יִת

H1004

hath not any thing in the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#13

וַתֹּ֗אמֶר

H559

And she said

to say (used with great latitude)

#14

אֵ֣ין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#15

לְשִׁפְחָֽתְךָ֥

H8198

Thine handmaid

a female slave (as a member of the household)

#16

כֹל֙

H3605

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

#17

בַּבַּ֔יִת

H1004

hath not any thing in the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#18

כִּ֖י

H3588

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

#19

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#20

אָס֥וּךְ

H610

save a pot

anointed, i.e., an oil-flask

#21

שָֽׁמֶן׃

H8081

of oil

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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