2 Kings 4:20

Authorized King James Version

And when he had taken him, and brought him to his mother, he sat on her knees till noon, and then died.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּ֨שָּׂאֵ֔הוּ
And when he had taken
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#2
וַיְבִיאֵ֖הוּ
him and brought
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
אִמּ֑וֹ
him to his mother
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
#5
וַיֵּ֧שֶׁב
he sat
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#6
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
בִּרְכֶּ֛יהָ
on her knees
a knee
#8
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#9
הַֽצָּהֳרַ֖יִם
till noon
a light (i.e., window); dual double light, i.e., noon
#10
וַיָּמֹֽת׃
and then died
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Kings. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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