2 Kings 4:24

Authorized King James Version

Then she saddled an ass, and said to her servant, Drive, and go forward; slack not thy riding for me, except I bid thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽתַּחֲבֹשׁ֙
Then she saddled
to wrap firmly (especially a turban, compress, or saddle); figuratively, to stop, to rule
#2
הָֽאָת֔וֹן
an ass
a female donkey (from its docility)
#3
אָמַ֥רְתִּי
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#4
אֶֽל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#5
נַעֲרָ֖הּ
to her servant
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
#6
נְהַ֣ג
Drive
to drive forth (a person, an animal or chariot), also (from the panting induced by effort), to sigh
#7
וָלֵ֑ךְ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#8
אַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#9
תַּעֲצָר
slack
to inclose; by analogy, to hold back; also to maintain, rule, assemble
#10
לִ֣י
H0
#11
לִרְכֹּ֔ב
not thy riding
to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch
#12
כִּ֖י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#13
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#14
אָמַ֥רְתִּי
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#15
לָֽךְ׃
H0

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

Related Resources

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

People

Study Resources