2 Kings 4:3

Authorized King James Version

Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֗אמֶר

H559

Then he said

to say (used with great latitude)

לְכִ֨י

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

שַֽׁאֲלִי

H7592

borrow

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

לָ֤ךְ

כֵּלִ֥ים

H3627

thee vessels

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

מִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַח֔וּץ

H2351

abroad

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

מֵאֵ֖ת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל

H3605

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

#10

שְׁכֵנָ֑יִכְי

H7934

of all thy neighbours

a resident; by extension, a fellow-citizen

#11

כֵּלִ֥ים

H3627

thee vessels

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

#12

רֵקִ֖ים

H7386

even empty

empty; figuratively, worthless

#13

אַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

#14

תַּמְעִֽיטִי׃

H4591

borrow not a few

properly, to pare off, i.e., lessen; intransitively, to be (or causatively, to make) small or few (or figuratively, ineffective)

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

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within 2 Kings chapter 4 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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