2 Kings 4:38

Authorized King James Version

And Elisha came again to Gilgal: and there was a dearth in the land; and the sons of the prophets were sitting before him: and he said unto his servant, Set on the great pot, and seethe pottage for the sons of the prophets.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וֶֽאֱלִישָׁ֞ע
And Elisha
elisha, the famous prophet
#2
שָׁ֤ב
came again
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#3
הַגִּלְגָּ֙לָה֙
to Gilgal
gilgal, the name of three places in palestine
#4
וְהָֽרָעָ֣ב
and there was a dearth
hunger (more or less extensive)
#5
בָּאָ֔רֶץ
in the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#6
לִבְנֵ֥י
and the sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#7
הַנְּבִיאִֽים׃
of the prophets
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
#8
יֹֽשְׁבִ֖ים
were sitting
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#9
לְפָנָ֑יו
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#10
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר
him and he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#11
לְנַֽעֲר֗וֹ
unto his 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
#12
שְׁפֹת֙
Set
to locate, i.e., (generally) hang on or (figuratively) establish, reduce
#13
הַסִּ֣יר
pot
a thorn (as springing up rapidly); by implication, a hook
#14
הַגְּדוֹלָ֔ה
on the great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#15
וּבַשֵּׁ֥ל
and seethe
properly, to boil up; hence, to be done in cooking; figuratively to ripen
#16
נָזִ֖יד
pottage
something boiled, i.e., soup
#17
לִבְנֵ֥י
and the sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#18
הַנְּבִיאִֽים׃
of the prophets
a prophet or (generally) inspired man

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 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

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