2 Kings 4:39

Authorized King James Version

And one went out into the field to gather herbs, and found a wild vine, and gathered thereof wild gourds his lap full, and came and shred them into the pot of pottage: for they knew them not.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֵּצֵ֨א

H3318

went out

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אֶחָ֣ד

H259

And one

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שָׂדֶ֖ה

H7704

a wild

a field (as flat)

וַיְלַקֵּ֥ט

H3950

and gathered

properly, to pick up, i.e., (generally) to gather; specifically, to glean

אֹרֹת֒

H219

herbs

luminousness, i.e., (figuratively) prosperity; also a plant (as being bright)

וַיִּמְצָא֙

H4672

and found

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

גֶּ֣פֶן

H1612

vine

a vine (as twining), especially the grape

שָׂדֶ֖ה

H7704

a wild

a field (as flat)

#10

וַיְלַקֵּ֥ט

H3950

and gathered

properly, to pick up, i.e., (generally) to gather; specifically, to glean

#11

מִמֶּ֛נּוּ

H4480

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

#12

פַּקֻּעֹ֥ת

H6498

gourds

the wild cucumber (from splitting open to shed its seeds)

#13

שָׂדֶ֖ה

H7704

a wild

a field (as flat)

#14

מְלֹ֣א

H4393

full

fulness (literally or figuratively)

#15

בִגְד֑וֹ

H899

his lap

a covering, i.e., clothing

#16

וַיָּבֹ֗א

H935

and came

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#17

וַיְפַלַּ֛ח

H6398

and shred

to slice, i.e., break open or pierce

#18

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#19

סִ֥יר

H5518

them into the pot

a thorn (as springing up rapidly); by implication, a hook

#20

הַנָּזִ֖יד

H5138

of pottage

something boiled, i.e., soup

#21

כִּי

H3588

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

#22

לֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#23

יָדָֽעוּ׃

H3045

for they knew

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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

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?
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?
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?

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