2 Kings 4:40

Authorized King James Version

So they poured out for the men to eat. And it came to pass, as they were eating of the pottage, that they cried out, and said, O thou man of God, there is death in the pot. And they could not eat thereof.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּֽצְק֥וּ

H3332

So they poured out

properly, to pour out (transitive or intransitive); by implication, to melt or cast as metal; by extension, to place firmly, to stiffen or grow hard

אִ֣ישׁ

H376

O thou man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

לֶֽאֱכֹֽל׃

H398

And it came to pass as they were eating

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וַ֠יְהִי

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לֶֽאֱכֹֽל׃

H398

And it came to pass as they were eating

to eat (literally or figuratively)

מֵֽהַנָּזִ֜יד

H5138

of the pottage

something boiled, i.e., soup

וְהֵ֣מָּה

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

צָעָ֗קוּ

H6817

that they cried out

to shriek; (by implication) to proclaim (an assembly)

וַיֹּֽאמְרוּ֙

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

#10

מָ֤וֶת

H4194

there is death

death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin

#11

בַּסִּיר֙

H5518

in the pot

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

#12

אִ֣ישׁ

H376

O thou man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#13

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים

H430

of God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#14

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

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

#15

יָֽכְל֖וּ

H3201

And they could

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

#16

לֶֽאֱכֹֽל׃

H398

And it came to pass as they were eating

to eat (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

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

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

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 systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
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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