2 Kings 4:6

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, There is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְהִ֣י׀

H1961

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

כִּמְלֹ֣את

H4390

were full

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

כֶּ֑לִי

H3627

And it came to pass when the vessels

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

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר

H559

And he said

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּנָהּ֙

H1121

unto her son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

הַגִּ֨ישָׁה

H5066

Bring

to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati

אֵלַ֥י

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עוֹד֙

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

#10

כֶּ֑לִי

H3627

And it came to pass when the vessels

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

#11

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר

H559

And he said

to say (used with great latitude)

#12

אֵלֶ֔יהָ

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#13

אֵ֥ין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#14

ע֖וֹד

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

#15

כֶּ֑לִי

H3627

And it came to pass when the vessels

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

#16

וַֽיַּעֲמֹ֖ד

H5975

stayed

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

#17

הַשָּֽׁמֶן׃

H8081

more And the oil

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

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

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 the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
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?

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