2 Kings 4:8

Authorized King James Version

And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִ֨י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
הַיּ֜וֹם
And it fell on a day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#3
עָבְר֔וֹ
as he passed by
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#4
אֱלִישָׁ֣ע
that Elisha
elisha, the famous prophet
#5
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#6
שׁוּנֵ֗ם
to Shunem
shunem, a place in pal
#7
וְשָׁם֙
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#8
אִשָּׁ֣ה
woman
a woman
#9
גְדוֹלָ֔ה
where was a great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#10
וַתַּֽחֲזֶק
and she constrained
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
#11
בּ֖וֹ
H0
#12
לֶֽאֱכָל
him to eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#13
לָֽחֶם׃
bread
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
#14
וַֽיְהִי֙
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#15
מִדֵּ֣י
And so it was that as oft
enough (as noun or adverb), used chiefly with preposition in phrases
#16
עָבְר֔וֹ
as he passed by
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#17
יָסֻ֥ר
he turned
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
#18
שָׁ֖מָּה
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#19
לֶֽאֱכָל
him to eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#20
לָֽחֶם׃
bread
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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