2 Kings 4:9

Authorized King James Version

And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתֹּ֙אמֶר֙
And she said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
אִ֥ישׁ
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)
#4
הִנֵּה
lo!
#5
נָ֣א
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
#6
יָדַ֔עְתִּי
Behold now I perceive
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#7
כִּ֛י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#8
אִ֥ישׁ
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)
#9
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
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
#10
קָד֣וֹשׁ
that this is an holy
sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary
#11
ה֑וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#12
עֹבֵ֥ר
which passeth
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#13
עָלֵ֖ינוּ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#14
תָּמִֽיד׃
by us continually
properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re

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

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