2 Kings 5:10

Authorized King James Version

And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּשְׁלַ֥ח
sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#2
אֵלָ֛יו
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
אֱלִישָׁ֖ע
And Elisha
elisha, the famous prophet
#4
מַלְאָ֣ךְ
a messenger
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
#5
לֵאמֹ֑ר
unto him saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#6
הָל֗וֹךְ
Go
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#7
וְרָֽחַצְתָּ֤
and wash
to lave (the whole or a part of a thing)
#8
שֶֽׁבַע
seven
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
#9
פְּעָמִים֙
times
a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)
#10
בַּיַּרְדֵּ֔ן
in Jordan
jarden, the principal river of palestine
#11
וְיָשֹׁ֧ב
shall come again
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#12
בְּשָֽׂרְךָ֛
and thy flesh
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
#13
לְךָ֖
H0
#14
וּטְהָֽר׃
to thee and thou shalt be clean
to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy)

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

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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