2 Kings 5:16

Authorized King James Version

But he said, As the LORD liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it; but he refused.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֕אמֶר
But he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
חַי
liveth
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#3
יְהוָ֛ה
As the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
עָמַ֥דְתִּי
whom I stand
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#6
לְפָנָ֖יו
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#7
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#8
לָקַ֖חַת
I will receive
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#9
וַיִּפְצַר
none And he urged
to peck at, i.e., (figuratively) stun or dull
#10
בּ֥וֹ
H0
#11
לָקַ֖חַת
I will receive
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#12
וַיְמָאֵֽן׃
it but he refused
to refuse

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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 2 Kings Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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