2 Kings 5:17

Authorized King James Version

And Naaman said, Shall there not then, I pray thee, be given to thy servant two mules' burden of earth? for thy servant will henceforth offer neither burnt offering nor sacrifice unto other gods, but unto the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּאמֶר֮

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

נַֽעֲמָן֒

H5283

And Naaman

naaman, the name of an israelite and of a damascene

וָלֹ֕א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יֻתַּן

H5414

Shall there not then I pray thee be given

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

נָ֣א

H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

עַבְדְּךָ֜

H5650

for thy servant

a servant

מַשָּׂ֥א

H4853

burden

a burden; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly a doom, especially singing; mental, desire

צֶֽמֶד

H6776

two

a yoke or team (i.e., pair); hence, an acre (i.e., day's task for a yoke of cattle to plough)

פְּרָדִ֖ים

H6505

mules

a mule (perhaps from his lonely habits)

#10

אֲדָמָ֑ה

H127

of earth

soil (from its general redness)

#11

כִּ֡י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#12

לֽוֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#13

יַעֲשֶׂה֩

H6213

will henceforth offer

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#14

ע֨וֹד

H5750

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

#15

עַבְדְּךָ֜

H5650

for thy servant

a servant

#16

עֹלָ֤ה

H5930

neither burnt offering

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

#17

וָזֶ֙בַח֙

H2077

nor sacrifice

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

#18

לֵֽאלֹהִ֣ים

H430

gods

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

#19

אֲחֵרִ֔ים

H312

unto other

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

#20

כִּ֖י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#21

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#22

לַֽיהוָֽה׃

H3068

but unto the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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