2 Kings 5:21

Authorized King James Version

So Gehazi followed after Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running after him, he lighted down from the chariot to meet him, and said, Is all well?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּרְדֹּ֥ף
followed
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
#2
גֵּֽיחֲזִ֖י
So Gehazi
gechazi, the servant of elisha
#3
אַֽחֲרָ֔יו
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#4
נַֽעֲמָן֙
And when Naaman
naaman, the name of an israelite and of a damascene
#5
וַיִּרְאֶ֤ה
saw
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#6
נַֽעֲמָן֙
And when Naaman
naaman, the name of an israelite and of a damascene
#7
רָ֣ץ
him running
to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)
#8
אַֽחֲרָ֔יו
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#9
וַיִּפֹּ֞ל
him he lighted down
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#10
מֵעַ֧ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
הַמֶּרְכָּבָ֛ה
from the chariot
a chariot
#12
לִקְרָאת֖וֹ
to meet
an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)
#13
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר
him and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#14
הֲשָׁלֽוֹם׃
Is all well
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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