2 Kings 5:8

Authorized King James Version

And it was so, when Elisha the man of God had heard that the king of Israel had rent his clothes, that he sent to the king, saying, Wherefore hast thou rent thy clothes? let him come now to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְהִ֞י

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כִּשְׁמֹ֣עַ׀

H8085

had heard

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֱלִישָׁ֣ע

H477

And it was so when Elisha

elisha, the famous prophet

אִישׁ

H376

the 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)

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֗ים

H430

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

כִּֽי

H3588

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

קָרַ֖עְתָּ

H7167

Wherefore hast thou rent

to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them)

הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ

H4428

that the king

a king

בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

H3478

in Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#10

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#11

בְּגָדֶ֑יךָ

H899

his clothes

a covering, i.e., clothing

#12

וַיִּשְׁלַח֙

H7971

that he sent

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

#13

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#14

הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ

H4428

that the king

a king

#15

לֵאמֹ֔ר

H559

saying

to say (used with great latitude)

#16

לָ֥מָּה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

#17

קָרַ֖עְתָּ

H7167

Wherefore hast thou rent

to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them)

#18

בְּגָדֶ֑יךָ

H899

his clothes

a covering, i.e., clothing

#19

יָבֹֽא

H935

let him come

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#20

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

#21

אֵלַ֔י

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#22

וְיֵדַ֕ע

H3045

now to me and he shall know

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

#23

כִּ֛י

H3588

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

#24

יֵ֥שׁ

H3426

that there is

there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)

#25

נָבִ֖יא

H5030

a prophet

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

#26

בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

H3478

in Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Kings. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
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?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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