2 Kings 6:12

Authorized King James Version

And one of his servants said, None, my lord, O king: but Elisha, the prophet that is in Israel, telleth the king of Israel the words that thou speakest in thy bedchamber.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אַחַ֣ד
And one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#3
מֵֽעֲבָדָ֔יו
of his servants
a servant
#4
ל֖וֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#5
אֲדֹנִ֣י
None my lord
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
#6
לְמֶ֣לֶךְ
O king
a king
#7
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#8
אֱלִישָׁ֤ע
but Elisha
elisha, the famous prophet
#9
הַנָּבִיא֙
the prophet
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
#10
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#11
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#12
יַגִּיד֙
telleth
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
#13
לְמֶ֣לֶךְ
O king
a king
#14
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#15
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#16
הַ֨דְּבָרִ֔ים
the words
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#17
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#18
תְּדַבֵּ֖ר
that thou speakest
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#19
בַּֽחֲדַ֥ר
in thy bedchamber
an apartment (usually literal)
#20
מִשְׁכָּבֶֽךָ׃
a bed (figuratively, a bier); abstractly, sleep; by euphemism, carnal intercourse

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

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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