2 Kings 6:15

Authorized King James Version

And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַ֠יַּשְׁכֵּם
early
literally, to load up (on the back of man or beast), i.e., to start early in the morning
#2
מְשָׁרֵ֨ת
And when the servant
to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to
#3
אִ֥ישׁ
of 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)
#4
הָֽאֱלֹהִים֮
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
#5
לָקוּם֒
was risen
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#6
וַיֵּצֵ֕א
and gone forth
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#7
וְהִנֵּה
lo!
#8
חַ֛יִל
behold an host
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
#9
סוֹבֵ֥ב
compassed
to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
#10
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
הָעִ֖יר
the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#12
וְס֣וּס
both with horses
a horse (as leaping)
#13
וָרָ֑כֶב
and chariots
a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone
#14
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#15
נַֽעֲר֥וֹ
And his servant
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
#16
אֵלָ֛יו
near, with or among; often in general, to
#17
אֲהָ֥הּ
unto him Alas
oh!
#18
אֲדֹנִ֖י
my master
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
#19
אֵיכָ֥ה
how? or how!; also where
#20
נַֽעֲשֶֽׂה׃
how shall we do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

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

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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