2 Kings 6:19

Authorized King James Version

And Elisha said unto them, This is not the way, neither is this the city: follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom ye seek. But he led them to Samaria.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אֲלֵהֶ֜ם
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
אֱלִישָׁ֗ע
And Elisha
elisha, the famous prophet
#4
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#5
זֶ֣ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#6
הַדֶּרֶךְ֮
unto them This is not the way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#7
וְלֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#8
זֹ֣ה
neither is this
this or that
#9
הָעִיר֒
the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#10
לְכ֣וּ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#11
אַֽחֲרַ֔י
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#12
וְאוֹלִ֣יכָה
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#13
אֶתְכֶ֔ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#15
הָאִ֖ישׁ
you to 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)
#16
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#17
תְּבַקֵּשׁ֑וּן
whom ye seek
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
#18
וַיֹּ֥לֶךְ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#19
אוֹתָ֖ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#20
שֹֽׁמְרֽוֹנָה׃
them to Samaria
shomeron, a place in palestine

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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