2 Kings 6:25

Authorized King James Version

And there was a great famine in Samaria: and, behold, they besieged it, until an ass's head was sold for fourscore pieces of silver, and the fourth part of a cab of dove's dung for five pieces of silver.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִ֨י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
רָעָ֤ב
famine
hunger (more or less extensive)
#3
גָּדוֹל֙
And there was a great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#4
בְּשֹׁ֣מְר֔וֹן
in Samaria
shomeron, a place in palestine
#5
וְהִנֵּ֖ה
lo!
#6
צָרִ֣ים
and behold they besieged
to cramp, i.e., confine (in many applications, literally and figuratively, formative or hostile)
#7
עָלֶ֑יהָ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
עַ֣ד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#9
הֱי֤וֹת
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#10
רֹאשׁ
head
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#11
חֲמוֹר֙
it until an ass's
a male ass (from its dun red)
#12
בִּשְׁמֹנִ֣ים
was sold for fourscore
eighty, also eightieth
#13
כָֽסֶף׃
pieces of silver
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
#14
וְרֹ֛בַע
and the fourth part
a quarter
#15
הַקַּ֥ב
of a cab
a hollow, i.e., vessel used as a (dry) measure
#16
חִרייוֹנִ֖ים
excrements of doves or a vegetable
#17
בַּֽחֲמִשָּׁה
for five
five
#18
כָֽסֶף׃
pieces of silver
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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