2 Kings 6:30

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, when the king heard the words of the woman, that he rent his clothes; and he passed by upon the wall, and the people looked, and, behold, he had sackcloth within upon his flesh.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִי֩
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
כִשְׁמֹ֨עַ
heard
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#3
הַמֶּ֜לֶךְ
And it came to pass when the king
a king
#4
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
דִּבְרֵ֤י
the words
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#6
הָֽאִשָּׁה֙
of the woman
a woman
#7
וַיִּקְרַ֣ע
that he rent
to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them)
#8
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
בְּגָדָ֔יו
his clothes
a covering, i.e., clothing
#10
וְה֖וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#11
עֹבֵ֣ר
and he passed by
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#12
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#13
הַֽחֹמָ֑ה
upon the wall
a wall of protection
#14
וַיַּ֣רְא
looked
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#15
הָעָ֔ם
and the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#16
וְהִנֵּ֥ה
lo!
#17
הַשַּׂ֛ק
and behold he had sackcloth
properly, a mesh (as allowing a liquid to run through), i.e., coarse loose cloth or sacking (used in mourning and for bagging); hence, a bag (for grai
#18
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#19
בְּשָׂר֖וֹ
upon his flesh
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
#20
מִבָּֽיִת׃
within
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Kings. The concept of covenant community reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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