2 Kings 6:32

Authorized King James Version

But Elisha sat in his house, and the elders sat with him; and the king sent a man from before him: but ere the messenger came to him, he said to the elders, See ye how this son of a murderer hath sent to take away mine head? look, when the messenger cometh, shut the door, and hold him fast at the door: is not the sound of his master's feet behind him?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וֶֽאֱלִישָׁע֙
But Elisha
elisha, the famous prophet
#2
יֹֽשְׁבִ֣ים
sat
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#3
בְּבֵית֔וֹ
in his house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#4
הַזְּקֵנִ֗ים
and the elders
old
#5
יֹֽשְׁבִ֣ים
sat
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#6
אִתּ֑וֹ
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#7
שָׁלַ֞ח
hath sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#8
אִ֜ישׁ
a 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)
#9
מִלְּפָנָ֗יו
from before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#10
בְּטֶ֣רֶם
properly, non-occurrence; used adverbially, not yet or before
#11
כְּבֹ֣א
came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#12
הַמַּלְאָ֗ךְ
him but ere the messenger
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
#13
אֵלָ֜יו
near, with or among; often in general, to
#14
וְה֣וּא׀
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
#15
אָמַ֣ר
to him he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#16
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#17
הַזְּקֵנִ֗ים
and the elders
old
#18
רְא֣וּ׀
See
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#19
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#20
שָׁלַ֞ח
hath sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#21
בֶּן
ye how this son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#22
הַֽמְרַצֵּ֤חַ
of a murderer
properly, to dash in pieces, i.e., kill (a human being), especially to murder
#23
הַזֶּה֙
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#24
לְהָסִ֣יר
to take away
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
#25
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#26
רֹאשִׁ֔י
mine head
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#27
רְא֣וּ׀
See
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#28
כְּבֹ֣א
came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#29
הַמַּלְאָ֗ךְ
him but ere the messenger
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
#30
סִגְר֤וּ
shut
to shut up; figuratively, to surrender
#31
בַּדֶּ֔לֶת
at the door
something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door
#32
וּלְחַצְתֶּ֤ם
and hold him fast
properly, to press, i.e., (figuratively) to distress
#33
אֹתוֹ֙
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#34
בַּדֶּ֔לֶת
at the door
something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door
#35
הֲל֗וֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#36
ק֛וֹל
is not the sound
a voice or sound
#37
רַגְלֵ֥י
feet
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
#38
אֲדֹנָ֖יו
of his master's
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
#39
אַֽחֲרָֽיו׃
behind
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

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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