2 Kings 7:10

Authorized King James Version

So they came and called unto the porter of the city: and they told them, saying, We came to the camp of the Syrians, and, behold, there was no man there, neither voice of man, but horses tied, and asses tied, and the tents as they were.

Word-by-Word Analysis

בָּ֚אנוּ

H935

So they came

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

וַֽיִּקְרְאוּ֮

H7121

and called

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שֹׁעֵ֣ר

H7778

unto the porter

a janitor

הָעִיר֒

H5892

of the city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

וַיַּגִּ֤ידוּ

H5046

and they told

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לָהֶם֙

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

לֵאמֹ֔ר

H559

them saying

to say (used with great latitude)

בָּ֚אנוּ

H935

So they came

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#10

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#11

מַֽחֲנֵ֣ה

H4264

to the camp

an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

#12

אֲרָ֔ם

H758

of the Syrians

aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite

#13

וְהִנֵּ֥ה

H2009

lo!

#14

אֵֽין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#15

שָׁ֛ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

#16

אִ֖ישׁ

H376

and behold there was no 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)

#17

וְק֣וֹל

H6963

there neither voice

a voice or sound

#18

אָדָ֑ם

H120

of man

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

#19

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#20

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#21

הַסּ֤וּס

H5483

but horses

a horse (as leaping)

#22

אָס֔וּר

H631

tied

to yoke or hitch; by analogy, to fasten in any sense, to join battle

#23

וְהַֽחֲמ֣וֹר

H2543

and asses

a male ass (from its dun red)

#24

אָס֔וּר

H631

tied

to yoke or hitch; by analogy, to fasten in any sense, to join battle

#25

וְאֹֽהָלִ֖ים

H168

and the tents

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

#26

כַּֽאֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#27

הֵֽמָּה׃

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

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

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 divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within 2 Kings chapter 7 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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