2 Kings 7:12

Authorized King James Version

And the king arose in the night, and said unto his servants, I will now shew you what the Syrians have done to us. They know that we be hungry; therefore are they gone out of the camp to hide themselves in the field, saying, When they come out of the city, we shall catch them alive, and get into the city.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיָּ֨קָם

H6965

arose

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

הַמֶּ֜לֶךְ

H4428

And the king

a king

לַ֗יְלָה

H3915

in the night

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

לֵאמֹ֔ר

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עֲבָדָ֔יו

H5650

unto his servants

a servant

אַגִּֽידָה

H5046

I will now shew

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

נָּ֣א

H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

לָכֶ֔ם

#10

אֵ֛ת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#11

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

#12

עָ֥שׂוּ

H6213

have done

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#13

לָ֖נוּ

#14

אֲרָ֑ם

H758

you what the Syrians

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

#15

יָֽדְע֞וּ

H3045

to us They know

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

#16

כִּֽי

H3588

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

#17

רְעֵבִ֣ים

H7457

that we be hungry

hungry (more or less intensely)

#18

אֲנַ֗חְנוּ

H587

#19

יֵצְא֤וּ

H3318

When they come out

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

#20

מִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#21

הַֽמַּחֲנֶה֙

H4264

of 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

#22

לְהֵֽחָבֵ֤ה

H2247

to hide

to secrete

#23

בַהשָּׂדֶה֙

H7704

themselves in the field

a field (as flat)

#24

לֵאמֹ֔ר

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

#25

כִּֽי

H3588

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

#26

יֵצְא֤וּ

H3318

When they come out

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

#27

מִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#28

הָעִ֖יר

H5892

into the city

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

#29

וְנִתְפְּשֵׂ֣ם

H8610

we shall catch

to manipulate, i.e., seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably

#30

חַיִּ֔ים

H2416

them alive

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

#31

וְאֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#32

הָעִ֖יר

H5892

into the city

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

#33

נָבֹֽא׃

H935

and get

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 2 Kings Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
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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