2 Kings 7:14

Authorized King James Version

They took therefore two chariot horses; and the king sent after the host of the Syrians, saying, Go and see.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּקְח֕וּ
They took
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#2
שְׁנֵ֖י
therefore two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#3
רֶ֣כֶב
chariot
a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone
#4
סוּסִ֑ים
horses
a horse (as leaping)
#5
וַיִּשְׁלַ֨ח
sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#6
הַמֶּ֜לֶךְ
and the king
a king
#7
אַֽחֲרֵ֧י
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#8
מַֽחֲנֵה
the host
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e
#9
אֲרָ֛ם
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
#10
לֵאמֹ֖ר
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#11
לְכ֥וּ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#12
וּרְאֽוּ׃
and see
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Kings. The concept of divine revelation 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 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

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