2 Kings 7:15

Authorized King James Version

And they went after them unto Jordan: and, lo, all the way was full of garments and vessels, which the Syrians had cast away in their haste. And the messengers returned, and told the king.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֵּֽלְכ֣וּ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#2
אַֽחֲרֵיהֶם֮
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#3
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#4
הַיַּרְדֵּן֒
them unto Jordan
jarden, the principal river of palestine
#5
וְהִנֵּ֣ה
lo!
#6
כָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#7
הַדֶּ֗רֶךְ
and lo all the way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#8
מְלֵאָ֤ה
was full
full (literally or figuratively) or filling (literally); also (concretely) fulness; adverbially, fully
#9
בְגָדִים֙
of garments
a covering, i.e., clothing
#10
וְכֵלִ֔ים
and vessels
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
#11
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#12
הִשְׁלִ֥יכוּ
had cast away
to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)
#13
אֲרָ֖ם
which the Syrians
aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite
#14
בְּהחָפְזָ֑ם
in their haste
properly, to start up suddenly, i.e., (by implication) to hasten away, to fear
#15
וַיָּשֻׁ֙בוּ֙
returned
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#16
הַמַּלְאָכִ֔ים
And the messengers
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
#17
וַיַּגִּ֖דוּ
and told
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
#18
לַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃
the king
a king

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

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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