2 Kings 7:18

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass as the man of God had spoken to the king, saying, Two measures of barley for a shekel, and a measure of fine flour for a shekel, shall be to morrow about this time in the gate of Samaria:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִ֗י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
כְּדַבֵּר֙
had spoken
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#3
אִ֣ישׁ
And it came to pass as the 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)
#4
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים
of God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#5
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#6
הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ
to the king
a king
#7
לֵאמֹ֑ר
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#8
וּֽסְאָה
Two measures
a seah, or certain measure (as determinative) for grain
#9
שְׂעֹרִ֜ים
of barley
barley (as villose)
#10
בְּשֶׁ֔קֶל
for a shekel
probably a weight; used as a commercial standard
#11
וּֽסְאָה
Two measures
a seah, or certain measure (as determinative) for grain
#12
סֹ֙לֶת֙
of fine flour
flour (as chipped off)
#13
בְּשֶׁ֔קֶל
for a shekel
probably a weight; used as a commercial standard
#14
יִֽהְיֶה֙
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#15
כָּעֵ֣ת
about this time
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
#16
מָחָ֔ר
shall be to morrow
properly, deferred, i.e., the morrow; usually (adverbially) tomorrow; indefinitely, hereafter
#17
בְּשַׁ֖עַר
in the gate
an opening, i.e., door or gate
#18
שֹֽׁמְרֽוֹן׃
of Samaria
shomeron, a place in palestine

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Kings. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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