2 Kings 7:19

Authorized King James Version

And that lord answered the man of God, and said, Now, behold, if the LORD should make windows in heaven, might such a thing be? And he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּ֨עַן

H6030

answered

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

הַשָּׁלִ֜ישׁ

H7991

And that lord

a triple, i.e., (as an officer) a general of the third rank (upward, i.e., the highest)

אֶת

H853

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

אִ֣ישׁ

H376

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)

הָֽאֱלֹהִים֮

H430

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

וַיֹּ֗אמֶר

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

וְהִנֵּ֣ה

H2009

lo!

יְהוָ֗ה

H3068

Now behold if the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

עֹשֶׂ֤ה

H6213

should make

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

#10

אֲרֻבּוֹת֙

H699

windows

a lattice; (by implication) a window, dovecot (because of the pigeon-holes), chimney (with its apertures for smoke), sluice (with openings for water)

#11

בַּשָּׁמַ֔יִם

H8064

in heaven

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

#12

הֲיִֽהְיֶ֖ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#13

כַּדָּבָ֣ר

H1697

might such a thing

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#14

הַזֶּ֑ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#15

וַיֹּ֗אמֶר

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

#16

הִנְּךָ֤

H2009

lo!

#17

רֹאֶה֙

H7200

Behold thou shalt see

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

#18

בְּעֵינֶ֔יךָ

H5869

it with thine eyes

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

#19

וּמִשָּׁ֖ם

H8033

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

#20

לֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#21

תֹאכֵֽל׃

H398

but shalt not eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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