2 Kings 7:2

Authorized King James Version

Then a lord on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said, Behold, if the LORD would make windows in heaven, might this thing be? And he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּ֣עַן

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,

הַשָּׁלִ֡ישׁ

H7991

Then a lord

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

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

לַמֶּלֶךְ֩

H4428

the king

a king

נִשְׁעָ֨ן

H8172

leaned

to support one's self

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יָד֜וֹ

H3027

on whose hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

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)

#10

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

#11

וַיֹּ֗אמֶר

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

#12

הִנֵּ֣ה

H2009

lo!

#13

יְהוָ֗ה

H3068

Behold if the LORD

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

#14

עֹשֶׂ֤ה

H6213

would make

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

#15

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)

#16

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

#17

הֲיִֽהְיֶ֖ה

H1961

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

#18

הַדָּבָ֣ר

H1697

might this thing

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

#19

הַזֶּ֑ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#20

וַיֹּ֗אמֶר

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

#21

הִנְּכָ֤ה

H2009

lo!

#22

רֹאֶה֙

H7200

Behold thou shalt see

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

#23

בְּעֵינֶ֔יךָ

H5869

it with thine eyes

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

#24

וּמִשָּׁ֖ם

H8033

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

#25

לֹ֥א

H3808

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

#26

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does this verse's literary context within 2 Kings chapter 7 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?

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