2 Kings 7:3

Authorized King James Version

And there were four leprous men at the entering in of the gate: and they said one to another, Why sit we here until we die?

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאַרְבָּעָ֧ה

H702

And there were four

four

אִ֣ישׁ

H376

one

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)

הָי֥וּ

H1961

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

מְצֹֽרָעִ֖ים

H6879

leprous

to scourge, i.e., (intransitive and figurative) to be stricken with leprosy

פֶּ֣תַח

H6607

at the entering in

an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way

הַשָּׁ֑עַר

H8179

of the gate

an opening, i.e., door or gate

וַיֹּֽאמְרוּ֙

H559

and they said

to say (used with great latitude)

אִ֣ישׁ

H376

one

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)

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#10

רֵעֵ֔הוּ

H7453

to another

an associate (more or less close)

#11

מָ֗ה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

#12

אֲנַ֛חְנוּ

H587

#13

יֹֽשְׁבִ֥ים

H3427

Why sit

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

#14

פֹּ֖ה

H6311

this place (french ici), i.e., here or hence

#15

עַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#16

מָֽתְנוּ׃

H4191

we here until we die

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

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

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?
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 systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

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