2 Kings 7:4

Authorized King James Version

If we say, We will enter into the city, then the famine is in the city, and we shall die there: and if we sit still here, we die also. Now therefore come, and let us fall unto the host of the Syrians: if they save us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall but die.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#2
אָמַרְנוּ֩
If we say
to say (used with great latitude)
#3
נָב֨וֹא
We will enter
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#4
בָּעִיר֙
into the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#5
וְהָֽרָעָ֤ב
then the famine
hunger (more or less extensive)
#6
בָּעִיר֙
into the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#7
וָמָֽתְנוּ׃
and if they kill
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#8
שָׁ֔ם
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#9
וְאִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#10
יָשַׁ֥בְנוּ
there and if we sit still
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#11
פֹ֖ה
this place (french ici), i.e., here or hence
#12
וָמָֽתְנוּ׃
and if they kill
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#13
וְעַתָּ֗ה
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#14
לְכוּ֙
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#15
וְנִפְּלָה֙
and let us fall
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#16
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#17
מַֽחֲנֵ֣ה
unto the host
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e
#18
אֲרָ֔ם
of the Syrians
aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite
#19
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#20
נִֽחְיֶ֔ה
if they save us alive
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
#21
נִֽחְיֶ֔ה
if they save us alive
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
#22
וְאִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#23
וָמָֽתְנוּ׃
and if they kill
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#24
וָמָֽתְנוּ׃
and if they kill
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

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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