2 Kings 8:1

Authorized King James Version

Then spake Elisha unto the woman, whose son he had restored to life, saying, Arise, and go thou and thine household, and sojourn wheresoever thou canst sojourn: for the LORD hath called for a famine; and it shall also come upon the land seven years.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וֶֽאֱלִישָׁ֡ע

H477

Elisha

elisha, the famous prophet

דִּבֶּ֣ר

H1696

Then spake

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָֽאִשָּׁה֩

H802

unto the woman

a woman

בַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

wheresoever

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

הֶֽחֱיָ֨ה

H2421

he had restored to life

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

אֶת

H853

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

בְּנָ֜הּ

H1121

whose son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

לֵאמֹ֗ר

H559

saying

to say (used with great latitude)

#10

ק֤וּמִי

H6965

Arise

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

#11

וּלְכִי֙

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#12

אַ֣תְּי

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

#13

וּבֵיתֵ֔ךְ

H1004

thou and thine household

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#14

תָּג֑וּרִי

H1481

and sojourn

properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);

#15

בַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

wheresoever

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

#16

תָּג֑וּרִי

H1481

and sojourn

properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);

#17

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#18

קָרָ֤א

H7121

hath called

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

#19

יְהוָה֙

H3068

for the LORD

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

#20

לָֽרָעָ֔ב

H7458

for a famine

hunger (more or less extensive)

#21

וְגַם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

#22

בָּ֥א

H935

and it shall also come

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#23

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#24

הָאָ֖רֶץ

H776

upon the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#25

שֶׁ֥בַע

H7651

seven

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

#26

שָׁנִֽים׃

H8141

years

a year (as a revolution of time)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of life connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about life, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by introducing key themes that will be developed throughout 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 life. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of life differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on life address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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