2 Kings 8:11

Authorized King James Version

And he settled his countenance stedfastly, until he was ashamed: and the man of God wept.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּֽעֲמֵ֥ד

H5975

And he settled

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

אֶת

H853

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

פָּנָ֖יו

H6440

his countenance

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

וַיָּ֣שֶׂם

H7760

stedfastly

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

עַד

H5704

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

בֹּ֑שׁ

H954

until he was ashamed

properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed

וַיֵּ֖בְךְּ

H1058

wept

to weep; generally to bemoan

אִ֥ישׁ

H376

and 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)

הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃

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

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

How does this verse's literary context within 2 Kings chapter 8 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?
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?

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