2 Kings 8:13

Authorized King James Version

And Hazael said, But what, is thy servant a dog, that he should do this great thing? And Elisha answered, The LORD hath shewed me that thou shalt be king over Syria.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר
answered
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
חֲזָהאֵ֔ל
And Hazael
chazael, a king of syria
#3
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#4
מָ֤ה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#5
עַבְדְּךָ֙
But what is thy servant
a servant
#6
הַכֶּ֔לֶב
a dog
a dog; hence (by euphemism) a male prostitute
#7
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#8
יַֽעֲשֶׂ֔ה
that he should do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#9
הַדָּבָ֥ר
thing
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#10
הַגָּד֖וֹל
this great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#11
הַזֶּ֑ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#12
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר
answered
to say (used with great latitude)
#13
אֱלִישָׁ֔ע
And Elisha
elisha, the famous prophet
#14
הִרְאַ֧נִי
hath shewed
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#15
יְהוָ֛ה
The LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#16
אֹֽתְךָ֖
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#17
מֶ֥לֶךְ
me that thou shalt be king
a king
#18
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#19
אֲרָֽם׃
over Syria
aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Kings. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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

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