2 Kings 8:21

Authorized King James Version

So Joram went over to Zair, and all the chariots with him: and he rose by night, and smote the Edomites which compassed him about, and the captains of the chariots: and the people fled into their tents.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּֽעֲבֹ֤ר

H5674

went over

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

יוֹרָם֙

H3141

So Joram

joram, the name of three israelites and one syrian

צָעִ֔ירָה

H6811

to Zair

tsair, a place in idumaea

וְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָרֶ֔כֶב

H7393

and all the chariots

a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone

עִמּ֑וֹ

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

וַֽיְהִי

H1961

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

ה֞וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

קָ֣ם

H6965

with him and he rose

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

#10

לַ֗יְלָה

H3915

by night

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

#11

וַיַּכֶּ֨ה

H5221

and smote

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

#12

אֶת

H853

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

#13

אֱד֜וֹם

H123

the Edomites

edom, the elder twin-brother of jacob; hence the region (idumaea) occupied by him

#14

הַסֹּבֵ֤יב

H5437

which compassed him about

to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively

#15

אֵלָיו֙

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#16

וְאֵת֙

H853

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

#17

שָׂרֵ֣י

H8269

and the captains

a head person (of any rank or class)

#18

הָרֶ֔כֶב

H7393

and all the chariots

a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone

#19

וַיָּ֥נָס

H5127

fled

to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)

#20

הָעָ֖ם

H5971

and the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#21

לְאֹֽהָלָֽיו׃

H168

into their tents

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 2 Kings.

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?
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 understanding covenant community in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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