2 Kings 9:3

Authorized King James Version

Then take the box of oil, and pour it on his head, and say, Thus saith the LORD, I have anointed thee king over Israel. Then open the door, and flee, and tarry not.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְלָֽקַחְתָּ֤

H3947

Then take

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

פַךְ

H6378

the box

a flask (from which a liquid may flow)

הַשֶּׁ֙מֶן֙

H8081

of oil

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

וְיָֽצַקְתָּ֣

H3332

and pour

properly, to pour out (transitive or intransitive); by implication, to melt or cast as metal; by extension, to place firmly, to stiffen or grow hard

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

רֹאשׁ֔וֹ

H7218

it on his head

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

אָמַ֣ר

H559

Thus saith

to say (used with great latitude)

כֹּֽה

H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֣ר

H559

Thus saith

to say (used with great latitude)

#10

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

the LORD

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

#11

מְשַׁחְתִּ֥יךָ

H4886

I have anointed

to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint

#12

לְמֶ֖לֶךְ

H4428

thee king

a king

#13

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#14

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל

H3478

over Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#15

וּפָֽתַחְתָּ֥

H6605

Then open

to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

#16

הַדֶּ֛לֶת

H1817

the door

something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door

#17

וְנַ֖סְתָּה

H5127

and flee

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

#18

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#19

תְחַכֶּֽה׃

H2442

and tarry

properly, to adhere to; hence, to await

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this verse's literary context within 2 Kings chapter 9 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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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