2 Kings Chapter 1 · Verse 7
And he said unto them, What manner of man was he which came up to meet you, and told you these words?
Original Language Analysis
וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר
And he said
H1696
וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר
And he said
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
1 of 13
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
מֶ֚ה
H4100
מֶ֚ה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
3 of 13
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
מִשְׁפַּ֣ט
unto them What manner
H4941
מִשְׁפַּ֣ט
unto them What manner
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
4 of 13
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
הָאִ֔ישׁ
of man
H376
הָאִ֔ישׁ
of man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
5 of 13
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)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָלָ֖ה
was he which came up
H5927
עָלָ֖ה
was he which came up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
7 of 13
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
לִקְרַאתְכֶ֑ם
to meet
H7125
לִקְרַאתְכֶ֑ם
to meet
Strong's:
H7125
Word #:
8 of 13
an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)
וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר
And he said
H1696
וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר
And he said
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
9 of 13
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 1 takes place during the mid-9th century BCE, around 850 BCE, during the transition from Elijah to Elisha. The chapter's theme (Ahaziah's Illness and Elijah's Final Confrontations) reflects the historical reality of prophetic succession and divine affirmation of Elisha's ministry following Elijah's remarkable translation. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 1 regarding divine judgment on apostasy and affirmation of prophetic authority?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Analysis & Commentary
And he said unto them, What manner of man was he which came up to meet you, and told you these words?
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 1: Divine judgment on apostasy and affirmation of prophetic authority. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. During this period, Israel and Judah struggled with persistent idolatry, particularly Baal worship introduced under Ahab and Jezebel.
The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.