1 Chronicles 2:34

Authorized King James Version

Now Sheshan had no sons, but daughters. And Sheshan had a servant, an Egyptian, whose name was Jarha.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְלֹֽא

H3808

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

הָיָ֧ה

H1961

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

וּלְשֵׁשָׁ֛ן

H8348

And Sheshan

sheshan, an israelite

בָּנִ֖ים

H1121

had no sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

בָּנ֑וֹת

H1323

but daughters

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

וּלְשֵׁשָׁ֛ן

H8348

And Sheshan

sheshan, an israelite

עֶ֥בֶד

H5650

had a servant

a servant

#10

מִצְרִ֖י

H4713

an Egyptian

a mitsrite, or inhabitant of mitsrajim

#11

וּשְׁמ֥וֹ

H8034

whose name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

#12

יַרְחָֽע׃

H3398

was Jarha

jarcha, an egyptian

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Chronicles, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 1 Chronicles.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?