1 Chronicles 13:9

Authorized King James Version

And when they came unto the threshingfloor of Chidon, Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen stumbled.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ
H935
And when they came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
עַד
H5704
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#3
גֹּ֣רֶן
H1637
unto the threshingfloor
a threshing-floor (as made even); by analogy, any open area
#4
כִּידֹ֑ן
H3592
of Chidon
kidon, a place in palestine
#5
וַיִּשְׁלַ֨ח
H7971
put forth
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#6
עֻזָּ֜א
H5798
Uzza
uzza or uzzah, the name of five israelites
#7
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
יָד֗וֹ
H3027
his hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#9
לֶֽאֱחֹז֙
H270
to hold
to seize (often with the accessory idea of holding in possession)
#10
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
הָ֣אָר֔וֹן
H727
the ark
a box
#12
כִּ֥י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#13
שָֽׁמְט֖וּ
H8058
stumbled
to fling down; incipiently to jostle; figuratively, to let alone, desist, remit
#14
הַבָּקָֽר׃
H1241
for the oxen
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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