1 Chronicles 16:30

Fear before him, all the earth: the world also shall be stable, that it be not moved.

Word-by-Word Analysis

חִ֤ילוּ

H2342

Fear

properly, to twist or whirl (in a circular or spiral manner), i.e., (specifically) to dance, to writhe in pain (especially of parturition) or fear; fi

מִלְּפָנָיו֙

H6440

before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

כָּל

H3605

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

הָאָ֔רֶץ

H776

him all the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אַף

H637

meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though

תִּכּ֥וֹן

H3559

also shall be stable

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

תֵּבֵ֖ל

H8398

the world

the earth (as moist and therefore inhabited); by extension, the globe; by implication, its inhabitants; specifically, a particular land, as babylonia,

בַּל

H1077

properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually (adverb) not at all; also lest

תִּמּֽוֹט׃

H4131

that it be not moved

to waver; by implication, to slip, shake, fall

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

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 1 Chronicles Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within 1 Chronicles chapter 16 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?