1 Chronicles 17:20

Authorized King James Version

O LORD, there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יְהוָה֙
H3068
O LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#2
אֵ֣ין
H369
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#3
כָּמ֔וֹךָ
H3644
as, thus, so
#4
וְאֵ֥ין
H369
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#5
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
H430
there is none like thee neither is there any God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#6
זֽוּלָתֶ֑ךָ
H2108
beside
probably scattering, i.e., removal; used adverbially, except
#7
בְּכֹ֥ל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#8
אֲשֶׁר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#9
שָׁמַ֖עְנוּ
H8085
thee according to all that we have heard
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#10
בְּאָזְנֵֽינוּ׃
H241
with our ears
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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