1 Chronicles 19:12

Authorized King James Version

And he said, If the Syrians be too strong for me, then thou shalt help me: but if the children of Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will help thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֗אמֶר
H559
And he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אִם
H518
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#3
יֶֽחֶזְק֥וּ
H2388
be too strong
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
#4
מִמֶּ֙נִּי֙
H4480
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#5
אֲרָ֔ם
H758
If the Syrians
aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite
#6
וְהָיִ֥יתָ
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#7
לִּ֖י
H0
#8
לִתְשׁוּעָ֑ה
H8668
for me then thou shalt help
rescue (literal or figurative, persons, national or spiritual)
#9
וְאִם
H518
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#10
בְּנֵ֥י
H1121
me but if the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#11
עַמּ֛וֹן
H5983
of Ammon
ammon, a son of lot; also his posterity and their country
#12
יֶֽחֶזְק֥וּ
H2388
be too strong
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
#13
מִמְּךָ֖
H4480
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#14
וְהֽוֹשַׁעְתִּֽיךָ׃
H3467
for thee then I will help
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection