1 Chronicles 22:12

Authorized King James Version

Only the LORD give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the law of the LORD thy God.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אַ֣ךְ
a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only
#2
יִֽתֶּן
give
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#3
לְּךָ֤
H0
#4
יְהוָ֥ה
Only the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
שֵׂ֣כֶל
thee wisdom
intelligence; by implication, success
#6
וּבִינָ֔ה
and understanding
understanding
#7
וִֽיצַוְּךָ֖
and give thee charge
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
#8
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
concerning Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#10
וְלִשְׁמ֕וֹר
that thou mayest keep
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#11
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
תּוֹרַ֖ת
the law
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
#13
יְהוָ֥ה
Only the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#14
אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃
thy 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

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Chronicles. The concept of wisdom reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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