1 Chronicles 23:17

Authorized King James Version

And the sons of Eliezer were, Rehabiah the chief. And Eliezer had none other sons; but the sons of Rehabiah were very many.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּֽהְי֥וּ
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
וּבְנֵ֥י
H1121
And the sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#3
לֶֽאֱלִיעֶ֙זֶר֙
H461
And Eliezer
eliezer, the name of a damascene and of ten israelites
#4
רְחַבְיָ֖ה
H7345
of Rehabiah
rechabjah, an israelite
#5
הָרֹ֑אשׁ
H7218
the chief
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#6
וְלֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
הָיָ֤ה
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#8
לֶֽאֱלִיעֶ֙זֶר֙
H461
And Eliezer
eliezer, the name of a damascene and of ten israelites
#9
וּבְנֵ֥י
H1121
And the sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#10
אֲחֵרִ֔ים
H312
had none other
properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc
#11
וּבְנֵ֥י
H1121
And the sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#12
רְחַבְיָ֖ה
H7345
of Rehabiah
rechabjah, an israelite
#13
רָב֥וּ
H7235
many
to increase (in whatever respect)
#14
לְמָֽעְלָה׃
H4605
were very
properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Chronicles. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, 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