1 Chronicles 29:15

Authorized King James Version

For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
גֵרִ֨ים
For we are strangers
properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner
#3
אֲנַ֧חְנוּ
we
#4
לְפָנֶ֛יךָ
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
#5
וְתֽוֹשָׁבִ֖ים
thee and sojourners
a dweller but not outlandish [h5237]; especially (as distinguished from a native citizen [active participle of h3427] and a temporary inmate [h1616] o
#6
כְּכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#7
אֲבֹתֵ֑ינוּ
H1
as were all our fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#8
כַּצֵּ֧ל׀
are as a shadow
shade, whether literal or figurative
#9
יָמֵ֛ינוּ
our days
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#10
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
הָאָ֖רֶץ
on the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#12
וְאֵ֥ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#13
מִקְוֶֽה׃
and there is none abiding
something waited for, i.e., a collection, i.e., (of water) a pond, or (of men and horses) a caravan or drove

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