1 Chronicles 5:25

Authorized King James Version

And they transgressed against the God of their fathers, and went a whoring after the gods of the people of the land, whom God destroyed before them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּֽמְעֲל֔וּ
H4603
And they transgressed
properly, to cover up; used only figuratively, to act covertly, i.e., treacherously
#2
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
H430
against the 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
#3
אֲבֹתֵיהֶ֑ם
H1
of their fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#4
וַיִּזְנ֗וּ
H2181
and went a whoring
to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (
#5
אַֽחֲרֵי֙
H310
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#6
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
H430
against the 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
#7
עַמֵּי
H5971
of the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#8
הָאָ֔רֶץ
H776
of the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#9
אֲשֶׁר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#10
הִשְׁמִ֥יד
H8045
destroyed
to desolate
#11
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
H430
against the 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
#12
מִפְּנֵיהֶֽם׃
H6440
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

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Chronicles. The concept of divine sovereignty 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 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