2 Chronicles 1:7

Authorized King James Version

In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בַּלַּ֣יְלָה
In that night
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
#2
הַה֔וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#3
נִרְאָ֥ה
appear
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#4
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
did 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
#5
לִשְׁלֹמֹ֑ה
unto Solomon
shelomah, david's successor
#6
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#7
ל֔וֹ
H0
#8
שְׁאַ֖ל
unto him Ask
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
#9
מָ֥ה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#10
אֶתֶּן
what I shall give
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#11
לָֽךְ׃
H0

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 2 Chronicles Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection