2 Chronicles 10:11

Authorized King James Version

For whereas my father put a heavy yoke upon you, I will put more to your yoke: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְעַתָּ֗ה
For whereas
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#2
אָבִ֗י
H1
my father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#3
הֶעְמִ֤יס
put
to load, i.e., impose a burden (or figuratively, infliction)
#4
עֲלֵיכֶם֙
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
עֻלְּכֶ֑ם
to your yoke
a yoke (as imposed on the neck), literally or figuratively
#6
כָּבֵ֔ד
a heavy
heavy; figuratively in a good sense (numerous) or in a bad sense (severe, difficult, stupid)
#7
וַֽאֲנִ֖י
i
#8
אֹסִ֣יף
upon you I will put more
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
#9
עַֽל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
עֻלְּכֶ֑ם
to your yoke
a yoke (as imposed on the neck), literally or figuratively
#11
אָבִ֗י
H1
my father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#12
יִסַּ֤ר
chastised
to chastise, literally (with blows) or figuratively (with words); hence, to instruct
#13
אֶתְכֶם֙
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
בַּשּׁוֹטִ֔ים
you with whips
a lash (literally or figuratively)
#15
וַֽאֲנִ֖י
i
#16
בָּֽעֲקְרַבִּֽים׃
but I will chastise you with scorpions
a scorpion; figuratively, a scourge or knotted whip

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 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

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection