2 Chronicles 10:14

Authorized King James Version

And answered them after the advice of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add thereto: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר
And answered
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#2
אֲלֵהֶ֗ם
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
כַּֽעֲצַ֤ת
them after the advice
advice; by implication, plan; also prudence
#4
הַיְלָדִים֙
of the young men
something born, i.e., a lad or offspring
#5
לֵאמֹ֔ר
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#6
אָבִ֗י
H1
My father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#7
אַכְבִּיד֙
heavy
to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same
#8
אֶֽת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
עֻלְּכֶ֔ם
made your yoke
a yoke (as imposed on the neck), literally or figuratively
#10
וַֽאֲנִ֖י
i
#11
אֹסִ֣יף
but I will add
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
#12
עָלָ֑יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#13
אָבִ֗י
H1
My father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#14
יִסַּ֤ר
chastised
to chastise, literally (with blows) or figuratively (with words); hence, to instruct
#15
אֶתְכֶם֙
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#16
בַּשּׁוֹטִ֔ים
you with whips
a lash (literally or figuratively)
#17
וַֽאֲנִ֖י
i
#18
בָּעַקְרַבִּֽים׃
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 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