2 Chronicles 11:17

Authorized King James Version

So they strengthened the kingdom of Judah, and made Rehoboam the son of Solomon strong, three years: for three years they walked in the way of David and Solomon.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽיְחַזְּקוּ֙
H2388
So they strengthened
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
#2
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
מַלְכ֣וּת
H4438
the kingdom
a rule; concretely, a dominion
#4
יְהוּדָ֔ה
H3063
of Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#5
וַֽיְאַמְּצ֛וּ
H553
strong
to be alert, physically (on foot) or mentally (in courage)
#6
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
רְחַבְעָ֥ם
H7346
and made Rehoboam
rechabam, an israelite king
#8
בֶּן
H1121
the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#9
וּשְׁלֹמֹ֖ה
H8010
and Solomon
shelomah, david's successor
#10
לְשָׁנִ֥ים
H8141
years
a year (as a revolution of time)
#11
שָׁלֽוֹשׁ׃
H7969
for three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#12
כִּ֣י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#13
הָֽלְכ֗וּ
H1980
they walked
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#14
בְּדֶ֧רֶךְ
H1870
in the way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#15
דָּוִ֛יד
H1732
of David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#16
וּשְׁלֹמֹ֖ה
H8010
and Solomon
shelomah, david's successor
#17
לְשָׁנִ֥ים
H8141
years
a year (as a revolution of time)
#18
שָׁלֽוֹשׁ׃
H7969
for three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to 2 Chronicles. The concept of kingdom reflects the development of kingdom of God 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

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 kingdom of God particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show imperial and royal imagery familiar to subjects of ancient monarchies, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection