2 Chronicles 11:23

Authorized King James Version

And he dealt wisely, and dispersed of all his children throughout all the countries of Judah and Benjamin, unto every fenced city: and he gave them victual in abundance. And he desired many wives.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּבֶן֩
And he dealt wisely
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
#2
וַיִּפְרֹ֨ץ
and dispersed
to break out (in many applications, direct and indirect, literal and figurative)
#3
מִכָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#4
בָּנָ֜יו
of all his children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#5
לְֽכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#6
אַרְצ֧וֹת
throughout all the countries
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#7
יְהוּדָ֣ה
of Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#8
וּבִנְיָמִ֗ן
and Benjamin
binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#9
לְכֹל֙
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#10
עָרֵ֣י
city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#11
הַמְּצֻר֔וֹת
unto every fenced
a hemming in, i.e., (objectively) a mound (of siege), or (subjectively) a rampart (of protection), (abstractly) fortification
#12
וַיִּתֵּ֥ן
and he gave
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#13
לָהֶ֛ם
H0
#14
הַמָּז֖וֹן
them victual
food
#15
לָרֹ֑ב
in abundance
abundance (in any respect)
#16
וַיִּשְׁאַ֖ל
And he desired
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
#17
הֲמ֥וֹן
many
a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth
#18
נָשִֽׁים׃
wives
a woman

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

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