2 Chronicles 12:8

Authorized King James Version

Nevertheless they shall be his servants; that they may know my service, and the service of the kingdoms of the countries.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּ֥י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יִֽהְיוּ

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

ל֖וֹ

לַֽעֲבָדִ֑ים

H5650

Nevertheless they shall be his servants

a servant

וְיֵֽדְעוּ֙

H3045

that they may know

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

וַֽעֲבוֹדַ֖ת

H5656

and the service

work of any kind

וַֽעֲבוֹדַ֖ת

H5656

and the service

work of any kind

מַמְלְכ֥וֹת

H4467

of the kingdoms

dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)

הָֽאֲרָצֽוֹת׃

H776

of the countries

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing kingdom relates to eschatology and the ultimate purpose of God's redemptive plan and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

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 kingdom of God 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 kingdom in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on kingdom address the apparent delay of Christ's return and God's justice, and how should the church respond?
How does the kingdom of God theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this verse's literary context within 2 Chronicles chapter 12 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?