2 Chronicles 13:17

Authorized King James Version

And Abijah and his people slew them with a great slaughter: so there fell down slain of Israel five hundred thousand chosen men.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּכּ֥וּ
slew
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#2
בָהֶ֛ם
H0
#3
אֲבִיָּ֥ה
H29
And Abijah
abijah, the name of several israelite men and two israelitesses
#4
וְעַמּ֖וֹ
and his people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#5
מַכָּ֣ה
slaughter
a blow (in 2 chronicles 2:10, of the flail); by implication, a wound; figuratively, carnage, also pestilence
#6
רַבָּ֑ה
them with a great
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#7
וַיִּפְּל֤וּ
so there fell down
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#8
חֲלָלִים֙
slain
pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted
#9
מִיִּשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#10
חֲמֵשׁ
five
five
#11
מֵא֥וֹת
hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#12
אֶ֖לֶף
thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#13
אִ֥ישׁ
men
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#14
בָּחֽוּר׃
chosen
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Chronicles, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 2 Chronicles.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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