2 Chronicles 13:3

Authorized King James Version

And Abijah set the battle in array with an army of valiant men of war, even four hundred thousand chosen men: Jeroboam also set the battle in array against him with eight hundred thousand chosen men, being mighty men of valour.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֶּאְסֹ֨ר
H631
in array
to yoke or hitch; by analogy, to fasten in any sense, to join battle
#2
אֲבִיָּ֜ה
H29
And Abijah
abijah, the name of several israelite men and two israelitesses
#3
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
מִלְחָמָ֔ה
H4421
also set the battle
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
#5
חָֽיִל׃
H2428
of valour
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
#6
גִּבּ֥וֹר
H1368
being mighty men
powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant
#7
מִלְחָמָ֔ה
H4421
also set the battle
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
#8
אַרְבַּע
H702
even four
four
#9
מֵא֥וֹת
H3967
hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#10
אֶ֛לֶף
H505
thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#11
אִ֥ישׁ
H376
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)
#12
בָּח֖וּר
H977
chosen
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select
#13
וְיָֽרָבְעָ֗ם
H3379
Jeroboam
jarobam, the name of two israelite kings
#14
עָרַ֤ךְ
H6186
in array
to set in a row, i.e., arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications)
#15
עִמּוֹ֙
H5973
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#16
מִלְחָמָ֔ה
H4421
also set the battle
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
#17
בִּשְׁמוֹנֶ֨ה
H8083
against him with eight
a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth
#18
מֵא֥וֹת
H3967
hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#19
אֶ֛לֶף
H505
thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#20
אִ֥ישׁ
H376
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)
#21
בָּח֖וּר
H977
chosen
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select
#22
גִּבּ֥וֹר
H1368
being mighty men
powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant
#23
חָֽיִל׃
H2428
of valour
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Chronicles, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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