2 Chronicles 15:13

Authorized King James Version

That whosoever would not seek the LORD God of Israel should be put to death, whether small or great, whether man or woman.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְכֹ֨ל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#2
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#3
לֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#4
יִדְרֹ֛שׁ
H1875
That whosoever would not seek
properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
#5
לַֽיהוָ֥ה
H3068
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#6
אֱלֹהֵֽי
H430
God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#7
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
H3478
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#8
יוּמָ֑ת
H4191
should be put to death
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#9
לְמִן
H4480
whether
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#10
קָטֹן֙
H6996
small
abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)
#11
וְעַד
H5704
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#12
גָּד֔וֹל
H1419
or great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#13
לְמֵאִ֖ישׁ
H376
whether man
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
וְעַד
H5704
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#15
אִשָּֽׁה׃
H802
or woman
a woman

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Chronicles. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 salvation 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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection