2 Chronicles 16:9

Authorized King James Version

For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּ֣י

H3588

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

יְהוָ֗ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

עֵינָ֞יו

H5869

For the eyes

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

מְשֹֽׁטְט֤וֹת

H7751

run to and fro

properly, to push forth; (but used only figuratively) to lash, i.e., (the sea with oars) to row; by implication, to travel

בְּכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָאָ֙רֶץ֙

H776

throughout the whole earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

לְ֠הִתְחַזֵּק

H2388

to shew himself strong

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

עִם

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

לְבָבָ֥ם

H3824

in the behalf of them whose heart

the heart (as the most interior organ)

#10

שָׁלֵ֛ם

H8003

is perfect

complete (literally or figuratively); especially friendly

#11

אֵלָ֖יו

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#12

נִסְכַּ֣לְתָּ

H5528

toward him Herein thou hast done foolishly

to be silly

#13

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#14

זֹ֑את

H2063

this (often used adverb)

#15

כִּ֣י

H3588

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

#16

מֵעַ֔תָּה

H6258

therefore from henceforth

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

#17

יֵ֥שׁ

H3426

thou shalt have

there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)

#18

עִמְּךָ֖

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#19

מִלְחָמֽוֹת׃

H4421

wars

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Chronicles, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

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

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within 2 Chronicles chapter 16 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?