2 Chronicles 18:15

Authorized King James Version

And the king said to him, How many times shall I adjure thee that thou say nothing but the truth to me in the name of the LORD?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר
H559
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אֵלָיו֙
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ
H4428
And the king
a king
#4
עַד
H5704
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#5
כַּמֶּ֥ה
H4100
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#6
פְעָמִ֖ים
H6471
to him How many times
a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)
#7
אֲנִ֣י
H589
i
#8
מַשְׁבִּיעֶ֑ךָ
H7650
shall I adjure
to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
#9
אֲ֠שֶׁר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#10
לֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#11
תְדַבֵּ֥ר
H1696
thee that thou say
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#12
אֵלַ֛י
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#13
רַק
H7535
properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although
#14
אֱמֶ֖ת
H571
nothing but the truth
stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness
#15
בְּשֵׁ֥ם
H8034
to me in the name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#16
יְהוָֽה׃
H3068
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Chronicles, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of truth connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about truth, 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood truth. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection