2 Chronicles 18:16

Authorized King James Version

Then he said, I did see all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master; let them return therefore every man to his house in peace.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר

H559

Then he said

to say (used with great latitude)

רָאִ֤יתִי

H7200

I did see

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל

H3605

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

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙

H3478

all Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

נְפוֹצִ֣ים

H6327

scattered

to dash in pieces, literally or figuratively (especially to disperse)

עַל

H5921

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

הֶֽהָרִ֔ים

H2022

upon the mountains

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

כַּצֹּ֕אן

H6629

as sheep

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

#10

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#11

אֵין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#12

לָהֶ֖ן

#13

רֹעֶ֑ה

H7462

that have no shepherd

to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie

#14

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר

H559

Then he said

to say (used with great latitude)

#15

יְהוָה֙

H3068

and the LORD

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

#16

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#17

אֲדֹנִ֣ים

H113

These have no master

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

#18

לָאֵ֔לֶּה

H428

these or those

#19

יָשׁ֥וּבוּ

H7725

let them return

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

#20

אִישׁ

H376

therefore every 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)

#21

לְבֵית֖וֹ

H1004

to his house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#22

בְּשָׁלֽוֹם׃

H7965

in peace

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing peace contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 peace. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of peace differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on peace address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?