2 Chronicles 18:21

Authorized King James Version

And he said, I will go out, and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And the LORD said, Thou shalt entice him, and thou shalt also prevail: go out, and do even so.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֗אמֶר

H559

And he said

to say (used with great latitude)

צֵ֖א

H3318

I will go out

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

וְהָיִ֙יתִי֙

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְר֣וּחַ

H7307

spirit

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

שֶׁ֔קֶר

H8267

and be a lying

an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)

בְּפִ֖י

H6310

in the mouth

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

כָּל

H3605

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

נְבִיאָ֑יו

H5030

of all his prophets

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

וַיֹּ֗אמֶר

H559

And he said

to say (used with great latitude)

#10

תְּפַתֶּה֙

H6601

Thou shalt entice

to open, i.e., be (causatively, make) roomy; usually figuratively (in a mental or moral sense) to be (causatively, make) simple or (in a sinister way)

#11

וְגַם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

#12

תּוּכָ֔ל

H3201

him and thou shalt also prevail

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

#13

צֵ֖א

H3318

I will go out

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

#14

וַֽעֲשֵׂה

H6213

and do

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#15

כֵֽן׃

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

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

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does this verse's literary context within 2 Chronicles chapter 18 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?