2 Chronicles 2:6

Authorized King James Version

But who is able to build him an house, seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain him? who am I then, that I should build him an house, save only to burn sacrifice before him?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּמִ֤י
H4310
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#2
יַֽעֲצָר
H6113
But who is able
to inclose; by analogy, to hold back; also to maintain, rule, assemble
#3
כֹּ֙חַ֙
H3581
vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)
#4
אֶבְנֶה
H1129
him who am I then that I should build
to build (literally and figuratively)
#5
ל֣וֹ
H0
#6
בַ֔יִת
H1004
him an house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#7
כִּ֧י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#8
הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם
H8064
and heaven
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
#9
הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם
H8064
and heaven
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
#10
הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם
H8064
and heaven
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
#11
לֹ֣א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#12
יְכַלְכְּלֻ֑הוּ
H3557
cannot contain
properly, to keep in; hence, to measure; figuratively, to maintain (in various senses)
#13
וּמִ֤י
H4310
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#14
אֲנִי֙
H589
i
#15
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#16
אֶבְנֶה
H1129
him who am I then that I should build
to build (literally and figuratively)
#17
לּ֣וֹ
H0
#18
בַ֔יִת
H1004
him an house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#19
כִּ֖י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#20
אִם
H518
save only
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#21
לְהַקְטִ֥יר
H6999
to burn sacrifice
to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)
#22
לְפָנָֽיו׃
H6440
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Chronicles, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection