2 Chronicles 2:7

Authorized King James Version

Send me now therefore a man cunning to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in iron, and in purple, and crimson, and blue, and that can skill to grave with the cunning men that are with me in Judah and in Jerusalem, whom David my father did provide.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְעַתָּ֡ה

H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

שְֽׁלַֽח

H7971

Send

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

לִ֣י

אִישׁ

H376

me now therefore a 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)

הַֽחֲכָמִ֗ים

H2450

cunning

wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)

לַֽעֲשׂוֹת֩

H6213

to work

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

בַּזָּהָ֨ב

H2091

in gold

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

וּבַכֶּ֜סֶף

H3701

and in silver

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

וּבַנְּחֹ֣שֶׁת

H5178

and in brass

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

#10

וּבַבַּרְזֶ֗ל

H1270

and in iron

iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement

#11

וּבָֽאַרְגְּוָן֙

H710

and in purple

purple

#12

וְכַרְמִ֣יל

H3758

and crimson

carmine, a deep red

#13

וּתְכֵ֔לֶת

H8504

and blue

the cerulean mussel, i.e., the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith

#14

וְיֹדֵ֖עַ

H3045

and that can skill

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

#15

לְפַתֵּ֣חַ

H6605

to grave

to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

#16

פִּתּוּחִ֑ים

H6603

sculpture (in low or high relief or even intaglio)

#17

עִם

H5973

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

#18

הַֽחֲכָמִ֗ים

H2450

cunning

wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)

#19

אֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

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

#20

עִמִּי֙

H5973

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

#21

בִּֽיהוּדָ֣ה

H3063

that are with me in Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

#22

וּבִירֽוּשָׁלִַ֔ם

H3389

and in Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

#23

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

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

#24

הֵכִ֖ין

H3559

did provide

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

#25

דָּוִ֥יד

H1732

whom David

david, the youngest son of jesse

#26

אָבִֽי׃

my father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Chronicles, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
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?