2 Chronicles 20:12

Authorized King James Version

O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֱלֹהֵ֙ינוּ֙
O our God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#2
הֲלֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#3
תִשְׁפָּט
wilt thou not judge
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
#4
בָּ֔ם
H0
#5
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#6
אֵ֥ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#7
בָּ֙נוּ֙
H0
#8
כֹּ֔חַ
them for we have no might
vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)
#9
לִ֠פְנֵי
against
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#10
הֶֽהָמ֥וֹן
company
a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth
#11
הָרָ֛ב
this great
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#12
הַזֶּ֖ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#13
הַבָּ֣א
that cometh
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#14
עָלֵ֑ינוּ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#15
וַֽאֲנַ֗חְנוּ
we
we
#16
לֹ֤א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#17
נֵדַע֙
against us neither know
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#18
מַֽה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#19
נַּעֲשֶׂ֔ה
what to do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#20
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#21
עָלֶ֖יךָ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#22
עֵינֵֽינוּ׃
but our eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

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 careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, 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