2 Chronicles 20:23

Authorized King James Version

For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of mount Seir, utterly to slay and destroy them: and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, every one helped to destroy another.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַ֠יַּֽעַמְדוּ

H5975

stood up

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

בְּנֵ֨י

H1121

For the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

עַמּ֧וֹן

H5983

of Ammon

ammon, a son of lot; also his posterity and their country

וּמוֹאָ֛ב

H4124

and Moab

moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants

עַל

H5921

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

בְּיֽוֹשְׁבֵ֣י

H3427

against the inhabitants

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

הַר

H2022

of mount

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

שֵׂעִ֔יר

H8165

Seir

seir, a mountain of idumaea and its indigenous occupants, also one in palestine

לְהַֽחֲרִ֣ים

H2763

utterly to slay

to seclude; specifically (by a ban) to devote to religious uses (especially destruction); physical and reflexive, to be blunt as to the nose

#10

וּלְהַשְׁמִ֑יד

H8045

and destroy

to desolate

#11

וּכְכַלּוֹתָם֙

H3615

them and when they had made an end

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

#12

בְּיֽוֹשְׁבֵ֣י

H3427

against the inhabitants

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

#13

שֵׂעִ֔יר

H8165

Seir

seir, a mountain of idumaea and its indigenous occupants, also one in palestine

#14

עָֽזְר֥וּ

H5826

helped

to surround, i.e., protect or aid

#15

אִישׁ

H376

every one

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)

#16

בְּרֵעֵ֖הוּ

H7453

another

an associate (more or less close)

#17

לְמַשְׁחִֽית׃

H4889

to destroy

destructive, i.e., (as noun) destruction, literally (specifically a snare) or figuratively (corruption)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Chronicles. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. 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

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

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 might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?