2 Chronicles 21:13

Authorized King James Version

But hast walked in the way of the kings of Israel, and hast made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to go a whoring, like to the whoredoms of the house of Ahab, and also hast slain thy brethren of thy father's house, which were better than thyself:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתֵּ֗לֶךְ
H1980
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#2
בְּדֶ֙רֶךְ֙
H1870
in the way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#3
מַלְכֵ֣י
H4428
of the kings
a king
#4
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
H3478
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#5
כְּהַזְנ֖וֹת
H2181
like to the whoredoms
to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (
#6
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
יְהוּדָה֙
H3063
and hast made Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#8
וְאֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
יֹֽשְׁבֵ֣י
H3427
and the inhabitants
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#10
יְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֔ם
H3389
of Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
#11
כְּהַזְנ֖וֹת
H2181
like to the whoredoms
to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (
#12
בֵית
H1004
house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#13
אַחְאָ֑ב
H256
of Ahab
achab, the name of a king of israel and of a prophet at babylon
#14
וְגַ֨ם
H1571
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#15
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#16
אַחֶ֧יךָ
H251
thy brethren
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#17
בֵית
H1004
house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#18
אָבִ֛יךָ
H1
of thy father's
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#19
הַטּוֹבִ֥ים
H2896
which were better
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
#20
מִמְּךָ֖
H4480
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#21
הָרָֽגְתָּ׃
H2026
and also hast slain
to smite with deadly intent

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

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