2 Chronicles 21:20

Authorized King James Version

Thirty and two years old was he when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years, and departed without being desired. Howbeit they buried him in the city of David, but not in the sepulchres of the kings.

Word-by-Word Analysis

בֶּן

H1121

years old

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

שְׁלֹשִׁ֤ים

H7970

Thirty

thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth

וּשְׁתַּ֙יִם֙

H8147

and two

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

הָיָ֣ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

מָלַ֖ךְ

H4427

and he reigned

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

וּשְׁמוֹנֶ֣ה

H8083

eight

a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth

שָׁנִ֔ים

H8141

years

a year (as a revolution of time)

מָלַ֖ךְ

H4427

and he reigned

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

בִּירֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם

H3389

in Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

#10

וַיֵּ֙לֶךְ֙

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#11

בְּלֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#12

חֶמְדָּ֔ה

H2532

without being desired

delight

#13

וַֽיִּקְבְּרֻ֙הוּ֙

H6912

Howbeit they buried

to inter

#14

בְּעִ֣יר

H5892

him in the city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

#15

דָּוִ֔יד

H1732

of David

david, the youngest son of jesse

#16

וְלֹ֖א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#17

בְּקִבְר֥וֹת

H6913

but not in the sepulchres

a sepulcher

#18

הַמְּלָכִֽים׃

H4428

of the kings

a king

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to 2 Chronicles. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of kingdom of God 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 kingdom of God 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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address the apparent delay of Christ's return and God's justice, and how should the church respond?
What practical applications emerge from understanding kingdom of God as presented in this verse, particularly in light of providing hope in times of political and social upheaval?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from earthly theocracy through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?