2 Chronicles 21:3

Authorized King James Version

And their father gave them great gifts of silver, and of gold, and of precious things, with fenced cities in Judah: but the kingdom gave he to Jehoram; because he was the firstborn.

Word-by-Word Analysis

נָתַ֥ן

H5414

gave

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָהֶ֣ם׀

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

אֲ֠בִיהֶם

And their father

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

מַתָּנ֨וֹת

H4979

gifts

a present; specifically (in a good sense), a sacrificial offering, (in a bad sense) a bribe

רַבּ֜וֹת

H7227

them great

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

לְכֶ֤סֶף

H3701

of silver

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

וּלְזָהָב֙

H2091

and of gold

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

וּלְמִגְדָּנ֔וֹת

H4030

and of precious things

preciousness, i.e., a gem

עִם

H5973

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

#10

עָרֵ֥י

H5892

cities

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

#11

מְצֻר֖וֹת

H4694

with fenced

a hemming in, i.e., (objectively) a mound (of siege), or (subjectively) a rampart (of protection), (abstractly) fortification

#12

בִּֽיהוּדָ֑ה

H3063

in Judah

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

#13

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#14

הַמַּמְלָכָ֛ה

H4467

but the kingdom

dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)

#15

נָתַ֥ן

H5414

gave

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#16

לִֽיהוֹרָ֖ם

H3088

he to Jehoram

jehoram, the name of a syrian and of three israelites

#17

כִּי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#18

ה֥וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

#19

הַבְּכֽוֹר׃

H1060

because he was the firstborn

first-born; hence, chief

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing kingdom relates to eschatology and the ultimate purpose of God's redemptive plan and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

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 kingdom of God 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 kingdom in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on kingdom 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?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of kingdom of God, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of eschatology and the doctrine of last things?