2 Chronicles 21:4

Authorized King James Version

Now when Jehoram was risen up to the kingdom of his father, he strengthened himself, and slew all his brethren with the sword, and divers also of the princes of Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיָּ֨קָם

H6965

was risen up

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

יְהוֹרָ֜ם

H3088

Now when Jehoram

jehoram, the name of a syrian and of three israelites

עַל

H5921

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

מַמְלֶ֤כַת

H4467

to the kingdom

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

אָבִיו֙

of his father

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

וַיִּתְחַזַּ֔ק

H2388

he strengthened

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

וַיַּֽהֲרֹ֥ג

H2026

himself and slew

to smite with deadly intent

אֶת

H853

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

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#10

אֶחָ֖יו

H251

all his brethren

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

#11

בֶּחָ֑רֶב

H2719

with the sword

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

#12

וְגַ֖ם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

#13

מִשָּׂרֵ֥י

H8269

and divers also of the princes

a head person (of any rank or class)

#14

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to 2 Chronicles. The concept of kingdom 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

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

How does this verse's literary context within 2 Chronicles chapter 21 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?
How does the kingdom of God theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?