2 Chronicles 23:4

Authorized King James Version

This is the thing that ye shall do; A third part of you entering on the sabbath, of the priests and of the Levites, shall be porters of the doors;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
זֶ֥ה
H2088
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#2
הַדָּבָ֖ר
H1697
This is the thing
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#3
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#4
תַּֽעֲשׂ֑וּ
H6213
that ye shall do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#5
הַשְּׁלִשִׁ֨ית
H7992
A third part
third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)
#6
מִכֶּ֜ם
H4480
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#7
בָּאֵ֣י
H935
of you entering
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#8
הַשַּׁבָּ֗ת
H7676
on the sabbath
intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath
#9
לַכֹּֽהֲנִים֙
H3548
of the priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#10
וְלַלְוִיִּ֔ם
H3881
and of the Levites
a levite or descendant of levi
#11
לְשֹֽׁעֲרֵ֖י
H7778
shall be porters
a janitor
#12
הַסִּפִּֽים׃
H5592
of the doors
a vestibule (as a limit); also a dish (for holding blood or wine)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Chronicles, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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