2 Chronicles 23:7

Authorized King James Version

And the Levites shall compass the king round about, every man with his weapons in his hand; and whosoever else cometh into the house, he shall be put to death: but be ye with the king when he cometh in, and when he goeth out.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהִקִּיפוּ֩

H5362

shall compass

to strike with more or less violence (beat, fell, corrode); by implication (of attack) to knock together, i.e., surround or circulate

הַלְוִיִּ֨ם

H3881

And the Levites

a levite or descendant of levi

אֶת

H853

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

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ

H4428

but be ye with the king

a king

סָבִ֗יב

H5439

round about

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

אִ֚ישׁ

H376

every man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

וְכֵלָ֣יו

H3627

with his weapons

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

בְּיָד֔וֹ

H3027

in his hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

בְּבֹא֥וֹ

H935

and whosoever else cometh

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#10

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#11

הַבַּ֖יִת

H1004

into the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#12

יוּמָ֑ת

H4191

he shall be put to death

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

#13

וִֽהְי֥וּ

H1961

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

#14

אֶת

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#15

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ

H4428

but be ye with the king

a king

#16

בְּבֹא֥וֹ

H935

and whosoever else cometh

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#17

וּבְצֵאתֽוֹ׃

H3318

and when he goeth out

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within 2 Chronicles chapter 23 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?