2 Chronicles 25:4

Authorized King James Version

But he slew not their children, but did as it is written in the law in the book of Moses, where the LORD commanded, saying, The fathers shall not die for the children, neither shall the children die for the fathers, but every man shall die for his own sin.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאֶת

H853

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

וּבָנִים֙

H1121

for the children

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

לֹ֣א

H3808

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

יָמֽוּתוּ׃

H4191

But he slew

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

כִּ֣י

H3588

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

כַכָּת֣וּב

H3789

but did as it is written

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

בַּתּוֹרָ֡ה

H8451

in the law

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

בְּסֵ֣פֶר

H5612

in the book

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

מֹשֶׁה֩

H4872

of Moses

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

#10

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#11

צִוָּ֨ה

H6680

commanded

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

#12

יְהוָ֜ה

H3068

where the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#13

לֵאמֹ֗ר

H559

saying

to say (used with great latitude)

#14

לֹֽא

H3808

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

#15

יָמֽוּתוּ׃

H4191

But he slew

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

#16

אָב֔וֹת

The fathers

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

#17

עַל

H5921

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

#18

וּבָנִים֙

H1121

for the children

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

#19

וּבָנִים֙

H1121

for the children

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

#20

לֹֽא

H3808

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

#21

יָמֽוּתוּ׃

H4191

But he slew

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

#22

עַל

H5921

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

#23

אָב֔וֹת

The fathers

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

#24

כִּ֛י

H3588

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

#25

אִ֥ישׁ

H376

but 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)

#26

בְּחֶטְא֖וֹ

H2399

for his own sin

a crime or its penalty

#27

יָמֽוּתוּ׃

H4191

But he slew

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Chronicles, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation 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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?