2 Chronicles 26:10

Authorized King James Version

Also he built towers in the desert, and digged many wells: for he had much cattle, both in the low country, and in the plains: husbandmen also, and vine dressers in the mountains, and in Carmel: for he loved husbandry.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּ֨בֶן

H1129

Also he built

to build (literally and figuratively)

מִגְדָּלִ֜ים

H4026

towers

a tower (from its size or height); by analogy, a rostrum; figuratively, a (pyramidal) bed of flowers

בַּמִּדְבָּ֗ר

H4057

in the desert

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

וַיַּחְצֹב֙

H2672

and digged

to cut or carve (wood, stone or other material); by implication, to hew, split, square, quarry, engrave

בֹּר֣וֹת

H953

wells

a pit hole (especially one used as a cistern or a prison)

רַּב֙

H7227

for he had much

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

כִּ֤י

H3588

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

מִקְנֶה

H4735

cattle

something bought, i.e., property, but only live stock; abstractly, acquisition

רַּב֙

H7227

for he had much

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

#10

הָ֣יָה

H1961

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

#11

ל֔וֹ

#12

וּבַשְּׁפֵלָ֖ה

H8219

both in the low country

lowland, i.e., (with the article) the maritime slope of palestine

#13

וּבַמִּישׁ֑וֹר

H4334

and in the plains

a level, i.e., a plain (often used (with the article prefix) as a proper name of certain districts); figuratively, concord; also straightness, i.e., (

#14

אִכָּרִ֣ים

H406

husbandmen

a farmer

#15

וְכֹֽרְמִ֗ים

H3755

also and vine dressers

a vinedresser

#16

בֶּֽהָרִים֙

H2022

in the mountains

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

#17

וּבַכַּרְמֶ֔ל

H3760

and in Carmel

karmel, the name of a hill and of a town in palestine

#18

כִּֽי

H3588

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

#19

אֹהֵ֥ב

H157

for he loved

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

#20

אֲדָמָ֖ה

H127

husbandry

soil (from its general redness)

#21

הָיָֽה׃

H1961

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

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Chronicles. The concept of love reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The emotional and relational language employed here is characteristic of biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, emphasizing the personal nature of divine-human relationship. The original language emphasizes agape in Greek contexts or hesed in Hebrew, indicating covenantal loyalty, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 patron-client relationships and family loyalty concepts, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on love address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?
In what ways does understanding love in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?