2 Chronicles 26:15

Authorized King James Version

And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers and upon the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones withal. And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּ֣עַשׂ׀
H6213
And he made
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#2
בִּירֽוּשָׁלִַ֨ם
H3389
in Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
#3
חִשְּׁבֹנ֜וֹת
H2810
engines
a contrivance, i.e., actual (a warlike machine) or mental (a machination)
#4
מַֽחֲשֶׁ֣בֶת
H4284
invented
a contrivance, i.e., (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice)
#5
חוֹשֵׁ֗ב
H2803
by cunning men
properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou
#6
לִֽהְי֤וֹת
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#7
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
הַמִּגְדָּלִים֙
H4026
to be on the towers
a tower (from its size or height); by analogy, a rostrum; figuratively, a (pyramidal) bed of flowers
#9
וְעַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
הַפִּנּ֔וֹת
H6438
and upon the bulwarks
an angle; by implication, a pinnacle; figuratively, a chieftain
#11
לִירוֹא֙
H3384
to shoot
properly, to flow as water (i.e., to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e., to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by
#12
בַּֽחִצִּ֔ים
H2671
arrows
properly, a piercer, i.e., an arrow; by implication, a wound; figuratively, (of god) thunder-bolt; the shaft of a spear
#13
וּבָֽאֲבָנִ֖ים
H68
stones
a stone
#14
גְּדֹל֑וֹת
H1419
and great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#15
וַיֵּצֵ֤א
H3318
spread
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#16
שְׁמוֹ֙
H8034
withal And his name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#17
עַד
H5704
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#18
לְמֵ֣רָח֔וֹק
H7350
far abroad
remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)
#19
כִּֽי
H3588
till
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#20
הִפְלִ֥יא
H6381
for he was marvellously
properly, perhaps to separate, i.e., distinguish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to be (causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful
#21
לְהֵֽעָזֵ֖ר
H5826
helped
to surround, i.e., protect or aid
#22
עַ֥ד
H5704
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#23
כִּֽי
H3588
till
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#24
חָזָֽק׃
H2388
he was strong
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Chronicles, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection