2 Chronicles 26:16

Authorized King James Version

But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּכְחֶזְקָת֗וֹ
But when he was strong
prevailing power
#2
גָּבַ֤הּ
was lifted up
to soar, i.e., be lofty; figuratively, to be haughty
#3
לִבּוֹ֙
his heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#4
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#5
לְהַשְׁחִ֔ית
to his destruction
to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)
#6
וַיִּמְעַ֖ל
for he transgressed
properly, to cover up; used only figuratively, to act covertly, i.e., treacherously
#7
יְהוָ֔ה
against the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#8
אֱלֹהָ֑יו
his God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#9
וַיָּבֹא֙
and went
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#10
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#11
הֵיכַ֣ל
into the temple
a large public building, such as a palace or temple
#12
יְהוָ֔ה
against the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#13
לְהַקְטִ֖יר
to burn incense
to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)
#14
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#15
מִזְבַּ֥ח
upon the altar
an altar
#16
הַקְּטֹֽרֶת׃
of incense
a fumigation

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Chronicles. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection