2 Chronicles 26:18

Authorized King James Version

And they withstood Uzziah the king, and said unto him, It appertaineth not unto thee, Uzziah, to burn incense unto the LORD, but to the priests the sons of Aaron, that are consecrated to burn incense: go out of the sanctuary; for thou hast trespassed; neither shall it be for thine honour from the LORD God.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּֽעַמְד֞וּ

H5975

And they withstood

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

עַל

H5921

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

עֻזִּיָּ֗הוּ

H5818

Uzziah

uzzijah, the name of five israelites

הַמֶּ֗לֶךְ

H4428

the king

a king

וַיֹּ֤אמְרוּ

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

לוֹ֙

לֹֽא

H3808

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

לְךָ֣

עֻזִּיָּ֗הוּ

H5818

Uzziah

uzzijah, the name of five israelites

#10

לְהַקְטִ֑יר

H6999

to burn incense

to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)

#11

מֵֽיְהוָ֥ה

H3068

from the LORD

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

#12

כִּ֣י

H3588

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

#13

לַכֹּֽהֲנִ֧ים

H3548

but to the priests

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

#14

בְּנֵֽי

H1121

the sons

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

#15

אַהֲרֹ֛ן

H175

of Aaron

aharon, the brother of moses

#16

הַמְקֻדָּשִׁ֖ים

H6942

that are consecrated

to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

#17

לְהַקְטִ֑יר

H6999

to burn incense

to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)

#18

צֵ֤א

H3318

go out

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

#19

מִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#20

הַמִּקְדָּשׁ֙

H4720

of the sanctuary

a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum

#21

כִּ֣י

H3588

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

#22

מָעַ֔לְתָּ

H4603

for thou hast trespassed

properly, to cover up; used only figuratively, to act covertly, i.e., treacherously

#23

וְלֹֽא

H3808

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

#24

לְךָ֥

#25

לְכָב֖וֹד

H3519

neither shall it be for thine honour

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

#26

מֵֽיְהוָ֥ה

H3068

from the LORD

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

#27

אֱלֹהִֽים׃

H430

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

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

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

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?
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?