2 Chronicles 29:34

Authorized King James Version

But the priests were too few, so that they could not flay all the burnt offerings: wherefore their brethren the Levites did help them, till the work was ended, and until the other priests had sanctified themselves: for the Levites were more upright in heart to sanctify themselves than the priests.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
רַ֤ק
H7535
properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although
#2
מֵהַכֹּֽהֲנִֽים׃
H3548
But the priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#3
הָי֣וּ
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#4
לִמְעָ֔ט
H4592
were too few
a little or few (often adverbial or comparative)
#5
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#6
יָֽכְל֔וּ
H3201
so that they could
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
#7
לְהַפְשִׁ֖יט
H6584
not flay
to spread out (i.e., deploy in hostile array); by analogy, to strip (i.e., unclothe, plunder, flay, etc.)
#8
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#10
הָֽעֹל֑וֹת
H5930
all the burnt offerings
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
#11
וַֽיְחַזְּק֞וּם
H2388
did help
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
#12
אֲחֵיהֶ֣ם
H251
wherefore their brethren
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#13
הַלְוִיִּם֙
H3881
the Levites
a levite or descendant of levi
#14
עַד
H5704
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#15
כְּל֤וֹת
H3615
was ended
to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
#16
הַמְּלָאכָה֙
H4399
them till the work
properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)
#17
וְעַ֣ד
H5704
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#18
לְהִתְקַדֵּ֖שׁ
H6942
had sanctified
to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)
#19
מֵהַכֹּֽהֲנִֽים׃
H3548
But the priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#20
כִּ֤י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#21
הַלְוִיִּם֙
H3881
the Levites
a levite or descendant of levi
#22
יִשְׁרֵ֣י
H3477
were more upright
straight (literally or figuratively)
#23
לֵבָ֔ב
H3824
in heart
the heart (as the most interior organ)
#24
לְהִתְקַדֵּ֖שׁ
H6942
had sanctified
to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)
#25
מֵהַכֹּֽהֲנִֽים׃
H3548
But the priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

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