2 Chronicles 30:27

Authorized King James Version

Then the priests the Levites arose and blessed the people: and their voice was heard, and their prayer came up to his holy dwelling place, even unto heaven.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּקֻ֜מוּ
H6965
arose
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#2
הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֤ים
H3548
Then the priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#3
הַלְוִיִּם֙
H3881
the Levites
a levite or descendant of levi
#4
וַיְבָרֲכ֣וּ
H1288
and blessed
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
#5
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
הָעָ֔ם
H5971
the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#7
וַיִּשָּׁמַ֖ע
H8085
was heard
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#8
בְּקוֹלָ֑ם
H6963
and their voice
a voice or sound
#9
וַתָּב֧וֹא
H935
came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#10
תְפִלָּתָ֛ם
H8605
and their prayer
intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn
#11
לִמְע֥וֹן
H4583
dwelling place
an abode, of god (the tabernacle or the temple), men (their home) or animals (their lair); hence, a retreat (asylum)
#12
קָדְשׁ֖וֹ
H6944
up to his holy
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
#13
לַשָּׁמָֽיִם׃
H8064
even unto heaven
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Chronicles. The concept of covenant community reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection