2 Chronicles 31:15

Authorized King James Version

And next him were Eden, and Miniamin, and Jeshua, and Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah, in the cities of the priests, in their set office, to give to their brethren by courses, as well to the great as to the small:

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְעַל

H5921

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

יָד֡וֹ

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

עֵ֣דֶן

H5731

And next him were Eden

eden, the region of adam's home

וּ֠מִנְיָמִן

H4509

and Miniamin

minjamin, the name of two israelites

וְיֵשׁ֨וּעַ

H3442

and Jeshua

jeshua, the name of ten israelites, also of a place in palestine

וּֽשְׁמַעְיָ֜הוּ

H8098

and Shemaiah

shemajah, the name of twenty-five israelites

אֲמַרְיָ֧הוּ

H568

Amariah

amarjah, the name of nine israelites

וּשְׁכַנְיָ֛הוּ

H7935

and Shecaniah

shekanjah, the name of nine israelites

בְּעָרֵ֥י

H5892

in the cities

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

#10

הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֖ים

H3548

of the priests

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

#11

בֶּֽאֱמוּנָ֑ה

H530

in their set office

literally firmness; figuratively security; morally fidelity

#12

לָתֵ֤ת

H5414

to give

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#13

לַֽאֲחֵיהֶם֙

H251

to their brethren

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

#14

בְּמַחְלְק֔וֹת

H4256

courses

a section (of levites, people or soldiers)

#15

כַּגָּד֖וֹל

H1419

as well to the great

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

#16

כַּקָּטָֽן׃

H6996

as to the small

abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)

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

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 this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?
How does this verse's literary context within 2 Chronicles chapter 31 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?