2 Chronicles 31:17

Authorized King James Version

Both to the genealogy of the priests by the house of their fathers, and the Levites from twenty years old and upward, in their charges by their courses;

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאֵ֨ת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הִתְיַחֵ֤שׂ

H3187

Both to the genealogy

to enroll by pedigree

הַכֹּֽהֲנִים֙

H3548

of the priests

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

לְבֵ֣ית

H1004

by the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אֲבֽוֹתֵיהֶ֔ם

of their fathers

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וְהַ֨לְוִיִּ֔ם

H3881

and the Levites

a levite or descendant of levi

מִבֶּ֛ן

H1121

old

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

עֶשְׂרִ֥ים

H6242

from twenty

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

שָׁנָ֖ה

H8141

years

a year (as a revolution of time)

#10

וּלְמָ֑עְלָה

H4605

and upward

properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc

#11

בְּמִשְׁמְרֽוֹתֵיהֶ֖ם

H4931

in their charges

watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (

#12

בְּמַחְלְקֽוֹתֵיהֶֽם׃

H4256

by their courses

a section (of levites, people or soldiers)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Chronicles, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
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?
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?