2 Chronicles 31:18

Authorized King James Version

And to the genealogy of all their little ones, their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, through all the congregation: for in their set office they sanctified themselves in holiness:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּלְהִתְיַחֵ֗שׂ
H3187
And to the genealogy
to enroll by pedigree
#2
בְּכָל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#3
טַפָּ֧ם
H2945
of all their little ones
a family (mostly used collectively in the singular)
#4
נְשֵׁיהֶ֛ם
H802
their wives
a woman
#5
וּבְנֵיהֶ֥ם
H1121
and their 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
#6
וּבְנֽוֹתֵיהֶ֖ם
H1323
and their daughters
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#7
לְכָל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#8
קָהָ֑ל
H6951
through all the congregation
assemblage (usually concretely)
#9
כִּ֥י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#10
בֶאֱמֽוּנָתָ֖ם
H530
for in their set office
literally firmness; figuratively security; morally fidelity
#11
יִתְקַדְּשׁוּ
H6942
they sanctified
to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)
#12
קֹֽדֶשׁ׃
H6944
themselves in holiness
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing holiness contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 holiness in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection