2 Chronicles 32:12

Authorized King James Version

Hath not the same Hezekiah taken away his high places and his altars, and commanded Judah and Jerusalem, saying, Ye shall worship before one altar, and burn incense upon it?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הֲלֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
הוּא֙
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#3
יְחִזְקִיָּ֔הוּ
Hath not the same Hezekiah
jechizkijah, the name of five israelites
#4
הֵסִ֥יר
taken away
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
#5
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
בָּֽמֹתָ֖יו
his high places
an elevation
#7
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
מִזְבֵּ֧חַ
altar
an altar
#9
לֵאמֹ֔ר
and commanded
to say (used with great latitude)
#10
לִֽיהוּדָ֤ה
Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#11
וְלִירֽוּשָׁלִַ֙ם֙
and Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
#12
לֵאמֹ֔ר
and commanded
to say (used with great latitude)
#13
לִפְנֵ֨י
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#14
מִזְבֵּ֧חַ
altar
an altar
#15
אֶחָ֛ד
one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#16
תִּֽשְׁתַּחֲו֖וּ
Ye shall worship
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
#17
וְעָלָ֥יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#18
תַּקְטִֽירוּ׃
and burn incense
to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Chronicles, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection