2 Chronicles 32:18

Authorized King James Version

Then they cried with a loud voice in the Jews' speech unto the people of Jerusalem that were on the wall, to affright them, and to trouble them; that they might take the city.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּקְרְא֨וּ
H7121
Then they cried
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#2
בְקוֹל
H6963
voice
a voice or sound
#3
גָּד֜וֹל
H1419
with a loud
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#4
יְהוּדִ֗ית
H3066
in the Jews' speech
the jewish (used adverbially) language
#5
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
עַ֤ם
H5971
unto the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#7
יְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֙ם֙
H3389
of Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
#8
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#9
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
הַֽחוֹמָ֔ה
H2346
that were on the wall
a wall of protection
#11
לְיָֽרְאָ֖ם
H3372
to affright
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
#12
וּֽלְבַהֲלָ֑ם
H926
them and to trouble
to tremble inwardly (or palpitate), i.e., (figuratively) be (causative, make) (suddenly) alarmed or agitated; by implication to hasten anxiously
#13
לְמַ֖עַן
H4616
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
#14
יִלְכְּד֥וּ
H3920
them that they might take
to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere
#15
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#16
הָעִֽיר׃
H5892
the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Chronicles, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection