2 Chronicles 33:3

Authorized King James Version

For he built again the high places which Hezekiah his father had broken down, and he reared up altars for Baalim, and made groves, and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיָּ֗שָׁב

H7725

again

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

וַיִּ֙בֶן֙

H1129

For he built

to build (literally and figuratively)

אֶת

H853

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

הַבָּמ֔וֹת

H1116

the high places

an elevation

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

נִתַּ֖ץ

H5422

had broken down

to tear down

יְחִזְקִיָּ֣הוּ

H3169

which Hezekiah

jechizkijah, the name of five israelites

אָבִ֑יו

his father

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

וַיָּ֨קֶם

H6965

and he reared up

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

#10

מִזְבְּח֤וֹת

H4196

altars

an altar

#11

לַבְּעָלִים֙

H1168

for Baalim

baal, a phoenician deity

#12

וַיַּ֣עַשׂ

H6213

and made

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#13

אֲשֵׁר֔וֹת

H842

groves

asherah (or astarte) a phoenician goddess; also an image of the same

#14

וַיִּשְׁתַּ֙חוּ֙

H7812

and worshipped

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

#15

לְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#16

צְבָ֣א

H6635

all the host

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

#17

הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם

H8064

of heaven

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

#18

וַֽיַּעֲבֹ֖ד

H5647

and served

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

#19

אֹתָֽם׃

H853

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

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

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 33 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?