2 Chronicles 33:4

Authorized King James Version

Also he built altars in the house of the LORD, whereof the LORD had said, In Jerusalem shall my name be for ever.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּבָנָ֥ה
Also he built
to build (literally and figuratively)
#2
מִזְבְּח֖וֹת
altars
an altar
#3
בְּבֵ֣ית
in the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#4
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
אֲשֶׁר֙
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#6
אָמַ֣ר
had said
to say (used with great latitude)
#7
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#8
בִּירֽוּשָׁלִַ֥ם
In Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
#9
יִֽהְיֶה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#10
שְּׁמִ֖י
shall my name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#11
לְעוֹלָֽם׃
be for ever
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Chronicles. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection