2 Chronicles 33:6

Authorized King James Version

And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהוּא֩
H1931
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
#2
הֶֽעֱבִ֨יר
H5674
And he caused
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#3
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
בֶן
H1121
his children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#5
בָּאֵשׁ֙
H784
the fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#6
בְּגֵ֣י
H1516
in the valley
a gorge (from its lofty sides; hence, narrow, but not a gully or winter-torrent)
#7
בֶן
H1121
his children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#8
הִנֹּ֔ם
H2011
of Hinnom
hinnom, apparently a jebusite
#9
וְעוֹנֵ֤ן
H6049
also he observed times
figuratively, to act covertly, i.e., practise magic
#10
וְנִחֵשׁ֙
H5172
and used enchantments
properly, to hiss, i.e., whisper a (magic) spell; generally, to prognosticate
#11
וְֽכִשֵּׁ֔ף
H3784
and used witchcraft
properly, to whisper a spell, i.e., to inchant or practise magic
#12
לַֽעֲשׂ֥וֹת
H6213
and dealt
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#13
א֖וֹב
H178
with a familiar spirit
properly, a mumble, i.e., a water-skin (from its hollow sound); hence a necromancer (ventriloquist, as from a jar)
#14
וְיִדְּעוֹנִ֑י
H3049
and with wizards
properly, a knowing one; specifically, a conjurer; (by impl) a ghost
#15
הִרְבָּ֗ה
H7235
much
to increase (in whatever respect)
#16
לַֽעֲשׂ֥וֹת
H6213
and dealt
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#17
הָרַ֛ע
H7451
evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#18
בְּעֵינֵ֥י
H5869
in the sight
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#19
יְהוָ֖ה
H3068
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#20
לְהַכְעִיסֽוֹ׃
H3707
to provoke him to anger
to trouble; by implication, to grieve, rage, be indignant

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Chronicles, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

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