2 Chronicles 34:18

Authorized King James Version

Then Shaphan the scribe told the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath given me a book. And Shaphan read it before the king.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּגֵּ֞ד
told
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
#2
שָׁפָ֖ן
And Shaphan
a species of rock-rabbit (from its hiding), i.e., probably the hyrax
#3
הַסּוֹפֵר֙
the scribe
properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra
#4
הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃
the king
a king
#5
לֵאמֹ֔ר
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#6
סֵ֚פֶר
me a book
properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book
#7
נָ֣תַן
hath given
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#8
לִ֔י
H0
#9
חִלְקִיָּ֖הוּ
Hilkiah
chilhijah, the name of eight israelites
#10
הַכֹּהֵ֑ן
the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#11
וַיִּקְרָא
read
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#12
ב֥וֹ
H0
#13
שָׁפָ֖ן
And Shaphan
a species of rock-rabbit (from its hiding), i.e., probably the hyrax
#14
לִפְנֵ֥י
it 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
#15
הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃
the king
a king

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Chronicles. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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