2 Chronicles 34:25

Authorized King James Version

Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be poured out upon this place, and shall not be quenched.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
תַּ֣חַת׀
H8478
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#2
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#3
עֲזָב֗וּנִי
H5800
Because they have forsaken
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
#4
וַֽיְקַטְּירוּ֙
H6999
me and have burned incense
to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)
#5
לֵֽאלֹהִ֣ים
H430
gods
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#6
אֲחֵרִ֔ים
H312
unto other
properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc
#7
לְמַ֙עַן֙
H4616
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
#8
הַכְעִיסֵ֔נִי
H3707
that they might provoke me to anger
to trouble; by implication, to grieve, rage, be indignant
#9
בְּכֹ֖ל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#10
מַֽעֲשֵׂ֣י
H4639
with all the works
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
#11
יְדֵיהֶ֑ם
H3027
of their hands
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#12
וְתִתַּ֧ךְ
H5413
shall be poured out
to flow forth (literally or figuratively); by implication, to liquify
#13
חֲמָתִ֛י
H2534
therefore my wrath
heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)
#14
בַּמָּק֥וֹם
H4725
upon this place
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
#15
הַזֶּ֖ה
H2088
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#16
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#17
תִכְבֶּֽה׃
H3518
and shall not be quenched
to expire or (causatively) to extinguish (fire, light, anger)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Chronicles, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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