2 Chronicles 34:30

Authorized King James Version

And the king went up into the house of the LORD, and all the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the priests, and the Levites, and all the people, great and small: and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant that was found in the house of the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּ֣עַל

H5927

went up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ

H4428

And the king

a king

בֵּ֥ית

H1004

in the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וְכָל

H3605

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

אִ֨ישׁ

H376

and all the men

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

יְהוּדָ֜ה

H3063

of Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

וְיֹֽשְׁבֵ֣י

H3427

and the inhabitants

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

יְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֗ם

H3389

of Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

#10

וְהַכֹּֽהֲנִים֙

H3548

and the priests

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

#11

וְהַלְוִיִּ֔ם

H3881

and the Levites

a levite or descendant of levi

#12

וְכָל

H3605

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

#13

הָעָ֖ם

H5971

and all the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#14

מִגָּד֣וֹל

H1419

great

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

#15

וְעַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#16

קָטָ֑ן

H6996

and small

abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)

#17

וַיִּקְרָ֣א

H7121

and he read

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

#18

בְאָזְנֵיהֶ֗ם

H241

in their ears

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

#19

אֶת

H853

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

#20

כָּל

H3605

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

#21

דִּבְרֵי֙

H1697

all the words

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#22

סֵ֣פֶר

H5612

of the book

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

#23

הַבְּרִ֔ית

H1285

of the covenant

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

#24

הַנִּמְצָ֖א

H4672

that was found

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

#25

בֵּ֥ית

H1004

in the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#26

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Chronicles, this passage highlights covenant through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of covenant connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant, 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 covenant particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show treaty language and adoption practices from the ancient world, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within 2 Chronicles chapter 34 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding covenant in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about covenant?
How might the original audience's understanding of covenant differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?