2 Chronicles 36:12

Authorized King James Version

And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD his God, and humbled not himself before Jeremiah the prophet speaking from the mouth of the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּ֣עַשׂ
And he did
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#2
הָרַ֔ע
that which was evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#3
בְּעֵינֵ֖י
in the sight
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#4
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
אֱלֹהָ֑יו
his God
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
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
נִכְנַ֗ע
and humbled
properly, to bend the knee; hence, to humiliate, vanquish
#8
מִלִּפְנֵ֛י
not himself 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
#9
יִרְמְיָ֥הוּ
Jeremiah
jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites
#10
הַנָּבִ֖יא
the prophet
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
#11
מִפִּ֥י
speaking from the mouth
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#12
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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