2 Chronicles 36:13

Authorized King James Version

And he also rebelled against king Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God: but he stiffened his neck, and hardened his heart from turning unto the LORD God of Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְ֠גַם
H1571
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#2
בַּמֶּ֤לֶךְ
H4428
against king
a king
#3
נְבֽוּכַדְנֶאצַּר֙
H5019
Nebuchadnezzar
nebukadnetstsar (or nebukadretsts(-ar, or)), king of babylon
#4
מָרָ֔ד
H4775
And he also rebelled
to rebel
#5
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#6
הִשְׁבִּיע֖וֹ
H7650
who had made him swear
to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
#7
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
H430
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
#8
וַיֶּ֤קֶשׁ
H7185
but he stiffened
properly, to be dense, i.e., tough or severe (in various applications)
#9
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
עָרְפּוֹ֙
H6203
his neck
the nape or back of the neck (as declining); hence, the back generally (whether literal or figurative)
#11
וַיְאַמֵּ֣ץ
H553
and hardened
to be alert, physically (on foot) or mentally (in courage)
#12
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
לְבָב֔וֹ
H3824
his heart
the heart (as the most interior organ)
#14
מִשּׁ֕וּב
H7725
from turning
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#15
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#16
יְהוָ֖ה
H3068
unto the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#17
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
H430
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
#18
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
H3478
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Chronicles. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 2 Chronicles Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection