2 Chronicles 36:14

Authorized King James Version

Moreover all the chief of the priests, and the people, transgressed very much after all the abominations of the heathen; and polluted the house of the LORD which he had hallowed in Jerusalem.

Word-by-Word Analysis

גַּ֠ם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

כָּל

H3605

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

שָׂרֵ֨י

H8269

Moreover all the chief

a head person (of any rank or class)

הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֤ים

H3548

of the priests

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

וְהָעָם֙

H5971

and the people

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

הִרְבּ֣וּ

H7235

much

to increase (in whatever respect)

לִמְעָול

H4603

transgressed

properly, to cover up; used only figuratively, to act covertly, i.e., treacherously

מַ֔עַל

H4604

very

treachery, i.e., sin

כְּכֹ֖ל

H3605

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

#10

תֹּֽעֲב֣וֹת

H8441

after all the abominations

properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol

#11

הַגּוֹיִ֑ם

H1471

of the heathen

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

#12

וַֽיְטַמְּאוּ֙

H2930

and polluted

to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)

#13

אֶת

H853

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

#14

בֵּ֣ית

H1004

the house

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

#15

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

#16

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#17

הִקְדִּ֖ישׁ

H6942

which he had hallowed

to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

#18

בִּירֽוּשָׁלִָֽם׃

H3389

in Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

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

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?