2 Chronicles 5:11

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place: (for all the priests that were present were sanctified, and did not then wait by course:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִ֕י
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
בְּצֵ֥את
H3318
were come out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#3
הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֤ים
H3548
And it came to pass when the priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#4
מִן
H4480
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#5
הַקֹּ֑דֶשׁ
H6944
of the holy
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
#6
כִּ֠י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#7
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#8
הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֤ים
H3548
And it came to pass when the priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#9
הַֽנִּמְצְאִים֙
H4672
that were present
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
#10
הִתְקַדָּ֔שׁוּ
H6942
were sanctified
to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)
#11
אֵ֖ין
H369
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#12
לִשְׁמ֥וֹר
H8104
and did not then wait
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#13
לְמַחְלְקֽוֹת׃
H4256
by course
a section (of levites, people or soldiers)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Chronicles, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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