2 Chronicles 5:14

Authorized King James Version

So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
יָכְל֧וּ
H3201
could
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
#3
הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֛ים
H3548
So that the priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#4
לַֽעֲמ֥וֹד
H5975
not stand
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#5
לְשָׁרֵ֖ת
H8334
to minister
to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to
#6
מִפְּנֵ֣י
H6440
by reason
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#7
הֶֽעָנָ֑ן
H6051
of the cloud
a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e., the nimbus or thunder-cloud
#8
כִּֽי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#9
מָלֵ֥א
H4390
had filled
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
#10
כְבוֹד
H3519
for the glory
properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness
#11
יְהוָ֖ה
H3068
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#12
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
בֵּ֥ית
H1004
the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#14
הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃
H430
of 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

Analysis

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

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 glory in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection