2 Chronicles 5:4

Authorized King James Version

And all the elders of Israel came; and the Levites took up the ark.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּבֹ֕אוּ
came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
כֹּ֖ל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#3
זִקְנֵ֣י
And all the elders
old
#4
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#5
וַיִּשְׂא֥וּ
took up
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#6
הַלְוִיִּ֖ם
and the Levites
a levite or descendant of levi
#7
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
הָֽאָרֽוֹן׃
the ark
a box

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Chronicles. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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