2 Chronicles 6:14

Authorized King James Version

And said, O LORD God of Israel, there is no God like thee in the heaven, nor in the earth; which keepest covenant, and shewest mercy unto thy servants, that walk before thee with all their hearts:

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּאמַ֗ר

H559

And said

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֞ה

H3068

O LORD

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

אֱלֹהִ֔ים

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

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אֵין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

כָּמ֣וֹךָ

H3644

as, thus, so

אֱלֹהִ֔ים

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

בַּשָּׁמַ֖יִם

H8064

like thee in the heaven

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

וּבָאָ֑רֶץ

H776

nor in the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#10

שֹׁמֵ֤ר

H8104

which keepest

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

#11

הַבְּרִית֙

H1285

covenant

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

#12

וְֽהַחֶ֔סֶד

H2617

and shewest mercy

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

#13

לַֽעֲבָדֶ֕יךָ

H5650

unto thy servants

a servant

#14

הַהֹֽלְכִ֥ים

H1980

that walk

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#15

לְפָנֶ֖יךָ

H6440

before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#16

בְּכָל

H3605

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

#17

לִבָּֽם׃

H3820

thee with all their hearts

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Chronicles, this passage highlights covenant through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of covenant connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant, 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood covenant. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of covenant, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of theology of covenant and God's relational commitment?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does this verse's literary context within 2 Chronicles chapter 6 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?