2 Chronicles 6:16

Authorized King James Version

Now therefore, O LORD God of Israel, keep with thy servant David my father that which thou hast promised him, saying, There shall not fail thee a man in my sight to sit upon the throne of Israel; yet so that thy children take heed to their way to walk in my law, as thou hast walked before me.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְעַתָּ֞ה
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#2
יְהוָ֣ה׀
Now therefore O LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
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
#4
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#5
יִשְׁמְר֨וּ
keep
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#6
לְעַבְדְּךָ֙
with thy servant
a servant
#7
דָוִ֤יד
David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#8
אָבִי֙
H1
my father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#9
אֵת֩
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#11
דִּבַּ֤רְתָּ
that which thou hast promised
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#12
לּוֹ֙
H0
#13
לֵאמֹ֔ר
him saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#14
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#15
יִכָּרֵ֨ת
There shall not fail
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
#16
לְךָ֥
H0
#17
אִישׁ֙
thee a man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#18
לְפָנָֽי׃
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
#19
יוֹשֵׁ֖ב
to sit
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#20
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#21
כִּסֵּ֣א
upon the throne
properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)
#22
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#23
רַ֠ק
yet so
properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although
#24
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#25
יִשְׁמְר֨וּ
keep
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#26
בָנֶ֜יךָ
that thy children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#27
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#28
דַּרְכָּ֗ם
to their way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#29
הָלַ֖כְתָּ
as thou hast walked
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#30
בְּת֣וֹרָתִ֔י
in my law
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
#31
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#32
הָלַ֖כְתָּ
as thou hast walked
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#33
לְפָנָֽי׃
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

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Chronicles, this passage highlights covenant through simile or metaphorical language. 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 covenant 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