2 Chronicles 6:18

Authorized King James Version

But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth? behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house which I have built!

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֚י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
הַֽאֻמְנָ֔ם
H552
in very deed
truly
#3
יֵשֵׁ֧ב
H3427
dwell
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#4
אֱלֹהִ֛ים
H430
But will 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
#5
אֶת
H854
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#6
הָֽאָדָ֖ם
H120
with men
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#7
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
הָאָ֑רֶץ
H776
on the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#9
הִ֠נֵּה
H2009
lo!
#10
הַשָּׁמַ֙יִם֙
H8064
and 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
#11
הַשָּׁמַ֙יִם֙
H8064
and 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
#12
הַשָּׁמַ֙יִם֙
H8064
and 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
#13
לֹ֣א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#14
יְכַלְכְּל֔וּךָ
H3557
cannot contain
properly, to keep in; hence, to measure; figuratively, to maintain (in various senses)
#15
אַ֕ף
H637
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
#16
כִּֽי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#17
הַבַּ֥יִת
H1004
thee how much less this house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#18
הַזֶּ֖ה
H2088
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#19
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#20
בָּנִֽיתִי׃
H1129
which I have built
to build (literally and figuratively)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection