2 Chronicles 6:20

Authorized King James Version

That thine eyes may be open upon this house day and night, upon the place whereof thou hast said that thou wouldest put thy name there; to hearken unto the prayer which thy servant prayeth toward this place.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לִֽהְיוֹת֩
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
עֵינֶ֨יךָ
H5869
That thine eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#3
פְתֻח֜וֹת
H6605
may be open
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
#4
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#5
הַבַּ֤יִת
H1004
upon this house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#6
הַזֶּה֙
H2088
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#7
יוֹמָ֣ם
H3119
day
daily
#8
וָלַ֔יְלָה
H3915
and night
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
#9
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#10
הַמָּק֖וֹם
H4725
toward this place
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
#11
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#12
אָמַ֔רְתָּ
H559
whereof thou hast said
to say (used with great latitude)
#13
לָשׂ֥וּם
H7760
that thou wouldest put
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#14
שִׁמְךָ֖
H8034
thy name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#15
שָׁ֑ם
H8033
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#16
לִשְׁמ֙וֹעַ֙
H8085
there to hearken
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#17
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#18
הַתְּפִלָּ֔ה
H8605
unto the prayer
intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn
#19
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#20
יִתְפַּלֵּ֣ל
H6419
prayeth
to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray
#21
עַבְדְּךָ֔
H5650
which thy servant
a servant
#22
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#23
הַמָּק֖וֹם
H4725
toward this place
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
#24
הַזֶּֽה׃
H2088
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

Analysis

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

Questions for Reflection