2 Chronicles 6:23

Authorized King James Version

Then hear thou from heaven, and do, and judge thy servants, by requiting the wicked, by recompensing his way upon his own head; and by justifying the righteous, by giving him according to his righteousness.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאַתָּ֣ה׀

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

תִּשְׁמַ֣ע

H8085

Then hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

מִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַשָּׁמַ֗יִם

H8064

thou from 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

וְעָשִׂ֙יתָ֙

H6213

and do

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

וְשָֽׁפַטְתָּ֣

H8199

and judge

to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עֲבָדֶ֔יךָ

H5650

thy servants

a servant

לְהָשִׁ֣יב

H7725

by requiting

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

#10

לְרָשָׁ֔ע

H7563

the wicked

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

#11

לָ֥תֶת

H5414

by giving

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#12

דַּרְכּ֖וֹ

H1870

his way

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

#13

בְּרֹאשׁ֑וֹ

H7218

upon his own head

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

#14

וּלְהַצְדִּ֣יק

H6663

and by justifying

to be (causatively, make) right (in a moral or forensic sense)

#15

צַדִּ֔יק

H6662

the righteous

just

#16

לָ֥תֶת

H5414

by giving

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#17

ל֖וֹ

#18

כְּצִדְקָתֽוֹ׃

H6666

him according to his righteousness

rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Chronicles. The concept of righteousness 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

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 righteousness in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on righteousness address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding righteousness in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?