2 Chronicles 6:26

Authorized King James Version

When the heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against thee; yet if they pray toward this place, and confess thy name, and turn from their sin, when thou dost afflict them;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בְּהֵֽעָצֵ֧ר
H6113
is shut up
to inclose; by analogy, to hold back; also to maintain, rule, assemble
#2
הַשָּׁמַ֛יִם
H8064
When 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
#3
וְלֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#4
יִהְיֶ֥ה
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#5
מָטָ֖ר
H4306
and there is no rain
rain
#6
כִּ֣י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#7
יֶֽחֶטְאוּ
H2398
because they have sinned
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
#8
לָ֑ךְ
H0
#9
וְהִֽתְפַּֽלְל֞וּ
H6419
against thee yet if they pray
to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray
#10
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#11
הַמָּק֤וֹם
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)
#12
הַזֶּה֙
H2088
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#13
וְהוֹד֣וּ
H3034
and confess
physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha
#14
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
שְׁמֶ֔ךָ
H8034
thy name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#16
מֵֽחַטָּאתָ֥ם
H2403
from their sin
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
#17
יְשׁוּב֖וּן
H7725
and turn
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#18
כִּ֥י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#19
תַֽעֲנֵֽם׃
H6031
when thou dost afflict
to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)

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 revelation 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection