2 Chronicles 6:31

Authorized King James Version

That they may fear thee, to walk in thy ways, so long as they live in the land which thou gavest unto our fathers.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לְמַ֣עַן
H4616
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
#2
יִֽירָא֗וּךָ
H3372
That they may fear
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
#3
לָלֶ֙כֶת֙
H1980
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#4
בִּדְרָכֶ֔יךָ
H1870
in thy ways
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#5
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#6
הַ֨יָּמִ֔ים
H3117
so long as
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#7
אֲשֶׁר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#8
הֵ֥ם
H1992
they (only used when emphatic)
#9
חַיִּ֖ים
H2416
they live
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#10
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
פְּנֵ֣י
H6440
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#12
הָֽאֲדָמָ֑ה
H127
in the land
soil (from its general redness)
#13
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#14
נָתַ֖תָּה
H5414
which thou gavest
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#15
לַֽאֲבֹתֵֽינוּ׃
H1
unto our fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

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