2 Chronicles 6:34

Authorized King James Version

If thy people go out to war against their enemies by the way that thou shalt send them, and they pray unto thee toward this city which thou hast chosen, and the house which I have built for thy name;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּֽי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
יֵצֵ֨א
H3318
go out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#3
עַמְּךָ֤
H5971
If thy people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#4
לַמִּלְחָמָה֙
H4421
to war
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
#5
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
אֹ֣יְבָ֔יו
H341
against their enemies
hating; an adversary
#7
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
H1870
by the way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#8
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#9
תִּשְׁלָחֵ֑ם
H7971
that thou shalt send
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#10
וְהִתְפַּֽלְל֣וּ
H6419
them and they pray
to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray
#11
אֵלֶ֗יךָ
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#12
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
H1870
by the way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#13
הָעִ֤יר
H5892
this city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#14
הַזֹּאת֙
H2063
this (often used adverb)
#15
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#16
בָּחַ֣רְתָּ
H977
which thou hast chosen
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select
#17
בָּ֔הּ
H0
#18
וְהַבַּ֖יִת
H1004
and the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#19
אֲשֶׁר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#20
בָּנִ֥יתִי
H1129
which I have built
to build (literally and figuratively)
#21
לִשְׁמֶֽךָ׃
H8034
for thy name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

Analysis

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection