2 Chronicles 6:38

Authorized King James Version

If they return to thee with all their heart and with all their soul in the land of their captivity, whither they have carried them captives, and pray toward their land, which thou gavest unto their fathers, and toward the city which thou hast chosen, and toward the house which I have built for thy name:

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְשָׁ֣בוּ

H7725

If they return

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

אֵלֶ֗יךָ

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

לִבָּם֙

H3820

to thee with all their heart

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

וּבְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

נַפְשָׁ֔ם

H5315

and with all their soul

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

אַרְצָם֙

H776

in the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

שִׁבְיָ֖ם

H7628

of their captivity

exiled; captured; as noun, exile (abstractly or concretely and collectively); by extension, booty

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#10

שָׁב֣וּ

H7617

whither they have carried them captives

to transport into captivity

#11

אֹתָ֑ם

H853

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

#12

וְהִֽתְפַּֽלְל֗וּ

H6419

and pray

to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray

#13

דֶּ֤רֶךְ

H1870

toward

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

#14

אַרְצָם֙

H776

in the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#15

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#16

נָתַ֣תָּה

H5414

which thou gavest

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

#17

לַֽאֲבוֹתָ֔ם

unto their fathers

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

#18

וְהָעִיר֙

H5892

and toward the city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

#19

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#20

בָּחַ֔רְתָּ

H977

which thou hast chosen

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

#21

וְלַבַּ֖יִת

H1004

and toward the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#22

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#23

בָּנִ֥יתִי

H1129

which I have built

to build (literally and figuratively)

#24

לִשְׁמֶֽךָ׃

H8034

for thy name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

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

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?