2 Chronicles 6:40

Authorized King James Version

Now, my God, let, I beseech thee, thine eyes be open, and let thine ears be attent unto the prayer that is made in this place.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עַתָּ֣ה
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#2
אֱלֹהַ֗י
Now my God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#3
יִֽהְיוּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#4
נָ֤א
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
#5
עֵינֶ֙יךָ֙
let I beseech thee thine eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#6
פְּתֻח֔וֹת
be open
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
#7
וְאָזְנֶ֖יךָ
and let thine ears
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
#8
קַשֻּׁב֑וֹת
be attent
hearkening
#9
לִתְפִלַּ֖ת
unto the prayer
intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn
#10
הַמָּק֥וֹם
that is made in 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)
#11
הַזֶּֽה׃
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Chronicles, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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