2 Chronicles 7:20

Authorized King James Version

Then will I pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them; and this house, which I have sanctified for my name, will I cast out of my sight, and will make it to be a proverb and a byword among all nations.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּנְתַשְׁתִּ֗ים
H5428
Then will I pluck them up by the roots
to tear away
#2
מֵעַ֤ל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#3
אַדְמָתִי֙
H127
out of my land
soil (from its general redness)
#4
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
וְאֶתְּנֶ֛נּוּ
H5414
and will make
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#6
לָהֶ֔ם
H0
#7
וְאֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
הַבַּ֤יִת
H1004
them and this house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#9
הַזֶּה֙
H2088
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#10
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#11
הִקְדַּ֣שְׁתִּי
H6942
which I have sanctified
to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)
#12
לִשְׁמִ֔י
H8034
for my name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#13
אַשְׁלִ֖יךְ
H7993
will I cast out
to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)
#14
מֵעַ֣ל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#15
פָּנָ֑י
H6440
of my sight
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#16
וְאֶתְּנֶ֛נּוּ
H5414
and will make
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#17
לְמָשָׁ֥ל
H4912
it to be a proverb
properly, a pithy maxim, usually of metaphorical nature; hence, a simile (as an adage, poem, discourse)
#18
וְלִשְׁנִינָ֖ה
H8148
and a byword
something pointed, i.e., a gibe
#19
בְּכָל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#20
הָֽעַמִּֽים׃
H5971
among all nations
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

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 covenant community 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

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