2 Chronicles 7:21

Authorized King James Version

And this house, which is high, shall be an astonishment to every one that passeth by it; so that he shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and unto this house?

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְלַבַּ֥יִת

H1004

And this house

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

הַזֶּה֙

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

הָיָ֣ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

עֶלְי֔וֹן

H5945

which is high

an elevation, i.e., (adjectively) lofty (comparatively); as title, the supreme

לְכָל

H3605

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

עֹבֵ֥ר

H5674

to every one that passeth

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

עָלָ֖יו

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יִשֹּׁ֑ם

H8074

shall be an astonishment

to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)

#10

וְאָמַ֗ר

H559

by it so that he shall say

to say (used with great latitude)

#11

בַּמֶּ֨ה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

#12

עָשָׂ֤ה

H6213

done

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#13

יְהוָה֙

H3068

Why hath the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#14

כָּ֔כָה

H3602

just so, referring to the previous or following context

#15

לָאָ֥רֶץ

H776

thus unto this land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#16

הַזֹּ֖את

H2063

this (often used adverb)

#17

וְלַבַּ֥יִת

H1004

And this house

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

#18

הַזֶּֽה׃

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Chronicles, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does this verse's literary context within 2 Chronicles chapter 7 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?