2 Chronicles 8:9

Authorized King James Version

But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no servants for his work; but they were men of war, and chief of his captains, and captains of his chariots and horsemen.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּמִן
H4480
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#2
בְּנֵי֙
H1121
But of the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#3
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
H3478
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#4
אֲ֠שֶׁר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
לֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#6
נָתַ֧ן
H5414
make
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#7
שְׁלֹמֹ֛ה
H8010
did Solomon
shelomah, david's successor
#8
לַֽעֲבָדִ֖ים
H5650
no servants
a servant
#9
לִמְלַאכְתּ֑וֹ
H4399
for his work
properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)
#10
כִּי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#11
הֵ֜מָּה
H1992
they (only used when emphatic)
#12
אַנְשֵׁ֤י
H582
but they were men
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
#13
מִלְחָמָה֙
H4421
of war
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
#14
וְשָׂרֵ֥י
H8269
and captains
a head person (of any rank or class)
#15
שָֽׁלִישָׁ֔יו
H7991
of his captains
a triple, i.e., (as an officer) a general of the third rank (upward, i.e., the highest)
#16
וְשָׂרֵ֥י
H8269
and captains
a head person (of any rank or class)
#17
רִכְבּ֖וֹ
H7393
of his chariots
a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone
#18
וּפָֽרָשָֽׁיו׃
H6571
and horsemen
a steed (as stretched out to a vehicle, not single nor for mounting ); also (by implication) a driver (in a chariot), i.e., (collectively) cavalry

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Chronicles. The concept of divine revelation 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

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