2 Chronicles 9:12

Authorized King James Version

And king Solomon gave to the queen of Sheba all her desire, whatsoever she asked, beside that which she had brought unto the king. So she turned, and went away to her own land, she and her servants.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ

H4428

And king

a king

שְׁלֹמֹ֜ה

H8010

Solomon

shelomah, david's successor

נָתַ֣ן

H5414

gave

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

לְמַֽלְכַּת

H4436

to the queen

a queen

שְׁבָ֗א

H7614

of Sheba

sheba, the name of three early progenitors of tribes and of an ethiopian district

אֶת

H853

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

כָּל

H3605

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

חֶפְצָהּ֙

H2656

all her desire

pleasure; hence (abstractly) desire; concretely, a valuable thing; hence (by extension) a matter (as something in mind)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

#10

שָׁאָ֔לָה

H7592

whatsoever she asked

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

#11

מִלְּבַ֖ד

H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

#12

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

#13

הֵבִ֣יאָה

H935

beside that which she had brought

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#14

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#15

הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ

H4428

And king

a king

#16

וַֽתַּהֲפֹ֛ךְ

H2015

So she turned

to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert

#17

וַתֵּ֥לֶךְ

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#18

לְאַרְצָ֖הּ

H776

to her own land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#19

הִ֥יא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

#20

וַֽעֲבָדֶֽיהָ׃

H5650

she and her servants

a servant

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

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?
How does this verse's literary context within 2 Chronicles chapter 9 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?