2 Chronicles 9:19

Authorized King James Version

And twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other upon the six steps. There was not the like made in any kingdom.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּשְׁנֵ֧ים
H8147
And twelve
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#2
עָשָׂ֣ר
H6240
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
#3
אֲרָי֗וֹת
H738
lions
a lion
#4
עֹֽמְדִ֥ים
H5975
stood
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#5
שָׁ֛ם
H8033
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#6
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
שֵׁ֥שׁ
H8337
there on the one side and on the other upon the six
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
#8
הַֽמַּעֲל֖וֹת
H4609
steps
elevation, i.e., the act (literally, a journey to a higher place, figuratively, a thought arising), or (concretely) the condition (literally, a step o
#9
מִזֶּ֣ה
H2088
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#10
וּמִזֶּ֑ה
H2088
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#11
לֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#12
נַעֲשָׂ֥ה
H6213
There was not the like made
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#13
כֵ֖ן
H3651
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#14
לְכָל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#15
מַמְלָכָֽה׃
H4467
in any kingdom
dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing kingdom relates to eschatology and the ultimate purpose of God's redemptive plan and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

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 kingdom of God particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show imperial and royal imagery familiar to subjects of ancient monarchies, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection