2 Chronicles 9:21

Authorized King James Version

For the king's ships went to Tarshish with the servants of Huram: every three years once came the ships of Tarshish bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֳנִיּ֣וֹת

H591

ships

a ship

לַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙

H4428

For the king's

a king

הֹֽלְכ֣וֹת

H1980

went

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

תַּרְשִׁ֗ישׁ

H8659

of Tarshish

tarshish, a place on the mediterranean, hence, the ephithet of a merchant vessel (as if for or from that port); also the name of a persian and of an i

עִ֖ם

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

עַבְדֵ֣י

H5650

with the servants

a servant

חוּרָ֑ם

H2361

of Huram

churam, the name of an israelite and two syrians

אַחַת֩

H259

once

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

#10

לְשָׁל֨וֹשׁ

H7969

every three

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

#11

שָׁנִ֜ים

H8141

years

a year (as a revolution of time)

#12

תָּב֣וֹאנָה׀

H935

came

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

#13

אֳנִיּ֣וֹת

H591

ships

a ship

#14

תַּרְשִׁ֗ישׁ

H8659

of Tarshish

tarshish, a place on the mediterranean, hence, the ephithet of a merchant vessel (as if for or from that port); also the name of a persian and of an i

#15

נֹֽשְׂאוֹת֙

H5375

bringing

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

#16

זָהָ֣ב

H2091

gold

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

#17

וָכֶ֔סֶף

H3701

and silver

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

#18

שֶׁנְהַבִּ֥ים

H8143

ivory

probably, tooth of elephants, i.e., ivory tusk

#19

וְקוֹפִ֖ים

H6971

and apes

a monkey

#20

וְתוּכִּיִּֽים׃

H8500

and peacocks

probably of foreign derivation; some imported creature, probably a peacock

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 does this verse's literary context within 2 Chronicles chapter 9 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?
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?