2 Chronicles 9:23

Authorized King James Version

And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom, that God had put in his heart.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְכֹל֙
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#2
מַלְכֵ֣י
H4428
And all the kings
a king
#3
הָאָ֔רֶץ
H776
of the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#4
מְבַקְשִׁ֖ים
H1245
sought
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
#5
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
פְּנֵ֣י
H6440
the presence
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#7
שְׁלֹמֹ֑ה
H8010
of Solomon
shelomah, david's successor
#8
לִשְׁמֹ֙עַ֙
H8085
to hear
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#9
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
חָכְמָת֔וֹ
H2451
his wisdom
wisdom (in a good sense)
#11
אֲשֶׁר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#12
נָתַ֥ן
H5414
had put
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#13
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֖ים
H430
that God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#14
בְּלִבּֽוֹ׃
H3820
in his heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Chronicles, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of wisdom connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about wisdom, 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

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 salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection