2 Chronicles 9:5

Authorized King James Version

And she said to the king, It was a true report which I heard in mine own land of thine acts, and of thy wisdom:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתֹּ֙אמֶר֙
And she said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ
to the king
a king
#4
אֱמֶת֙
It was a true
stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness
#5
דְּבָרֶ֖יךָ
of thine acts
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#6
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#7
שָׁמַ֖עְתִּי
which I heard
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#8
בְּאַרְצִ֑י
in mine own land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#9
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
דְּבָרֶ֖יךָ
of thine acts
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#11
וְעַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
חָכְמָתֶֽךָ׃
and of thy wisdom
wisdom (in a good sense)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing wisdom contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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