2 Chronicles 9:6

Authorized King James Version

Howbeit I believed not their words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the one half of the greatness of thy wisdom was not told me: for thou exceedest the fame that I heard.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
הֶאֱמַ֣נְתִּי
H539
Howbeit I believed
properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen
#3
לְדִבְרֵיהֶ֗ם
H1697
not their words
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#4
עַ֤ד
H5704
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#5
אֲשֶׁר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#6
בָּ֙אתִי֙
H935
until I came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#7
וַתִּרְאֶ֣ינָה
H7200
had seen
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#8
עֵינַ֔י
H5869
and mine eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#9
וְהִנֵּה֙
H2009
lo!
#10
לֹ֣א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#11
הֻגַּד
H5046
was not told
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
#12
לִ֔י
H0
#13
חֲצִ֖י
H2677
it and behold the one half
the half or middle
#14
מַרְבִּ֣ית
H4768
of the greatness
a multitude; also offspring; specifically interest (on capital)
#15
חָכְמָתֶ֑ךָ
H2451
of thy wisdom
wisdom (in a good sense)
#16
יָסַ֕פְתָּ
H3254
me for thou exceedest
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
#17
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#18
הַשְּׁמוּעָ֖ה
H8052
the fame
something heard, i.e., an announcement
#19
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#20
שָׁמָֽעְתִּי׃
H8085
that I heard
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

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