Haggai 2:22

Authorized King James Version

And I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms, and I will destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the heathen; and I will overthrow the chariots, and those that ride in them; and the horses and their riders shall come down, every one by the sword of his brother.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָפַכְתִּ֤י
H2015
And I will overthrow
to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert
#2
כִּסֵּ֣א
H3678
the throne
properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)
#3
מַמְלְכ֣וֹת
H4467
of kingdoms
dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)
#4
וְהִ֨שְׁמַדְתִּ֔י
H8045
and I will destroy
to desolate
#5
חֹ֖זֶק
H2392
the strength
power
#6
מַמְלְכ֣וֹת
H4467
of kingdoms
dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)
#7
הַגּוֹיִ֑ם
H1471
of the heathen
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#8
וְהָפַכְתִּ֤י
H2015
And I will overthrow
to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert
#9
מֶרְכָּבָה֙
H4818
the chariots
a chariot
#10
וְרֹ֣כְבֵיהֶ֔ם
H7392
and their riders
to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch
#11
וְיָרְד֤וּ
H3381
shall come down
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
#12
סוּסִים֙
H5483
in them and the horses
a horse (as leaping)
#13
וְרֹ֣כְבֵיהֶ֔ם
H7392
and their riders
to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch
#14
אִ֖ישׁ
H376
every one
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#15
בְּחֶ֥רֶב
H2719
by the sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#16
אָחִֽיו׃
H251
of his brother
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

Analysis

Within the broader context of Haggai, this passage highlights kingdom of God through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of kingdom connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about kingdom, 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 Haggai.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood kingdom. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection