2 Chronicles 13:21But Abijah grew mighty, and took to himself fourteen wives, and became the father of twenty-two sons, and sixteen daughters.
The setting
Jerusalem, Israel, ~910 BC. King Abijah's reign ends with a census of his large household...
The emotion here: documenting with subtle disapproval
The original word
ḥāzaq (חָזַק) — to be strong, but often implies spiritual as well as political strength
Why it matters
Fourteen wives was considered moderate for ancient Near Eastern royalty - some kings had hundreds
Read with care
What most readers miss in 2 Chronicles 13:21
The Chronicler mentions his wives immediately after his military victory, suggesting this was seen as part of his 'success'
Common misconceptionPeople assume this verse endorses polygamy, but the Chronicler is subtly critiquing Abijah by showing he violated God's law for kings despite his military success.
The thread continues
Verses that echo 2 Chronicles 13:21
Bible Genome reading
2 Chronicles 13:21 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
2 Chronicles 13:21 comes from the book of 2 Chronicles, written during the United Kingdom period. These words are attributed to Narrator. The dominant emotion in this verse is growing, with a comfort power of 30% and a tone that is reflective. It belongs to the narrative genre of biblical literature. Key themes include prosperity, family growth. Notable phrases: grew mighty; fourteen wives.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same growing
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”
— Proverbs 22:6
“So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
— Romans 10:17
“He must increase, but I must decrease.”
— John 3:30
“Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
— Galatians 6:2
“He believed in Yahweh; and he reckoned it to him for righteousness.”
— Genesis 15:6
Your reflection
What does 2 Chronicles 13:21 mean to you, today?
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