King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 16:9 Mean?

2 Chronicles 16:9 in the King James Version says “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose h...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars. to shew: or, strongly to hold with them, etc”

2 Chronicles 16:9 · KJV

Context

7

And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the LORD thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand.

8

Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubims a huge host, with very many chariots and horsemen? yet, because thou didst rely on the LORD, he delivered them into thine hand. a huge: Heb. in abundance

9

For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars. to shew: or, strongly to hold with them, etc

10

Then Asa was wroth with the seer, and put him in a prison house; for he was in a rage with him because of this thing. And Asa oppressed some of the people the same time. oppressed: Heb. crushed

11

And, behold, the acts of Asa, first and last, lo, they are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.

Read 2 Chronicles 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The prophet Hanani's declaration 'For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him' reveals God's active, searching sovereignty. The phrase 'eyes run to and fro' anthropomorphically depicts God's comprehensive knowledge and providential care. He seeks those with 'perfect hearts' (lev shalem - undivided loyalty) to show Himself strong (chazaq - strengthen/support) on their behalf. This isn't works-righteousness but describes the object of God's strengthening grace - the wholehearted. Asa's failure to rely on God but on Syria demonstrates imperfect heart. This principle anticipates Christ who strengthens those who trust Him alone.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Hanani rebuked Asa (c. 885 BCE) for allying with Syria against Israel instead of trusting God. Despite earlier faithfulness, Asa's later compromise demonstrated that past victories don't guarantee future faithfulness - each generation and situation requires fresh trust.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what areas are you relying on human alliances or resources rather than waiting for God to show Himself strong?
  2. What does having a 'perfect heart' toward God look like in your specific circumstances and relationships?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
כִּ֣י1 of 19
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יְהוָ֗ה2 of 19

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

עֵינָ֞יו3 of 19

“For the eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

מְשֹֽׁטְט֤וֹת4 of 19

“run to and fro”

H7751

properly, to push forth; (but used only figuratively) to lash, i.e., (the sea with oars) to row; by implication, to travel

בְּכָל5 of 19
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָאָ֙רֶץ֙6 of 19

“throughout the whole earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

לְ֠הִתְחַזֵּק7 of 19

“to shew himself strong”

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

עִם8 of 19
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

לְבָבָ֥ם9 of 19

“in the behalf of them whose heart”

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

שָׁלֵ֛ם10 of 19

“is perfect”

H8003

complete (literally or figuratively); especially friendly

אֵלָ֖יו11 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

נִסְכַּ֣לְתָּ12 of 19

“toward him Herein thou hast done foolishly”

H5528

to be silly

עַל13 of 19
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

זֹ֑את14 of 19
H2063

this (often used adverb)

כִּ֣י15 of 19
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

מֵעַ֔תָּה16 of 19

“therefore from henceforth”

H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

יֵ֥שׁ17 of 19

“thou shalt have”

H3426

there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)

עִמְּךָ֖18 of 19
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

מִלְחָמֽוֹת׃19 of 19

“wars”

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 16:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Chronicles 16:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Peter 3:12Proverbs 15:3Jeremiah 16:17Proverbs 5:21Psalms 34:15Job 34:21

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