King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 19:6 Mean?

2 Chronicles 19:6 in the King James Version says “And said to the judges, Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the LORD, who is with you in the judgmen... — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And said to the judges, Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the LORD, who is with you in the judgment . in: Heb. in the matter of judgment

2 Chronicles 19:6 · KJV


Context

4

And Jehoshaphat dwelt at Jerusalem: and he went out again through the people from Beersheba to mount Ephraim, and brought them back unto the LORD God of their fathers. he went: Heb. he returned and went out

5

And he set judges in the land throughout all the fenced cities of Judah, city by city,

6

And said to the judges, Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the LORD, who is with you in the judgment . in: Heb. in the matter of judgment

7

Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.

8

Moreover in Jerusalem did Jehoshaphat set of the Levites, and of the priests, and of the chief of the fathers of Israel, for the judgment of the LORD, and for controversies, when they returned to Jerusalem.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jehoshaphat's charge to judges: 'And said to the judges, Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the LORD, who is with you in the judgment.' This establishes theocratic judicial theology - human judges are God's representatives, exercising delegated authority. The phrase 'judge not for man, but for the LORD' removes human favoritism and accountability to political pressure. 'Who is with you in the judgment' promises divine presence in righteous judging and warns of divine witness to corruption. This anticipates Christ as ultimate judge and Paul's teaching that governing authorities are God's servants (Romans 13:1-4). All authority is delegated and accountable to God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jehoshaphat's judicial reforms (c. 872 BCE) decentralized justice while centralizing accountability to God. This system, though imperfect in practice, established biblical principles for government and justice that influenced Western legal traditions.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does viewing all authority as delegated from and accountable to God affect your exercise of responsibility?
  2. In what areas of influence do you need to remember 'you judge not for man, but for the LORD'?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 16

And said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶל2 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

תִּשְׁפְּט֖וּ3 of 16

for ye judge

H8199

to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal

רְאוּ֙4 of 16

Take heed

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

מָֽה5 of 16
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

אַתֶּ֣ם6 of 16
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

עֹשִׂ֔ים7 of 16

what ye do

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

כִּ֣י8 of 16
H3588

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

לֹ֧א9 of 16
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

לְאָדָ֛ם10 of 16

not for man

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

תִּשְׁפְּט֖וּ11 of 16

for ye judge

H8199

to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal

כִּ֣י12 of 16
H3588

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

לַֽיהוָ֑ה13 of 16

but for the LORD

H3068

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

וְעִמָּכֶ֖ם14 of 16
H5973

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

בִּדְבַ֥ר15 of 16

who is with you in the judgment

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

מִשְׁפָּֽט׃16 of 16
H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind


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 19:6 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 19:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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