King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 19:7 Mean?

2 Chronicles 19:7 in the King James Version says “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,... — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Chronicles 19:7 · KJV


Context

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.

9

And he charged them, saying, Thus shall ye do in the fear of the LORD, faithfully, and with a perfect heart.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jehoshaphat continues: '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.' The 'fear of the LORD' (yirat YHWH) - reverent awe - should govern judges' decisions. Three divine attributes ground this: no iniquity (God is perfectly just), no partiality (respect of persons), no bribery (taking gifts). These negatives describe what judges must avoid because they represent a God who cannot do these things. This standard, impossible for fallen humans to perfectly meet, points to Christ the righteous judge and calls believers to imitate God's impartial justice.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern justice frequently involved bribery and favoritism, making Jehoshaphat's reforms (based on Deuteronomy 16:18-20) countercultural. Establishing God's character as the standard for human justice created a prophetic critique of corrupt systems.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does 'fear of the LORD' - awareness of His perfect justice - affect your treatment of others?
  2. Where might you be showing partiality or accepting 'gifts' (advantages) that compromise integrity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְעַתָּ֕ה1 of 17
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

יְהִ֥י2 of 17
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

פַֽחַד3 of 17

Wherefore now let the fear

H6343

a (sudden) alarm (properly, the object feared, by implication, the feeling)

יְהוָ֣ה4 of 17

of the LORD

H3068

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

עֲלֵיכֶ֑ם5 of 17
H5921

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

שִׁמְר֣וּ6 of 17

be upon you take heed

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

וַֽעֲשׂ֔וּ7 of 17

and do

H6213

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

כִּֽי8 of 17
H3588

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

אֵ֞ין9 of 17
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

עִם10 of 17
H5973

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

יְהוָ֣ה11 of 17

of the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֵ֗ינוּ12 of 17

our God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

עַוְלָ֛ה13 of 17

it for there is no iniquity

H5766

(moral) evil

וּמַשֹּׂ֥א14 of 17

nor respect

H4856

partiality (as a lifting up)

פָנִ֖ים15 of 17

of persons

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

וּמִקַּח16 of 17

nor taking

H4727

reception

שֹֽׁחַד׃17 of 17

of gifts

H7810

a donation (venal or redemptive)


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 19:7 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 19:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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