King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 2:4 Mean?

2 Chronicles 2:4 in the King James Version says “Behold, I build an house to the name of the LORD my God, to dedicate it to him, and to burn before him sweet incense, an... — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Behold, I build an house to the name of the LORD my God, to dedicate it to him, and to burn before him sweet incense, and for the continual shewbread, and for the burnt offerings morning and evening, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts of the LORD our God. This is an ordinance for ever to Israel. sweet: Heb. incense of spices

2 Chronicles 2:4 · KJV


Context

2

And Solomon told out threescore and ten thousand men to bear burdens, and fourscore thousand to hew in the mountain, and three thousand and six hundred to oversee them.

3

And Solomon sent to Huram the king of Tyre, saying, As thou didst deal with David my father, and didst send him cedars to build him an house to dwell therein, even so deal with me. Huram: or, Hiram

4

Behold, I build an house to the name of the LORD my God, to dedicate it to him, and to burn before him sweet incense, and for the continual shewbread, and for the burnt offerings morning and evening, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts of the LORD our God. This is an ordinance for ever to Israel. sweet: Heb. incense of spices

5

And the house which I build is great: for great is our God above all gods.

6

But who is able to build him an house, seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain him? who am I then, that I should build him an house, save only to burn sacrifice before him? is able: Heb. hath retained, or, obtained strength


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Behold, I build an house to the name of the LORD my God, to dedicate it to him, and to burn before him sweet incense, and for the continual shewbread, and for the burnt offerings morning and evening, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts of the LORD our God. This is an ordinance for ever to Israel.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on Mobilizing resources for God's house. The Chronicler presents Solomon's faithfulness in temple building and worship as paradigmatic for post-exilic Israel. Unlike the Kings account which includes Solomon's failures, Chronicles emphasizes his positive example during his faithful years.

Theologically, the passage demonstrates that wholehearted seeking of God results in His manifest blessing and presence. The temple construction and dedication represent the climax of God's dwelling with Israel, foreshadowing the incarnation when God would dwell among humanity in Christ. The elaborate preparations and careful adherence to divine pattern emphasize that worship must occur on God's terms.

Cross-references to the tabernacle (Exodus 25-40), Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7, 1 Chronicles 17), and Messianic prophecies illuminate how Solomon's temple points toward Christ as the true meeting place between God and humanity. The material glory of Solomon's kingdom anticipates the greater glory of the Messianic age.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The reign of Solomon (970-930 BCE) represents Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity. The temple construction began in Solomon's fourth year (966 BCE), exactly 480 years after the Exodus according to 1 Kings 6:1. The Chronicler writes from a post-exilic perspective (450-400 BCE), emphasizing themes relevant to the restored community: temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Archaeological evidence confirms Solomon's extensive building projects and international trade relationships. The temple's design incorporated Phoenician architectural elements, evidenced by parallel structures discovered in Syria and Lebanon. Solomon's alliance with Hiram of Tyre provided both materials (Lebanese cedar) and craftsmen for the construction.

The post-exilic audience, having returned from Babylonian captivity to rebuild the temple, needed encouragement that God's presence and blessing could be restored through faithful worship. The Chronicler presents Solomon's reign as paradigmatic—when leaders and people seek God wholeheartedly, He dwells among them and prospers them.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse deepen understanding of God's presence as the source of true blessing and success?
  2. What does this passage teach about the importance of following God's prescribed patterns in worship and service?
  3. How does Solomon's example in Preparation for Temple Building point forward to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 27 words
הִנֵּה֩1 of 27
H2009

lo!

אֲנִ֨י2 of 27
H589

i

בֽוֹנֶה3 of 27

Behold I build

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

בַּ֜יִת4 of 27

an house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

לְשֵׁ֣ם׀5 of 27

to the name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

יְהוָ֣ה6 of 27

of the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּ7 of 27

my 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

לְהַקְדִּ֣ישׁ8 of 27

to dedicate

H6942

to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

ל֡וֹ9 of 27
H0
לְהַקְטִ֣יר10 of 27

it to him and to burn

H6999

to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)

לְפָנָ֣יו11 of 27

before

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

קְטֹֽרֶת12 of 27

incense

H7004

a fumigation

סַמִּים֩13 of 27

him sweet

H5561

an aroma

וּמַֽעֲרֶ֨כֶת14 of 27

shewbread

H4635

an arrangement, i.e., (concretely) a pile (of loaves)

תָּמִ֤יד15 of 27

and for the continual

H8548

properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re

וְעֹלוֹת֙16 of 27

and for the burnt offerings

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

לַבֹּ֣קֶר17 of 27

morning

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

וְלָעֶ֔רֶב18 of 27

and evening

H6153

dusk

לַשַּׁבָּתוֹת֙19 of 27

on the sabbaths

H7676

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

וְלֶ֣חֳדָשִׁ֔ים20 of 27

and on the new moons

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

וּֽלְמוֹעֲדֵ֖י21 of 27

and on the solemn feasts

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

יְהוָ֣ה22 of 27

of the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּ23 of 27

my 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

לְעוֹלָ֖ם24 of 27

This is an ordinance for ever

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

זֹ֥את25 of 27
H2063

this (often used adverb)

עַל26 of 27
H5921

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

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃27 of 27

to Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity


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 2:4 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 2:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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