King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 26:15 Mean?

2 Chronicles 26:15 in the King James Version says “And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers and upon the bulwarks, to shoot arrows an... — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers and upon the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones withal. And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong. spread: Heb. went forth

2 Chronicles 26:15 · KJV


Context

13

And under their hand was an army , three hundred thousand and seven thousand and five hundred, that made war with mighty power, to help the king against the enemy. an army: Heb. the power of an army

14

And Uzziah prepared for them throughout all the host shields, and spears, and helmets, and habergeons, and bows, and slings to cast stones. slings: Heb. stones of slings

15

And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers and upon the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones withal. And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong. spread: Heb. went forth

16

But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense.

17

And Azariah the priest went in after him, and with him fourscore priests of the LORD, that were valiant men:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Uzziah's success is attributed to divine help: 'And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers and upon the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones withal. And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong.' The phrase 'marvellously helped' (nifla la'azor - wonderfully aided) credits God for Uzziah's military innovations and reputation. The temporal clause 'till he was strong' foreshadows tragedy - strength led to pride (26:16). This teaches the dangerous pattern: God's help → success → strength → pride → fall. Only those who maintain humility during success avoid this cycle. Christ perfectly received the Father's help while maintaining humble dependence.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Uzziah's long reign (c. 790-738 BCE) saw military and economic expansion. His engineering innovations and strong defenses made Judah a regional power. Yet prosperity bred the pride that led to his usurping priestly functions and resulting leprosy (26:16-21).

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you maintain humble dependence on God during seasons of success and strength?
  2. What warning signs indicate you're moving from grateful acknowledgment of God's help toward prideful self-reliance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 24 words
וַיַּ֣עַשׂ׀1 of 24

And he made

H6213

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

בִּירֽוּשָׁלִַ֨ם2 of 24

in Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

חִשְּׁבֹנ֜וֹת3 of 24

engines

H2810

a contrivance, i.e., actual (a warlike machine) or mental (a machination)

מַֽחֲשֶׁ֣בֶת4 of 24

invented

H4284

a contrivance, i.e., (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice)

חוֹשֵׁ֗ב5 of 24

by cunning men

H2803

properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou

לִֽהְי֤וֹת6 of 24
H1961

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

עַל7 of 24
H5921

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

הַמִּגְדָּלִים֙8 of 24

to be on the towers

H4026

a tower (from its size or height); by analogy, a rostrum; figuratively, a (pyramidal) bed of flowers

וְעַל9 of 24
H5921

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

הַפִּנּ֔וֹת10 of 24

and upon the bulwarks

H6438

an angle; by implication, a pinnacle; figuratively, a chieftain

לִירוֹא֙11 of 24

to shoot

H3384

properly, to flow as water (i.e., to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e., to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by

בַּֽחִצִּ֔ים12 of 24

arrows

H2671

properly, a piercer, i.e., an arrow; by implication, a wound; figuratively, (of god) thunder-bolt; the shaft of a spear

וּבָֽאֲבָנִ֖ים13 of 24

stones

H68

a stone

גְּדֹל֑וֹת14 of 24

and great

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

וַיֵּצֵ֤א15 of 24

spread

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

שְׁמוֹ֙16 of 24

withal And his name

H8034

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

עַד17 of 24
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

לְמֵ֣רָח֔וֹק18 of 24

far abroad

H7350

remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)

כִּֽי19 of 24

till

H3588

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

הִפְלִ֥יא20 of 24

for he was marvellously

H6381

properly, perhaps to separate, i.e., distinguish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to be (causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful

לְהֵֽעָזֵ֖ר21 of 24

helped

H5826

to surround, i.e., protect or aid

עַ֥ד22 of 24
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

כִּֽי23 of 24

till

H3588

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

חָזָֽק׃24 of 24

he was strong

H2388

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


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 26:15 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 26:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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