King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 26:16 Mean?

2 Chronicles 26:16 in the King James Version says “But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and we...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Chronicles 26:16 · KJV

Context

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:

18

And they withstood Uzziah the king, and said unto him, It appertaineth not unto thee, Uzziah, to burn incense unto the LORD, but to the priests the sons of Aaron, that are consecrated to burn incense: go out of the sanctuary; for thou hast trespassed; neither shall it be for thine honour from the LORD God.

Read 2 Chronicles 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The tragic turning point in Uzziah's reign: '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.' Strength led to pride ('heart lifted up'), and pride led to transgression - usurping priestly functions reserved for Aaron's descendants. The phrase 'to his destruction' shows pride's inevitable end. This demonstrates the spiritual danger of success and strength without accompanying humility. Uzziah's presumption - ignoring God's established order - brought leprosy (26:19-21). This warns that spiritual privilege and past faithfulness don't authorize disobedience. Christ alone perfectly combined strength with humility, never abusing His divine prerogatives.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Uzziah's pride (c. 750 BCE) after decades of success illustrates the pattern: humble beginning → God's blessing → success → pride → fall. His leprosy confined him to isolation until death, ending his effective reign and demonstrating that God resists the proud.

Reflection Questions

  1. What areas of success or strength tempt you toward pride and presumption rather than humble dependence on God?
  2. How can you maintain humility during seasons of blessing to avoid Uzziah's trajectory from faithfulness to pride to destruction?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וּכְחֶזְקָת֗וֹ1 of 16

“But when he was strong”

H2393

prevailing power

גָּבַ֤הּ2 of 16

“was lifted up”

H1361

to soar, i.e., be lofty; figuratively, to be haughty

לִבּוֹ֙3 of 16

“his heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

עַד4 of 16
H5704

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

לְהַשְׁחִ֔ית5 of 16

“to his destruction”

H7843

to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)

וַיִּמְעַ֖ל6 of 16

“for he transgressed”

H4603

properly, to cover up; used only figuratively, to act covertly, i.e., treacherously

יְהוָ֔ה7 of 16

“against the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹהָ֑יו8 of 16

“his 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

וַיָּבֹא֙9 of 16

“and went”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל10 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הֵיכַ֣ל11 of 16

“into the temple”

H1964

a large public building, such as a palace or temple

יְהוָ֔ה12 of 16

“against the LORD”

H3068

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

לְהַקְטִ֖יר13 of 16

“to burn incense”

H6999

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

עַל14 of 16
H5921

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

מִזְבַּ֥ח15 of 16

“upon the altar”

H4196

an altar

הַקְּטֹֽרֶת׃16 of 16

“of incense”

H7004

a fumigation

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 26:16 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 26:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 32:252 Chronicles 25:19Proverbs 16:18Habakkuk 2:4Deuteronomy 8:14Deuteronomy 8:17

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