King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 26:5 Mean?

2 Chronicles 26:5 in the King James Version says “And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the LO...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper. in the visions: Heb. in the seeing of God”

2 Chronicles 26:5 · KJV

Context

3

Sixteen years old was Uzziah when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and two years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Jecoliah of Jerusalem.

4

And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah did.

5

And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper. in the visions: Heb. in the seeing of God

6

And he went forth and warred against the Philistines, and brake down the wall of Gath, and the wall of Jabneh, and the wall of Ashdod, and built cities about Ashdod, and among the Philistines. about: or, in the country of Ashdod

7

And God helped him against the Philistines, and against the Arabians that dwelt in Gurbaal, and the Mehunims.

Read 2 Chronicles 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
King Uzziah's spiritual success is attributed to seeking God: 'And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper.' The temporal limitation 'in the days of Zechariah' and 'as long as' foreshadows Uzziah's later downfall (26:16-21). Seeking God (darash Elohim) combined with godly mentorship (Zechariah's instruction) produced prosperity. This demonstrates that spiritual success requires both personal initiative and wise counsel. Tragically, Uzziah's prosperity bred pride, showing that success can be spiritually dangerous. This warns that past faithfulness doesn't guarantee future obedience.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Uzziah reigned 52 years (c. 790-738 BCE), one of Judah's longest reigns. His earlier military and economic successes (26:6-15) came through seeking God, but later pride led to his striking with leprosy when he usurped priestly functions.

Reflection Questions

  1. Who provides godly counsel and 'understanding in the visions of God' in your spiritual life?
  2. How can you guard against pride during seasons of prosperity and success?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַֽיְהִי֙1 of 14
H1961

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

דָּרְשׁ֣וֹ2 of 14

“And he sought”

H1875

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃3 of 14

“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

וּבִימֵי֙4 of 14

“and as long as”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

זְכַרְיָ֔הוּ5 of 14

“of Zechariah”

H2148

zecarjah, the name of twenty-nine israelites

הַמֵּבִ֖ין6 of 14

“who had understanding”

H995

to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand

בִּרְאֹ֣ת7 of 14

“in the visions”

H7200

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

הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃8 of 14

“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

וּבִימֵי֙9 of 14

“and as long as”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

דָּרְשׁ֣וֹ10 of 14

“And he sought”

H1875

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

אֶת11 of 14
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יְהוָ֔ה12 of 14

“the LORD”

H3068

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

הִצְלִיח֖וֹ13 of 14

“made him to prosper”

H6743

to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃14 of 14

“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

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 26:5 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 26:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 15:22 Chronicles 24:21 Chronicles 22:13Genesis 41:38Daniel 5:16Daniel 1:17

Test Your Knowledge

2 Chronicles 26 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Chronicles Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Chronicles 26 with CommentaryAll 2 Chronicles ChaptersComplete 2 Chronicles QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes