King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 34:27 Mean?

2 Chronicles 34:27 in the King James Version says “Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this plac... — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard thee also, saith the LORD.

2 Chronicles 34:27 · KJV


Context

25

Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be poured out upon this place, and shall not be quenched.

26

And as for the king of Judah, who sent you to enquire of the LORD, so shall ye say unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel concerning the words which thou hast heard;

27

Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard thee also, saith the LORD.

28

Behold, I will gather thee to thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered to thy grave in peace, neither shall thine eyes see all the evil that I will bring upon this place, and upon the inhabitants of the same. So they brought the king word again.

29

Then the king sent and gathered together all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's message to Josiah through the prophetess Huldah reveals the power of responsive hearts: 'Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard thee also, saith the LORD.' The 'tender heart' (rakh lev) contrasts with hardened hearts that resist God's Word. Josiah's response to Scripture reading - humbling, tearing clothes, weeping - demonstrated genuine brokenness over sin. God's response 'I have heard thee' shows He responds to humble contrition. Though judgment on Judah was inevitable, Josiah's tender response brought personal mercy.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

When the Law scroll was discovered during temple renovation (622 BCE), its reading revealed how far Judah had strayed from covenant. Josiah's immediate, emotional response contrasted with his predecessors' indifference, demonstrating true fear of God and love for His Word.

Reflection Questions

  1. How tender is your heart when reading Scripture that exposes sin or pronounces judgment?
  2. What would it look like to respond to God's Word with Josiah's level of humility and brokenness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 26 words
יַ֠עַן1 of 26
H3282

properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause

רַךְ2 of 26

was tender

H7401

to soften (intransitively or transitively), used figuratively

לְבָ֨בְךָ֜3 of 26

Because thine heart

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

וַתִּכָּנַ֣ע4 of 26

and thou didst humble

H3665

properly, to bend the knee; hence, to humiliate, vanquish

לְפָנָ֑י5 of 26

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

אֱלֹהִ֗ים6 of 26

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

שָׁמַ֖עְתִּי7 of 26

me I have even heard

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֶת8 of 26
H853

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

דְּבָרָיו֙9 of 26

his words

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

עַל10 of 26
H5921

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

הַמָּק֤וֹם11 of 26

against this place

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

הַזֶּה֙12 of 26
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

וְעַל13 of 26
H5921

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

יֹ֣שְׁבָ֔יו14 of 26

and against the inhabitants

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

וַתִּכָּנַ֣ע15 of 26

and thou didst humble

H3665

properly, to bend the knee; hence, to humiliate, vanquish

לְפָנָ֑י16 of 26

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

וַתִּקְרַ֥ע17 of 26

me and didst rend

H7167

to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them)

אֶת18 of 26
H853

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

בְּגָדֶ֖יךָ19 of 26

thy clothes

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

וַתֵּ֣בְךְּ20 of 26

and weep

H1058

to weep; generally to bemoan

לְפָנָ֑י21 of 26

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

וְגַם22 of 26
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

אֲנִ֥י23 of 26
H589

i

שָׁמַ֖עְתִּי24 of 26

me I have even heard

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

נְאֻם25 of 26

thee also saith

H5002

an oracle

יְהוָֽה׃26 of 26

the LORD

H3068

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


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 34:27 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 34:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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