King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 6:18 Mean?

2 Chronicles 6:18 in the King James Version says “But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth? behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how... — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth? behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house which I have built!

2 Chronicles 6:18 · KJV


Context

16

Now therefore, O LORD God of Israel, keep with thy servant David my father that which thou hast promised him, saying, There shall not fail thee a man in my sight to sit upon the throne of Israel; yet so that thy children take heed to their way to walk in my law, as thou hast walked before me. There: Heb. There shall not a man be cut off

17

Now then, O LORD God of Israel, let thy word be verified, which thou hast spoken unto thy servant David.

18

But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth? behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house which I have built!

19

Have respect therefore to the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, O LORD my God, to hearken unto the cry and the prayer which thy servant prayeth before thee:

20

That thine eyes may be open upon this house day and night, upon the place whereof thou hast said that thou wouldest put thy name there; to hearken unto the prayer which thy servant prayeth toward this place. toward: or, in this place


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Solomon's prayer echoes his earlier statement (2:6) with expanded emphasis: 'But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth? behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house which I have built!' The progression - heaven can't contain God, much less an earthly temple - highlights the incarnation's miracle. 'Dwell with men' (shakan im-adam) is the verb root for Shekinah (dwelling presence). God's transcendence makes His immanent dwelling pure grace. This reaches ultimate fulfillment when the Word 'dwelt among us' (John 1:14 - same root in Greek, skenoo - tabernacle). The temple pointed to Christ, who perfectly mediates God's presence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Solomon's dedicatory prayer (c. 960 BCE) acknowledged both the temple's glory and limitation. This theological sophistication prepared Israel to understand that even when temple stood, God remained transcendent, and when destroyed, He remained accessible.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the incarnation - God dwelling in human flesh - exceed even the temple's glory?
  2. Where do you need to experience God's presence dwelling 'with you' in your earthly circumstances?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
כִּ֚י1 of 20
H3588

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

הַֽאֻמְנָ֔ם2 of 20

in very deed

H552

truly

יֵשֵׁ֧ב3 of 20

dwell

H3427

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

אֱלֹהִ֛ים4 of 20

But will 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

אֶת5 of 20
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

הָֽאָדָ֖ם6 of 20

with men

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

עַל7 of 20
H5921

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

הָאָ֑רֶץ8 of 20

on the earth

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

הִ֠נֵּה9 of 20
H2009

lo!

הַשָּׁמַ֙יִם֙10 of 20

and the heaven

H8064

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

הַשָּׁמַ֙יִם֙11 of 20

and the heaven

H8064

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

הַשָּׁמַ֙יִם֙12 of 20

and the heaven

H8064

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

לֹ֣א13 of 20
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יְכַלְכְּל֔וּךָ14 of 20

cannot contain

H3557

properly, to keep in; hence, to measure; figuratively, to maintain (in various senses)

אַ֕ף15 of 20
H637

meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though

כִּֽי16 of 20
H3588

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

הַבַּ֥יִת17 of 20

thee how much less this house

H1004

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

הַזֶּ֖ה18 of 20
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

אֲשֶׁ֥ר19 of 20
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בָּנִֽיתִי׃20 of 20

which I have built

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)


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 6:18 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 6:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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