King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 6:19 Mean?

2 Chronicles 6:19 in the King James Version says “Have respect therefore to the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, O LORD my God, to hearken unto the cry and... — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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:

2 Chronicles 6:19 · KJV


Context

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

21

Hearken therefore unto the supplications of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, which they shall make toward this place: hear thou from thy dwelling place, even from heaven; and when thou hearest, forgive. make: Heb. pray


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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:

This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on Covenant faithfulness and answered prayer. The Chronicler presents Solomon's faithfulness in temple building and worship as paradigmatic for post-exilic Israel. Unlike the Kings account which includes Solomon's failures, Chronicles emphasizes his positive example during his faithful years.

Theologically, the passage demonstrates that wholehearted seeking of God results in His manifest blessing and presence. The temple construction and dedication represent the climax of God's dwelling with Israel, foreshadowing the incarnation when God would dwell among humanity in Christ. The elaborate preparations and careful adherence to divine pattern emphasize that worship must occur on God's terms.

Cross-references to the tabernacle (Exodus 25-40), Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7, 1 Chronicles 17), and Messianic prophecies illuminate how Solomon's temple points toward Christ as the true meeting place between God and humanity. The material glory of Solomon's kingdom anticipates the greater glory of the Messianic age.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The reign of Solomon (970-930 BCE) represents Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity. The temple construction began in Solomon's fourth year (966 BCE), exactly 480 years after the Exodus according to 1 Kings 6:1. The Chronicler writes from a post-exilic perspective (450-400 BCE), emphasizing themes relevant to the restored community: temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Archaeological evidence confirms Solomon's extensive building projects and international trade relationships. The temple's design incorporated Phoenician architectural elements, evidenced by parallel structures discovered in Syria and Lebanon. Solomon's alliance with Hiram of Tyre provided both materials (Lebanese cedar) and craftsmen for the construction.

The post-exilic audience, having returned from Babylonian captivity to rebuild the temple, needed encouragement that God's presence and blessing could be restored through faithful worship. The Chronicler presents Solomon's reign as paradigmatic—when leaders and people seek God wholeheartedly, He dwells among them and prospers them.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse deepen understanding of God's presence as the source of true blessing and success?
  2. What does this passage teach about the importance of following God's prescribed patterns in worship and service?
  3. How does Solomon's example in Solomon's Dedication Prayer point forward to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וּפָנִ֜יתָ1 of 17

Have respect

H6437

to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc

אֶל2 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַתְּפִלָּ֔ה3 of 17

and the prayer

H8605

intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn

עַבְדְּךָ֖4 of 17

of thy servant

H5650

a servant

וְאֶל5 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

תְּחִנָּת֖וֹ6 of 17

and to his supplication

H8467

graciousness; causatively, entreaty

יְהוָ֣ה7 of 17

O LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹהָ֑י8 of 17

my 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

לִשְׁמֹ֤עַ9 of 17

to hearken

H8085

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

אֶל10 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָֽרִנָּה֙11 of 17

unto the cry

H7440

properly, a creaking (or shrill sound), i.e., shout (of joy or grief)

וְאֶל12 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַתְּפִלָּ֔ה13 of 17

and the prayer

H8605

intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn

אֲשֶׁ֥ר14 of 17
H834

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

עַבְדְּךָ֖15 of 17

of thy servant

H5650

a servant

מִתְפַּלֵּ֥ל16 of 17

prayeth

H6419

to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray

לְפָנֶֽיךָ׃17 of 17

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


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 6:19 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 6:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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