King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 6:21 Mean?

2 Chronicles 6:21 in the King James Version says “Hearken therefore unto the supplications of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, which they shall make toward this pla...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Chronicles 6:21 · KJV

ForgivenessPrayer

Context

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

22

If a man sin against his neighbour, and an oath be laid upon him to make him swear, and the oath come before thine altar in this house; and an oath: Heb. and he require an oath of him

23

Then hear thou from heaven, and do, and judge thy servants, by requiting the wicked, by recompensing his way upon his own head; and by justifying the righteous, by giving him according to his righteousness.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

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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 · 19 words
וְשָֽׁמַעְתָּ֖1 of 19

“Hearken”

H8085

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

אֶל2 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

תַּֽחֲנוּנֵ֤י3 of 19

“therefore unto the supplications”

H8469

earnest prayer

עַבְדְּךָ֙4 of 19

“of thy servant”

H5650

a servant

וְעַמְּךָ֣5 of 19

“and of thy people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל6 of 19

“Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אֲשֶׁ֥ר7 of 19
H834

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

יִֽתְפַּלְל֖וּ8 of 19

“which they shall make”

H6419

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

אֶל9 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מִמְּק֤וֹם10 of 19

“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)

הַזֶּ֑ה11 of 19
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

וְ֠אַתָּה12 of 19
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

וְשָֽׁמַעְתָּ֖13 of 19

“Hearken”

H8085

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

מִמְּק֤וֹם14 of 19

“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)

שִׁבְתְּךָ֙15 of 19

“thou from thy dwelling”

H3427

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

מִן16 of 19
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם17 of 19

“even from 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

וְשָֽׁמַעְתָּ֖18 of 19

“Hearken”

H8085

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

וְסָלָֽחְתָּ׃19 of 19

“forgive”

H5545

to forgive

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 6:21 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 6:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Micah 7:18Daniel 9:19Isaiah 43:252 Chronicles 30:27Psalms 130:3-42 Chronicles 6:39

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