King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 6:22 Mean?

2 Chronicles 6:22 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Chronicles 6:22 · KJV

Context

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.

24

And if thy people Israel be put to the worse before the enemy, because they have sinned against thee; and shall return and confess thy name, and pray and make supplication before thee in this house; be put: or, be smitten in: or, towards

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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;

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 · 14 words
אִם1 of 14
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

יֶֽחֱטָ֥א2 of 14

“sin”

H2398

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

אִישׁ֙3 of 14

“If a man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

לְרֵעֵ֔הוּ4 of 14

“against his neighbour”

H7453

an associate (more or less close)

וְנָֽשָׁא5 of 14

“be laid”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

ב֥וֹ6 of 14
H0
אָלָ֖ה7 of 14

“upon him to make him swear”

H422

properly, to adjure, i.e., (usually in a bad sense) imprecate

אָלָ֛ה8 of 14

“and an oath”

H423

an imprecation

וּבָ֗א9 of 14

“come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אָלָ֛ה10 of 14

“and an oath”

H423

an imprecation

לִפְנֵ֥י11 of 14

“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

מִֽזְבַּחֲךָ֖12 of 14

“thine altar”

H4196

an altar

בַּבַּ֥יִת13 of 14

“in this house”

H1004

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

הַזֶּֽה׃14 of 14
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

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 6:22 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 6:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 22:11Proverbs 30:91 Kings 8:31-32Leviticus 5:1Numbers 5:19-22Matthew 23:18

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