King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 6:29 Mean?

2 Chronicles 6:29 in the King James Version says “Then what prayer or what supplication soever shall be made of any man, or of all thy people Israel, when every one shall... — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Then what prayer or what supplication soever shall be made of any man, or of all thy people Israel, when every one shall know his own sore and his own grief, and shall spread forth his hands in this house: in: or, toward this house

2 Chronicles 6:29 · KJV


Context

27

Then hear thou from heaven, and forgive the sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel, when thou hast taught them the good way, wherein they should walk; and send rain upon thy land, which thou hast given unto thy people for an inheritance.

28

If there be dearth in the land, if there be pestilence, if there be blasting, or mildew, locusts, or caterpillers; if their enemies besiege them in the cities of their land; whatsoever sore or whatsoever sickness there be: in the cities: Heb. in the land of their gates

29

Then what prayer or what supplication soever shall be made of any man, or of all thy people Israel, when every one shall know his own sore and his own grief, and shall spread forth his hands in this house: in: or, toward this house

30

Then hear thou from heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and render unto every man according unto all his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou only knowest the hearts of the children of men:)

31

That they may fear thee, to walk in thy ways, so long as they live in the land which thou gavest unto our fathers. so long: Heb. all the days which in the land: Heb. upon the face of the land


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then what prayer or what supplication soever shall be made of any man, or of all thy people Israel, when every one shall know his own sore and his own grief, and shall spread forth his hands 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.

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 · 21 words
כָּל1 of 21
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

תְּפִלָּ֣ה2 of 21

Then what prayer

H8605

intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn

כָל3 of 21
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

תְּחִנָּ֗ה4 of 21

or what supplication

H8467

graciousness; causatively, entreaty

אֲשֶׁ֤ר5 of 21
H834

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

יִֽהְיֶה֙6 of 21
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְכָל7 of 21
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָ֣אָדָ֔ם8 of 21

soever shall be made of any man

H120

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

וּלְכֹ֖ל9 of 21
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עַמְּךָ֣10 of 21

or of all thy people

H5971

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל11 of 21

Israel

H3478

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר12 of 21
H834

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

יֵֽדְע֗וּ13 of 21

shall know

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

אִ֤ישׁ14 of 21

when every one

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)

נִגְעוֹ֙15 of 21

his own sore

H5061

a blow (figuratively, infliction); also (by implication) a spot (concretely, a leprous person or dress)

וּמַכְאֹב֔וֹ16 of 21

and his own grief

H4341

anguish or (figuratively) affliction

וּפָרַ֥שׂ17 of 21

and shall spread forth

H6566

to break apart, disperse, etc

כַּפָּ֖יו18 of 21

his hands

H3709

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

אֶל19 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַבַּ֥יִת20 of 21

in this house

H1004

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

הַזֶּֽה׃21 of 21
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 6:29 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 6:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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