King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 6:3 Mean?

2 Chronicles 6:3 in the King James Version says “And the king turned his face, and blessed the whole congregation of Israel: and all the congregation of Israel stood.” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the king turned his face, and blessed the whole congregation of Israel: and all the congregation of Israel stood.”

2 Chronicles 6:3 · KJV

Context

1

Then said Solomon, The LORD hath said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.

2

But I have built an house of habitation for thee, and a place for thy dwelling for ever.

3

And the king turned his face, and blessed the whole congregation of Israel: and all the congregation of Israel stood.

4

And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, who hath with his hands fulfilled that which he spake with his mouth to my father David, saying,

5

Since the day that I brought forth my people out of the land of Egypt I chose no city among all the tribes of Israel to build an house in, that my name might be there; neither chose I any man to be a ruler over my people Israel:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the king turned his face, and blessed the whole congregation of Israel: and all the congregation of Israel stood.

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 · 13 words
וַיַּסֵּ֤ב1 of 13

“turned”

H5437

to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively

הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙2 of 13

“And the king”

H4428

a king

אֶת3 of 13
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

פָּנָ֔יו4 of 13

“his face”

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

וַיְבָ֕רֶךְ5 of 13

“and blessed”

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

אֵ֖ת6 of 13
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל7 of 13
H3605

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

קְהַ֥ל8 of 13

“and all the congregation”

H6951

assemblage (usually concretely)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל9 of 13

“of Israel”

H3478

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

וְכָל10 of 13
H3605

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

קְהַ֥ל11 of 13

“and all the congregation”

H6951

assemblage (usually concretely)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל12 of 13

“of Israel”

H3478

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

עוֹמֵֽד׃13 of 13

“stood”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

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 6:3 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 6:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 8:14Matthew 13:21 Chronicles 16:2Luke 24:50-512 Chronicles 29:29Numbers 6:23-27

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