King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 6:32 Mean?

2 Chronicles 6:32 in the King James Version says “Moreover concerning the stranger, which is not of thy people Israel, but is come from a far country for thy great name's...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Moreover concerning the stranger, which is not of thy people Israel, but is come from a far country for thy great name's sake, and thy mighty hand, and thy stretched out arm; if they come and pray in this house;”

2 Chronicles 6:32 · KJV

Prayer

Context

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

32

Moreover concerning the stranger, which is not of thy people Israel, but is come from a far country for thy great name's sake, and thy mighty hand, and thy stretched out arm; if they come and pray in this house;

33

Then hear thou from the heavens, even from thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for; that all people of the earth may know thy name, and fear thee, as doth thy people Israel, and may know that this house which I have built is called by thy name. this: Heb. thy name is called upon this house

34

If thy people go out to war against their enemies by the way that thou shalt send them, and they pray unto thee toward this city which thou hast chosen, and the house which I have built for thy name;

Read 2 Chronicles 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moreover concerning the stranger, which is not of thy people Israel, but is come from a far country for thy great name's sake, and thy mighty hand, and thy stretched out arm; if they come and pray 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 · 23 words
וְגַ֣ם1 of 23
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

אֶל2 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַנָּכְרִ֗י3 of 23

“Moreover concerning the stranger”

H5237

strange, in a variety of degrees and applications (foreign, non-relative, adulterous, different, wonderful)

אֲ֠שֶׁר4 of 23
H834

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

לֹ֥א5 of 23
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

מֵֽעַמְּךָ֣6 of 23

“which is not 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

יִשְׂרָאֵל֮7 of 23

“Israel”

H3478

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

הוּא֒8 of 23
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וּבָ֥אוּ9 of 23

“but is come”

H935

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

מֵאֶ֣רֶץ10 of 23

“country”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

רְחוֹקָ֗ה11 of 23

“from a far”

H7350

remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)

לְמַ֨עַן12 of 23
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

שִׁמְךָ֤13 of 23

“name's”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

הַגָּדוֹל֙14 of 23

“for thy great”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

וְיָֽדְךָ֣15 of 23

“hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

הַֽחֲזָקָ֔ה16 of 23

“sake and thy mighty”

H2389

strong (usu. in a bad sense, hard, bold, violent)

וּֽזְרוֹעֲךָ֖17 of 23

“arm”

H2220

the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force

הַנְּטוּיָ֑ה18 of 23

“and thy stretched out”

H5186

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

וּבָ֥אוּ19 of 23

“but is come”

H935

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

וְהִֽתְפַּֽלְל֖וּ20 of 23

“and pray”

H6419

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

אֶל21 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַבַּ֥יִת22 of 23

“in this house”

H1004

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

הַזֶּֽה׃23 of 23
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 6:32 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 6:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 56:3-7Matthew 8:10-111 Kings 8:41-43Ephesians 2:12-13Zechariah 14:16-17Acts 10:1-4

Test Your Knowledge

2 Chronicles 6 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Chronicles Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Chronicles 6 with CommentaryAll 2 Chronicles ChaptersComplete 2 Chronicles QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes