King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 6:33 Mean?

2 Chronicles 6:33 in the King James Version says “Then hear thou from the heavens, even from thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee... — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Chronicles 6:33 · KJV


Context

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;

35

Then hear thou from the heavens their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause. cause: or, right


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 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 · 32 words
וְאַתָּ֞ה1 of 32
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

תִּשְׁמַ֤ע2 of 32

Then hear

H8085

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

מִן3 of 32
H4480

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

הַשָּׁמַ֙יִם֙4 of 32

thou from the heavens

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

מִמְּכ֣וֹן5 of 32

place

H4349

properly, a fixture, i.e., a basis; generally a place, especially as an abode

שִׁבְתֶּ֔ךָ6 of 32

even 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

וְעָשִׂ֕יתָ7 of 32

and do

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

כְּכֹ֛ל8 of 32
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁר9 of 32
H834

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

נִקְרָ֔א10 of 32

calleth

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אֵלֶ֖יךָ11 of 32
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַנָּכְרִ֑י12 of 32

according to all that the stranger

H5237

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

לְמַ֣עַן13 of 32
H4616

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

וְלָדַ֕עַת14 of 32

and may know

H3045

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

כָל15 of 32
H3605

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

כְּעַמְּךָ֣16 of 32

thee as doth thy people

H5971

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

הָאָ֜רֶץ17 of 32

of the earth

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֶת18 of 32
H853

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

שִׁמְךָ֣19 of 32

by thy name

H8034

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

וּלְיִרְאָ֤ה20 of 32

and fear

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

אֹֽתְךָ֙21 of 32
H853

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

כְּעַמְּךָ֣22 of 32

thee as doth thy people

H5971

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל23 of 32

Israel

H3478

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

וְלָדַ֕עַת24 of 32

and may know

H3045

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

כִּֽי25 of 32
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

שִׁמְךָ֣26 of 32

by thy name

H8034

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

נִקְרָ֔א27 of 32

calleth

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

עַל28 of 32
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַבַּ֥יִת29 of 32

that this house

H1004

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

הַזֶּ֖ה30 of 32
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

אֲשֶׁ֥ר31 of 32
H834

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

בָּנִֽיתִי׃32 of 32

which I have built

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)


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 6:33 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 6:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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