King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 6:36 Mean?

2 Chronicles 6:36 in the King James Version says “If they sin against thee, (for there is no man which sinneth not,) and thou be angry with them, and deliver them over be...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“If they sin against thee, (for there is no man which sinneth not,) and thou be angry with them, and deliver them over before their enemies, and they carry them away captives unto a land far off or near; they carry them away captives: Heb. they that take them captives carry them away”

2 Chronicles 6:36 · KJV

Context

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

36

If they sin against thee, (for there is no man which sinneth not,) and thou be angry with them, and deliver them over before their enemies, and they carry them away captives unto a land far off or near; they carry them away captives: Heb. they that take them captives carry them away

37

Yet if they bethink themselves in the land whither they are carried captive, and turn and pray unto thee in the land of their captivity, saying, We have sinned, we have done amiss, and have dealt wickedly; bethink: Heb. bring back to their heart

38

If they return to thee with all their heart and with all their soul in the land of their captivity, whither they have carried them captives, and pray toward their land, which thou gavest unto their fathers, and toward the city which thou hast chosen, and toward the house which I have built for thy name:

Read 2 Chronicles 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
If they sin against thee, (for there is no man which sinneth not,) and thou be angry with them, and deliver them over before their enemies, and they carry them away captives unto a land far off or near;

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
כִּ֣י1 of 21
H3588

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

יֶחֱטָ֔א2 of 21

“If they sin”

H2398

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

לָ֗ךְ3 of 21
H0
כִּ֣י4 of 21
H3588

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

אֵ֤ין5 of 21
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

אָדָם֙6 of 21

“against thee (for there is no man”

H120

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר7 of 21
H834

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

לֹֽא8 of 21
H3808

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

יֶחֱטָ֔א9 of 21

“If they sin”

H2398

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

וְאָֽנַפְתָּ֣10 of 21

“not and thou be angry”

H599

to breathe hard, i.e., be enraged

בָ֔ם11 of 21
H0
וּנְתַתָּ֖ם12 of 21

“with them and deliver”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לִפְנֵ֣י13 of 21

“them over 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

אוֹיֵ֑ב14 of 21

“their enemies”

H341

hating; an adversary

שֽׁוֹבֵיהֶ֛ם15 of 21

“and they carry them away”

H7617

to transport into captivity

שֽׁוֹבֵיהֶ֛ם16 of 21

“and they carry them away”

H7617

to transport into captivity

אֶל17 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֶ֥רֶץ18 of 21

“unto a land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

רְחוֹקָ֖ה19 of 21

“far off”

H7350

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

א֥וֹ20 of 21
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

קְרוֹבָֽה׃21 of 21

“or near”

H7138

near (in place, kindred or time)

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 6:36 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 6:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 John 1:8-10James 3:2Ecclesiastes 7:20Job 15:14-16Psalms 130:3Psalms 143:2

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