King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 6:37 Mean?

2 Chronicles 6:37 in the King James Version says “Yet if they bethink themselves in the land whither they are carried captive, and turn and pray unto thee in the land of ...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Chronicles 6:37 · KJV

Prayer

Context

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:

39

Then hear thou from the heavens, even from thy dwelling place, their prayer and their supplications, and maintain their cause, and forgive thy people which have sinned against thee. cause: or, right

Read 2 Chronicles 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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;

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 · 16 words
וְשָׁ֣בוּ׀1 of 16

“Yet if they bethink”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אֶל2 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לְבָבָ֔ם3 of 16
H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

בְּאֶ֤רֶץ4 of 16

“themselves in the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר5 of 16
H834

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

נִשְׁבּוּ6 of 16

“whither they are carried captive”

H7617

to transport into captivity

שָׁ֑ם7 of 16
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

וְשָׁ֣בוּ׀8 of 16

“Yet if they bethink”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

וְהִֽתְחַנְּנ֣וּ9 of 16

“and pray”

H2603

properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e., move to favor by petition)

אֵלֶ֗יךָ10 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּאֶ֤רֶץ11 of 16

“themselves in the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

שִׁבְיָם֙12 of 16

“of their captivity”

H7628

exiled; captured; as noun, exile (abstractly or concretely and collectively); by extension, booty

לֵאמֹ֔ר13 of 16

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

חָטָ֥אנוּ14 of 16

“We have sinned”

H2398

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

הֶֽעֱוִ֖ינוּ15 of 16

“we have done amiss”

H5753

to crook, literally or figuratively

וְרָשָֽׁעְנוּ׃16 of 16

“and have dealt wickedly”

H7561

to be (causatively, do or declare) wrong; by implication, to disturb, violate

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 6:37 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 6:37 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 9:5-11Jeremiah 31:18-20Isaiah 64:6-12Luke 15:17-19Ezra 9:6-7Job 33:27-28

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