King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 6:40 Mean?

2 Chronicles 6:40 in the King James Version says “Now, my God, let, I beseech thee, thine eyes be open, and let thine ears be attent unto the prayer that is made in this ...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Now, my God, let, I beseech thee, thine eyes be open, and let thine ears be attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. unto: Heb. to the prayer of this place”

2 Chronicles 6:40 · KJV

Prayer

Context

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

40

Now, my God, let, I beseech thee, thine eyes be open, and let thine ears be attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. unto: Heb. to the prayer of this place

41

Now therefore arise, O LORD God, into thy resting place, thou, and the ark of thy strength: let thy priests, O LORD God, be clothed with salvation, and let thy saints rejoice in goodness.

42

O LORD God, turn not away the face of thine anointed: remember the mercies of David thy servant.

Read 2 Chronicles 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Solomon's plea concludes: 'Now, my God, let, I beseech thee, thine eyes be open, and let thine ears be attent unto the prayer that is made in this place.' The anthropomorphic language (eyes open, ears attentive) depicts God's active engagement with His people's prayers offered at the temple. This established the temple as the earthly locus where prayers were directed toward God's heavenly throne. Yet Jesus's teaching to the Samaritan woman (John 4:21-24) transcends location - true worshipers worship in spirit and truth, not at specific geographic sites. Christ Himself becomes the 'place' where believers approach God, the true temple mediating access to the Father.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This request (c. 960 BCE) shaped Jewish prayer practice - even when unable to be physically present at the temple (like Daniel in exile), the faithful prayed toward Jerusalem (Daniel 6:10), trusting God's attention to prayers oriented toward His house.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ as the true temple change where and how you approach God in prayer?
  2. What confidence does it give you that God's eyes are open and ears attentive to your prayers offered 'in Jesus's name'?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
עַתָּ֣ה1 of 11
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

אֱלֹהַ֗י2 of 11

“Now my God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יִֽהְיוּ3 of 11
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

נָ֤א4 of 11
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

עֵינֶ֙יךָ֙5 of 11

“let I beseech thee thine eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

פְּתֻח֔וֹת6 of 11

“be open”

H6605

to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

וְאָזְנֶ֖יךָ7 of 11

“and let thine ears”

H241

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

קַשֻּׁב֑וֹת8 of 11

“be attent”

H7183

hearkening

לִתְפִלַּ֖ת9 of 11

“unto the prayer”

H8605

intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn

הַמָּק֥וֹם10 of 11

“that is made in this place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

הַזֶּֽה׃11 of 11
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 6:40 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 6:40 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 7:15Psalms 116:2Psalms 17:1Nehemiah 1:6Nehemiah 1:11Psalms 31:2

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