King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 7:20 Mean?

2 Chronicles 7:20 in the King James Version says “Then will I pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them; and this house, which I have sanctified f...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then will I pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them; and this house, which I have sanctified for my name, will I cast out of my sight, and will make it to be a proverb and a byword among all nations.”

2 Chronicles 7:20 · KJV

Context

18

Then will I stablish the throne of thy kingdom, according as I have covenanted with David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man to be ruler in Israel. There: Heb. There shall not be cut off to thee

19

But if ye turn away, and forsake my statutes and my commandments, which I have set before you, and shall go and serve other gods, and worship them;

20

Then will I pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them; and this house, which I have sanctified for my name, will I cast out of my sight, and will make it to be a proverb and a byword among all nations.

21

And this house, which is high, shall be an astonishment to every one that passeth by it; so that he shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and unto this house?

22

And it shall be answered, Because they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, and laid hold on other gods, and worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath he brought all this evil upon them.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then will I pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them; and this house, which I have sanctified for my name, will I cast out of my sight, and will make it to be a proverb and a byword among all nations.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on Divine acceptance with conditional covenant warnings. 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 God's Glory Fills Temple point forward to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וּנְתַשְׁתִּ֗ים1 of 20

“Then will I pluck them up by the roots”

H5428

to tear away

מֵעַ֤ל2 of 20
H5921

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

אַדְמָתִי֙3 of 20

“out of my land”

H127

soil (from its general redness)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר4 of 20
H834

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

וְאֶתְּנֶ֛נּוּ5 of 20

“and will make”

H5414

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

לָהֶ֔ם6 of 20
H0
וְאֶת7 of 20
H853

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

הַבַּ֤יִת8 of 20

“them and this house”

H1004

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

הַזֶּה֙9 of 20
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

אֲשֶׁ֣ר10 of 20
H834

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

הִקְדַּ֣שְׁתִּי11 of 20

“which I have sanctified”

H6942

to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

לִשְׁמִ֔י12 of 20

“for my name”

H8034

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

אַשְׁלִ֖יךְ13 of 20

“will I cast out”

H7993

to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)

מֵעַ֣ל14 of 20
H5921

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

פָּנָ֑י15 of 20

“of my sight”

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

וְאֶתְּנֶ֛נּוּ16 of 20

“and will make”

H5414

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

לְמָשָׁ֥ל17 of 20

“it to be a proverb”

H4912

properly, a pithy maxim, usually of metaphorical nature; hence, a simile (as an adage, poem, discourse)

וְלִשְׁנִינָ֖ה18 of 20

“and a byword”

H8148

something pointed, i.e., a gibe

בְּכָל19 of 20
H3605

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

הָֽעַמִּֽים׃20 of 20

“among all nations”

H5971

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

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 7:20 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 7:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 17:20Deuteronomy 28:37Jeremiah 45:4Jeremiah 24:9Deuteronomy 29:281 Kings 9:7

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