King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 7:21 Mean?

2 Chronicles 7:21 in the King James Version says “And this house, which is high, shall be an astonishment to every one that passeth by it; so that he shall say, Why hath ...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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?”

2 Chronicles 7:21 · KJV

Context

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
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?

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 · 18 words
וְלַבַּ֥יִת1 of 18

“And this house”

H1004

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

הַזֶּה֙2 of 18
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

אֲשֶׁ֣ר3 of 18
H834

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

הָיָ֣ה4 of 18
H1961

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

עֶלְי֔וֹן5 of 18

“which is high”

H5945

an elevation, i.e., (adjectively) lofty (comparatively); as title, the supreme

לְכָל6 of 18
H3605

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

עֹבֵ֥ר7 of 18

“to every one that passeth”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

עָלָ֖יו8 of 18
H5921

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

יִשֹּׁ֑ם9 of 18

“shall be an astonishment”

H8074

to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)

וְאָמַ֗ר10 of 18

“by it so that he shall say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

בַּמֶּ֨ה11 of 18
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

עָשָׂ֤ה12 of 18

“done”

H6213

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

יְהוָה֙13 of 18

“Why hath the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

כָּ֔כָה14 of 18
H3602

just so, referring to the previous or following context

לָאָ֥רֶץ15 of 18

“thus unto this land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

הַזֹּ֖את16 of 18
H2063

this (often used adverb)

וְלַבַּ֥יִת17 of 18

“And this house”

H1004

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

הַזֶּֽה׃18 of 18
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 7:21 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 7:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 22:8-9Jeremiah 19:8Jeremiah 16:10-12Jeremiah 49:17Jeremiah 50:13Jeremiah 13:22

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