King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 8:11 Mean?

2 Chronicles 8:11 in the King James Version says “And Solomon brought up the daughter of Pharaoh out of the city of David unto the house that he had built for her: for he... — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Solomon brought up the daughter of Pharaoh out of the city of David unto the house that he had built for her: for he said, My wife shall not dwell in the house of David king of Israel, because the places are holy, whereunto the ark of the LORD hath come. holy: Heb. holiness

2 Chronicles 8:11 · KJV


Context

9

But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no servants for his work; but they were men of war, and chief of his captains, and captains of his chariots and horsemen.

10

And these were the chief of king Solomon's officers , even two hundred and fifty, that bare rule over the people.

11

And Solomon brought up the daughter of Pharaoh out of the city of David unto the house that he had built for her: for he said, My wife shall not dwell in the house of David king of Israel, because the places are holy, whereunto the ark of the LORD hath come. holy: Heb. holiness

12

Then Solomon offered burnt offerings unto the LORD on the altar of the LORD, which he had built before the porch,

13

Even after a certain rate every day, offering according to the commandment of Moses, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts, three times in the year, even in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Solomon brought up the daughter of Pharaoh out of the city of David unto the house that he had built for her: for he said, My wife shall not dwell in the house of David king of Israel, because the places are holy, whereunto the ark of the LORD hath come.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on Consolidating the kingdom and establishing worship. 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 Other Building Projects point forward to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 29 words
וְאֶת1 of 29
H853

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

בַּת2 of 29

the daughter

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

פַּרְעֹ֗ה3 of 29

of Pharaoh

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

הֶֽעֱלָ֤ה4 of 29

brought up

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

שְׁלֹמֹה֙5 of 29

And Solomon

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

מֵעִ֣יר6 of 29

out of the city

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

דָּוִ֣יד7 of 29

of David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

בְּבֵית֙8 of 29

in the house

H1004

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר9 of 29
H834

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

בָּֽנָה10 of 29

that he had built

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

לָ֑הּ11 of 29
H0
כִּ֣י12 of 29
H3588

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

אָמַ֗ר13 of 29

for her for he said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לֹֽא14 of 29
H3808

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

תֵשֵׁ֨ב15 of 29

shall not dwell

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

אִשָּׁ֥ה16 of 29

My wife

H802

a woman

לִי֙17 of 29
H0
בְּבֵית֙18 of 29

in the house

H1004

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

דָּוִ֣יד19 of 29

of David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

מֶֽלֶךְ20 of 29

king

H4428

a king

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל21 of 29

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

כִּֽי22 of 29
H3588

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

קֹ֣דֶשׁ23 of 29

because the places are holy

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

הֵ֔מָּה24 of 29
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

אֲשֶׁר25 of 29
H834

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

בָּֽאָ֥ה26 of 29

hath come

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֲלֵיהֶ֖ם27 of 29
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֲר֥וֹן28 of 29

whereunto the ark

H727

a box

יְהוָֽה׃29 of 29

of the LORD

H3068

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


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 8:11 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 8:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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