King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 9:6 Mean?

2 Chronicles 9:6 in the King James Version says “Howbeit I believed not their words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the one half of the greatness ...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Howbeit I believed not their words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the one half of the greatness of thy wisdom was not told me: for thou exceedest the fame that I heard.”

2 Chronicles 9:6 · KJV

FaithWisdom

Context

4

And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel; his cupbearers also, and their apparel; and his ascent by which he went up into the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her. cupbearers: or, butlers

5

And she said to the king, It was a true report which I heard in mine own land of thine acts, and of thy wisdom: report: Heb. word acts: or, sayings

6

Howbeit I believed not their words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the one half of the greatness of thy wisdom was not told me: for thou exceedest the fame that I heard.

7

Happy are thy men, and happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and hear thy wisdom.

8

Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee to set thee on his throne, to be king for the LORD thy God: because thy God loved Israel, to establish them for ever, therefore made he thee king over them, to do judgment and justice.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Howbeit I believed not their words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the one half of the greatness of thy wisdom was not told me: for thou exceedest the fame that I heard.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on International recognition of God's blessing. 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 Queen of Sheba and Solomon's Wealth point forward to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וְלֹֽא1 of 20
H3808

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

הֶאֱמַ֣נְתִּי2 of 20

“Howbeit I believed”

H539

properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen

לְדִבְרֵיהֶ֗ם3 of 20

“not their words”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

עַ֤ד4 of 20
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

אֲשֶׁר5 of 20
H834

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

בָּ֙אתִי֙6 of 20

“until I came”

H935

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

וַתִּרְאֶ֣ינָה7 of 20

“had seen”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

עֵינַ֔י8 of 20

“and mine eyes”

H5869

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

וְהִנֵּה֙9 of 20
H2009

lo!

לֹ֣א10 of 20
H3808

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

הֻגַּד11 of 20

“was not told”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לִ֔י12 of 20
H0
חֲצִ֖י13 of 20

“it and behold the one half”

H2677

the half or middle

מַרְבִּ֣ית14 of 20

“of the greatness”

H4768

a multitude; also offspring; specifically interest (on capital)

חָכְמָתֶ֑ךָ15 of 20

“of thy wisdom”

H2451

wisdom (in a good sense)

יָסַ֕פְתָּ16 of 20

“me for thou exceedest”

H3254

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

עַל17 of 20
H5921

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

הַשְּׁמוּעָ֖ה18 of 20

“the fame”

H8052

something heard, i.e., an announcement

אֲשֶׁ֥ר19 of 20
H834

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

שָׁמָֽעְתִּי׃20 of 20

“that I heard”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

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 9:6 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 9:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Zechariah 9:17Psalms 31:191 Kings 10:7John 20:25-292 Chronicles 9:5Song of Solomon 5:9-16

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