2 Chronicles 15:12
2 Chronicles 15:12 in Multiple Translations
Then they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and soul.
And they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul;
And they entered into the covenant to seek Jehovah, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and with all their soul;
And they made an agreement to be true to the Lord, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and all their soul;
Then they made an agreement to conscientiously and completely follow the Lord, the God of their forefathers.
And they made a couenant to seeke the Lord God of their fathers, with all their heart, and with all their soule.
and they enter into a covenant to seek Jehovah, God of their fathers, with all their heart, and with all their soul,
They entered into the covenant to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and with all their soul;
And they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul;
And he went in to confirm as usual the covenant, that they should seek the Lord the God of their fathers with all their heart, and with all their soul.
They solemnly made an agreement to very sincerely worship Yahweh, the God whom their ancestors worshiped.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Chronicles 15:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Chronicles 15:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּבֹ֣אוּ
בַ/בְּרִ֔ית
לִ/דְר֕וֹשׁ
אֶת
יְהוָ֖ה
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
אֲבוֹתֵי/הֶ֑ם
בְּ/כָל
לְבָבָ֖/ם
וּ/בְ/כָל
נַפְשָֽׁ/ם
וַ/יָּבֹ֣אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
בַ/בְּרִ֔ית
bᵉrîyth
H1285
covenant
Prep | N-fs
לִ/דְר֕וֹשׁ
dârash
H1875
to seek
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
אֲבוֹתֵי/הֶ֑ם
ʼâb
H1
father
N-mp | Suff
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
לְבָבָ֖/ם
lêbâb
H3824
heart
N-ms | Suff
וּ/בְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | Prep | N-ms
נַפְשָֽׁ/ם
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Chronicles 15:12
וַ/יָּבֹ֣אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
בַ/בְּרִ֔ית
bᵉrîyth
H1285
"covenant"
Prep | N-fs
A covenant is a promise or agreement between people or between God and people, like a treaty or alliance. It is first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis, where God makes a covenant with Abraham. This concept is central to the Bible.
Definition: 1) covenant, alliance, pledge 1a) between men 1a1) treaty, alliance, league (man to man) 1a2) constitution, ordinance (monarch to subjects) 1a3) agreement, pledge (man to man) 1a4) alliance (of friendship) 1a5) alliance (of marriage) 1b) between God and man 1b1) alliance (of friendship) 1b2) covenant (divine ordinance with signs or pledges) 2) (phrases) 2a) covenant making 2b) covenant keeping 2c) covenant violation
Usage: Occurs in 264 OT verses. KJV: confederacy, (con-) feder(-ate), covenant, league. See also: Genesis 6:18; Judges 20:27; Psalms 25:10.
לִ/דְר֕וֹשׁ
dârash
H1875
"to seek"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To seek or ask is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often used to describe seeking God or worshiping him. It can also mean to investigate or enquire about something.
Definition: 1) to resort to, seek, seek with care, enquire, require 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to resort to, frequent (a place), (tread a place) 1a2) to consult, enquire of, seek 1a2a) of God 1a2b) of heathen gods, necromancers 1a3) to seek deity in prayer and worship 1a3a) God 1a3b) heathen deities 1a4) to seek (with a demand), demand, require 1a5) to investigate, enquire 1a6) to ask for, require, demand 1a7) to practice, study, follow, seek with application 1a8) to seek with care, care for 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to allow oneself to be enquired of, consulted (only of God) 1b2) to be sought, be sought out 1b3) to be required (of blood)
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: ask, [idiom] at all, care for, [idiom] diligently, inquire, make inquisition, (necro-) mancer, question, require, search, seek (for, out), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 9:5; Ezra 10:16; Psalms 9:11.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
אֲבוֹתֵי/הֶ֑ם
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-mp | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
לְבָבָ֖/ם
lêbâb
H3824
"heart"
N-ms | Suff
The heart is the innermost part of a person, including their mind, will, and emotions. In the book of Psalms, David talks about his heart being heavy with sorrow, while in the book of Proverbs, it discusses the importance of guarding one's heart.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage Aramaic equivalent: le.vav (לְבַב "heart" H3825)
Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bethink themselves, breast, comfortably, courage, ((faint), (tender-) heart(-ed), midst, mind, [idiom] unawares, understanding. See also: Genesis 20:5; 1 Chronicles 17:2; Psalms 4:5.
וּ/בְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
נַפְשָֽׁ/ם
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 15:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Chronicles 15:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 15:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 15:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 15:12
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 15:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 15:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 15:12
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 15:12
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Chronicles 15:12
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 15:12
- Sermons on 2 Chronicles 15:12
Context — Asa’s Reforms
10So they gathered together in Jerusalem in the third month of the fifteenth year of Asa’s reign.
11At that time they sacrificed to the LORD seven hundred oxen and seven thousand sheep from all the plunder they had brought back.
12Then they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and soul.
13And whoever would not seek the LORD, the God of Israel, would be put to death, whether young or old, man or woman. 14They took an oath to the LORD with a loud voice, with shouting, trumpets, and rams’ horns.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 24:14 | I do confess to you, however, that I worship the God of our fathers according to the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 23:16 | Then Jehoiada made a covenant between himself and the king and the people that they would be the LORD’s people. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 10:12 | And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God by walking in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, |
| 4 | 2 Chronicles 29:10 | Now it is in my heart to make a covenant with the LORD, the God of Israel, so that His fierce anger will turn away from us. |
| 5 | Nehemiah 9:38 | In view of all this, we make a binding agreement, putting it in writing and sealing it with the names of our leaders, Levites, and priests.” |
| 6 | Nehemiah 10:29 | hereby join with their noble brothers and commit themselves with a sworn oath to follow the Law of God given through His servant Moses and to carefully obey all the commandments, ordinances, and statutes of the LORD our Lord. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 4:29 | But if from there you will seek the LORD your God, you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 29:12–13 | Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. |
| 9 | 1 Kings 8:48 | and when they return to You with all their heart and soul in the land of the enemies who took them captive, and when they pray to You in the direction of the land that You gave to their fathers, the city You have chosen, and the house I have built for Your Name, |
| 10 | 2 Chronicles 15:4 | But in their distress they turned to the LORD, the God of Israel, and sought Him, and He was found by them. |
2 Chronicles 15:12 Summary
[This verse, 2 Chronicles 15:12, is about the Israelites making a promise to God to seek Him with all their heart and soul. It means they want to know and love God more than anything else, just like we are encouraged to in Deuteronomy 6:5. By seeking God first, we can experience His love, guidance, and peace in our lives, as promised in Matthew 6:33. This is an example for us today to prioritize our relationship with God and seek Him above all else.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to seek the Lord with all our heart and soul?
Seeking the Lord with all our heart and soul, as mentioned in 2 Chronicles 15:12, means to completely dedicate ourselves to Him, just like it is written in Deuteronomy 6:5 to love God with all our heart, soul, and might.
Why is it important to make a covenant with God?
Making a covenant with God, as seen in 2 Chronicles 15:12, signifies a commitment to follow His ways and obey His commands, similar to what is described in Exodus 19:5-6, where God makes a covenant with the Israelites to be their God if they obey Him.
How can we apply this verse to our own lives?
We can apply 2 Chronicles 15:12 by making a conscious decision to prioritize our relationship with God, seeking Him above all else, just as it is encouraged in Matthew 6:33 to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
What is the significance of the phrase 'the God of their fathers'?
The phrase 'the God of their fathers' in 2 Chronicles 15:12 refers to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, emphasizing the Israelites' heritage and their God's faithfulness to their ancestors, as seen in Exodus 3:15 and Acts 3:13.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to you personally to seek the Lord with all your heart and soul, and how can you apply this in your daily life?
- In what ways can you demonstrate your commitment to God, just like the Israelites did in 2 Chronicles 15:12?
- How does remembering God's faithfulness to your spiritual heritage, like the 'God of their fathers', impact your trust in Him today?
- What are some distractions or idols in your life that might hinder you from seeking the Lord with all your heart, and how can you overcome them?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 15:12
And they entered into a covenant,.... Asa and all his people; that is, as Piscator remarks, they went between the pieces of the calf cut asunder, for the confirmation of the covenant, see Jeremiah
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 15:12
And they offered unto the LORD the same time, of the spoil which they had brought, seven hundred oxen and seven thousand sheep. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 15:12
They entered into a covenant; they engaged themselves by a serious and solemn covenant before the Lord and this great assembly.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 15:12
2 Chronicles 15:12 And they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul;Ver. 12. And they entered into a covenant.] As well knowing the fickleness of their own hearts, they do hereby think good to bind them to the good abearance; a commendable practice, by holy vows to bind ourselves to the performance of bounden duties.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 15:12
(12) And they entered into a (the) covenant.—Jeremiah 34:10. The phrase means that they bound themselves by an oath (2 Chronicles 15:14). Comp. Nehemiah 10:30. To seek the Lord . . . with all their heart . . .—See the same phrase in Deuteronomy 4:29.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 15:12
Verse 12. They entered into a covenant] The covenant consisted of two parts: 1. We will seek the God of our fathers with all our heart, and with all our soul. 2. Whosoever, great or small, man or woman, will not worship the true God, and serve him alone, shall be put to death. Thus no toleration was given to idolatry, so that it must be rooted out: and that this covenant might be properly binding, they confirmed it with an oath; and God accepted them and their services.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 15:12
12. they entered into a covenant] Cp. 2 Chronicles 29:10; 2 Kings 23:3.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Chronicles 15:12
Solemn renewals of the original covenant which God made with their fathers in the wilderness Exodus 24:3-8 occur from time to time in the history of the Jews, following upon intervals of apostasy.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 15:12
12. They entered into a covenant — Compare a like event in the time of Josiah, 2 Chronicles 34:31; 2 Kings 23:3; and in the time of Nehemiah, Nehemiah 10:28-29.
Sermons on 2 Chronicles 15:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
I Once Longed for New Things to Obey by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the importance of renewing the altar of the Lord in our lives, shunning evil, embracing good, and maintaining a servant's heart. It highlights the dangers of |
|
Seeking Gods Face by Richard Owen Roberts | This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God's face in times of trouble and spiritual decline. It recounts stories of individuals and communities who experienced revival an |
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They Entered Into a Covenant to Seek The by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the significance of entering into a covenant with God, contrasting it with the fleeting covenants made by humans. He highlights that God's covenant is permane |
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Memory or Miracle? by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He argues that the resurrection is not impractical, but rather the most practical thing o |
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A Conscience Void of Offence by Hans R. Waldvogel | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the authority of Jesus and his ability to demand a wholehearted surrender from believers. He uses the example of Jesus driving out the mone |
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Easter's Glorious Tidings by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, who is alive and can be communicated with. The preacher highlights that |
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Keep a Good Conscience by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of doing the will of God and maintaining a blameless conscience before Him and men. It highlights the danger of living in sin, the significanc |