2 Chronicles 2:5
2 Chronicles 2:5 in Multiple Translations
The house that I am building will be great, for our God is greater than all gods.
And the house which I build is great: for great is our God above all gods.
And the house which I build is great; for great is our God above all gods.
And the house which I am building is to be great, for our God is greater than all gods.
This Temple I am about to build must be impressive, because our God is greater than all gods.
And the house which I buylde, is great: for great is our God aboue all gods.
'And the house that I am building [is] great, for greater [is] our God than all gods;
“The house which I am building will be great, for our God is greater than all gods.
And the house which I build is great: for great is our God above all gods.
For the house which I desire to build, is great: for our God is great above all gods.
We want this temple to be a great temple, because our God is greater than all other gods.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Chronicles 2:5
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 2:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/מִ֤י
יַעֲצָר
כֹּ֨חַ֙
לִ/בְנֽוֹת
ל֣/וֹ
בַ֔יִת
כִּ֧י
הַ/שָּׁמַ֛יִם
וּ/שְׁמֵ֥י
הַ/שָּׁמַ֖יִם
לֹ֣א
יְכַלְכְּלֻ֑/הוּ
וּ/מִ֤י
אֲנִי֙
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
אֶבְנֶה
לּ֣/וֹ
בַ֔יִת
כִּ֖י
אִם
לְ/הַקְטִ֥יר
לְ/פָנָֽי/ו
וּ/מִ֤י
mîy
H4310
who?
Conj | Part
יַעֲצָר
ʻâtsâr
H6113
to restrain
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
כֹּ֨חַ֙
kôach
H3581
reptile
N-ms
לִ/בְנֽוֹת
bânâh
H1129
to build
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
ל֣/וֹ
Prep | Suff
בַ֔יִת
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
כִּ֧י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
הַ/שָּׁמַ֛יִם
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
Art | N-mp
וּ/שְׁמֵ֥י
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
Conj | N-mp
הַ/שָּׁמַ֖יִם
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
Art | N-mp
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יְכַלְכְּלֻ֑/הוּ
kûwl
H3557
to sustain
V-l-Imperf-3ms | Suff
וּ/מִ֤י
mîy
H4310
who?
Conj | Part
אֲנִי֙
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
אֶבְנֶה
bânâh
H1129
to build
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
לּ֣/וֹ
Prep | Suff
בַ֔יִת
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
כִּ֖י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
לְ/הַקְטִ֥יר
qâṭar
H6999
to offer
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
לְ/פָנָֽי/ו
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | 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 2:5
וּ/מִ֤י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Conj | Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
יַעֲצָר
ʻâtsâr
H6113
"to restrain"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to restrain or hold back, often used in the context of controlling one's actions or emotions. In the book of Psalms, it describes God's power to restrain evil. The word can also mean to assemble or rule over something.
Definition: 1) to restrain, retain, close up, shut, withhold, refrain, stay, detain 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to restrain, halt, stop 1a2) to retain 1b) (Niphal) to be restrained, be stayed, be under restraint
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able, close up, detain, fast, keep (self close, still), prevail, recover, refrain, [idiom] reign, restrain, retain, shut (up), slack, stay, stop, withhold (self). See also: Genesis 16:2; 1 Chronicles 12:1; Psalms 106:30.
כֹּ֨חַ֙
kôach
H3581
"reptile"
N-ms
Koach means strength or power, referring to human, angelic, or God's might. It can also describe the strength of animals or the produce of soil.
Definition: 1) a small reptile, probably a kind of lizard, which is unclean 1a) perhaps an extinct animal, exact meaning is unknown
Usage: Occurs in 121 OT verses. KJV: ability, able, chameleon, force, fruits, might, power(-ful), strength, substance, wealth. See also: Genesis 4:12; Job 36:5; Psalms 22:16.
לִ/בְנֽוֹת
bânâh
H1129
"to build"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.
ל֣/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
בַ֔יִת
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
כִּ֧י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
הַ/שָּׁמַ֛יִם
shâmayim
H8064
"heaven"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
וּ/שְׁמֵ֥י
shâmayim
H8064
"heaven"
Conj | N-mp
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
הַ/שָּׁמַ֖יִם
shâmayim
H8064
"heaven"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יְכַלְכְּלֻ֑/הוּ
kûwl
H3557
"to sustain"
V-l-Imperf-3ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to sustain or support something, like holding it in or keeping it going, and is used in various senses, such as nourishing or enduring, as seen in Psalm 55:22.
Definition: 1) to seize, contain, measure 1a)(Qal) to measure, calculate 1b) (Pilpel) to sustain, maintain, contain 1b1) to sustain, support, nourish 1b2) to contain, hold in, restrain 1b3) to support, endure 1c) (Polpal) to be supplied 1d) (Hilpil) to contain, hold, hold in, endure 1d1) to contain 1d2) to sustain, endure
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: (be able to, can) abide, bear, comprehend, contain, feed, forbearing, guide, hold(-ing in), nourish(-er), be present, make provision, receive, sustain, provide sustenance (victuals). See also: Genesis 45:11; 2 Chronicles 2:5; Psalms 55:23.
וּ/מִ֤י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Conj | Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
אֲנִי֙
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
אֶבְנֶה
bânâh
H1129
"to build"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.
לּ֣/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
בַ֔יִת
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
כִּ֖י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
לְ/הַקְטִ֥יר
qâṭar
H6999
"to offer"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
This word refers to the act of burning incense as an act of worship, often using a special altar. It involves turning something into a fragrant smoke, and is an important part of Old Testament rituals and sacrifices.
Definition: : burn v 1) to sacrifice, burn incense, burn sacrifices, make sacrifices smoke 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to make sacrifices smoke 1a2) to sacrifice 1b) (Pual) to smoke a sacrifice 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make sacrifices smoke 1c2) to cause incense to smoke, offer incense 1c3) to make smoke upon 1d) (Hophal) to be made to smoke
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: burn (incense, sacrifice) (upon), (altar for) incense, kindle, offer (incense, a sacrifice). See also: Exodus 29:13; 2 Kings 15:35; Isaiah 65:3.
לְ/פָנָֽי/ו
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 2:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Chronicles 2:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 2:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 2:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 2:5
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 2:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 2:5
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 2:5
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Chronicles 2:5
- Sermons on 2 Chronicles 2:5
Context — Preparations for the Temple
3Then Solomon sent word to Hiram king of Tyre: “Do for me as you did for my father David when you sent him cedars to build himself a house to live in.
4Behold, I am about to build a house for the Name of the LORD my God to dedicate to Him for burning fragrant incense before Him, for displaying the showbread continuously, and for making burnt offerings every morning and evening as well as on the Sabbaths, New Moons, and appointed feasts of the LORD our God. This is ordained for Israel forever.
5The house that I am building will be great, for our God is greater than all gods.
6But who is able to build a house for Him, since the heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain Him? Who then am I, that I should build a house for Him, except as a place to burn sacrifices before Him? 7Send me, therefore, a craftsman skilled in engraving to work with gold and silver, with bronze and iron, and with purple, crimson, and blue yarn. He will work with my craftsmen in Judah and Jerusalem, whom my father David provided.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 16:25 | For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods. |
| 2 | Exodus 15:11 | Who among the gods is like You, O LORD? Who is like You—majestic in holiness, revered with praises, performing wonders? |
| 3 | Psalms 135:5 | For I know that the LORD is great; our Lord is above all gods. |
| 4 | Psalms 86:8–9 | O Lord, there is none like You among the gods, nor any works like Yours. All the nations You have made will come and bow before You, O Lord, and they will glorify Your name. |
| 5 | 2 Chronicles 2:9 | to prepare for me timber in abundance, because the temple I am building will be great and wonderful. |
| 6 | 1 Chronicles 29:1 | Then King David said to the whole assembly, “My son Solomon, the one whom God has chosen, is young and inexperienced. The task is great because this palace is not for man, but for the LORD God. |
| 7 | Psalms 145:3 | Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; His greatness is unsearchable. |
| 8 | 1 Timothy 6:15 | which the blessed and only Sovereign One—the King of kings and Lord of lords—will bring about in His own time. |
| 9 | Jeremiah 10:6 | There is none like You, O LORD. You are great, and Your name is mighty in power. |
| 10 | 1 Kings 9:8 | And when this temple has become a heap of rubble, all who pass by it will be appalled and will hiss and say, ‘Why has the LORD done such a thing to this land and to this temple?’ |
2 Chronicles 2:5 Summary
This verse means that Solomon wants to build a very special and grand house for God because He is the greatest of all gods. Solomon knows that God is so big and powerful that no house can fully contain Him, as he says in the next verse, 2 Chronicles 2:6. But he still wants to build a beautiful place to worship and honor God, just like we want to give our best to God in our own lives, as encouraged in Colossians 3:23-24. By doing so, Solomon is showing us that we should always strive to give God our best, recognizing His greatness and superiority over all things.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the house Solomon is building to be 'great'?
The house being great refers to its grandeur and splendor, reflecting the greatness of God, as stated in 2 Chronicles 2:5, and is a testament to the Israelites' devotion to their Lord, as seen in Exodus 15:11.
Is Solomon saying that God is limited to the house he is building?
No, as Solomon himself says in 2 Chronicles 2:6, even the highest heavens cannot contain God, emphasizing His infinite nature, much like in 1 Kings 8:27, where Solomon prays, acknowledging God's greatness.
How does this verse relate to the idea of other gods?
This verse asserts the superiority of the God of Israel over all other gods, as stated in 2 Chronicles 2:5, which aligns with the teachings in Isaiah 45:5-6, where God declares Himself to be the only true God.
What can we learn from Solomon's statement about God's greatness?
We learn that our God is greater than all other gods, and this realization should inspire reverence, worship, and a deeper understanding of His nature, as seen in Psalm 95:3, which encourages us to acknowledge God's greatness.
Reflection Questions
- How does recognizing God's greatness impact my daily life and worship?
- In what ways can I reflect God's greatness in my own life, just as Solomon sought to do in building the temple?
- What are some areas where I may be tempted to elevate other 'gods' above the one true God, and how can I correct this in my heart?
- How can I, like Solomon, acknowledge the limits of my ability to fully honor God, and yet still strive to serve and worship Him with all my heart?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 2:5
And the house which I build is great,.... Not so very large, though that, with all apartments and courts belonging to it, he intended to build, was so; but because magnificent in its structure and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 2:5
Behold, I build an house to the name of the LORD my God, to dedicate it to him, and to burn before him sweet incense, and for the continual shewbread, and for the burnt offerings morning and evening,
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 2:5
The house which I build is great; for though the temple strictly so called, was but small, yet the buildings belonging to it, both above and under ground, were large and numerous.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 2:5
2 Chronicles 2:5 And the house which I build [is] great: for great [is] our God above all gods.Ver. 5. And the house which I build is great.] Excellently great, as he afterwards saith. For great is our God.] And must therefore be served like himself. Above all gods.] Whether deputed, as princes, or reputed, as idols.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 2:5
(5) And the house which I build is great.—1 Chronicles 29:1. Great is our God above all gods.—Exodus 18 11; Deuteronomy 10:17; Psalms 77:13; Psalms 95:3. According to modern notions of magnitude, the Temple of Solomon was a small building. (See on 1 Kings 6:2-3.) Shelley’s “There once proud Salem’s haughty fane Reared high to heaven its thousand golden domes, is pure fancy.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 2:5
3–10 [2–9, Heb.] (= 1 Kings 5:2-6). Solomon’s Message to Huram This passage is much fuller in Chron. than in 1 Kings, which offers no parallel to Solomon’s language with regard to the Temple; 2 Chronicles 2:4-6. Again 2 Chronicles 2:7 (the request for a “cunning man”) has no nearer parallel than 1 Kings 7:13. For 2 Chronicles 2:10 also there is no strict parallel in 1 Kings.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Chronicles 2:5
See 1 Kings 6:2 note. In Jewish eyes, at the time that the temple was built, it may have been “great,” that is to say, it may have exceeded the dimensions of any single separate building existing in
Sermons on 2 Chronicles 2:5
| Sermon | Description | |
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The Holiness of God by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of responding to the reality of God's holiness. He starts by highlighting the commandment in Exodus 20:3 to have no other god |
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The Holiness of God - Part 1 by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the holiness of God and the need for reverence and sanctification in His presence. He refers to the story of Moses encountering God at the b |
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(Reformation Within Protestantism): Faith in Practice by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that when God speaks, His words have multiple applications and are true for anyone who believes them. He asserts that nothing in history, ph |
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Take Heed, Lest You Fall by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the role of a prophet and the importance of listening to God's voice. The prophet in focus is described as having a fierce loyalty to God and |
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Holy in Christ by B.H. Clendennen | B.H. Clendennen emphasizes the profound connection between holiness and glory in God, illustrating that true holiness is not merely about rules but about the presence of God transf |
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Fear of the Lord by Winkie Pratney | Winkie Pratney emphasizes that the fear of the Lord is the foremost requirement from God, as stated in Deuteronomy 10:12. He explains that while love, service, and obedience are im |
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Praying for Revival by Brian Edwards | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the downward spiral of faith in four generations. The great grandparents of the present generation believed in the Christian faith but were in |