2 Chronicles 2:6

2 Chronicles 2:6 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

But 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?

King James Version KJV

But who is able to build him an house, seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain him? who am I then, that I should build him an house, save only to burn sacrifice before him?

American Standard Version ASV

But who is able to build him a house, seeing heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain him? who am I then, that I should build him a house, save only to burn incense before him?

Bible in Basic English BBE

But who may have strength enough to make a house for him, seeing that the heaven and the heaven of heavens are not wide enough to be his resting-place? who am I then to make a house for him? But I am building it only for the burning of perfume before him.

Free Bible Version FBV

But who can build a Temple for him to live in, for the heavens, even highest heaven, cannot contain him, and who am I that I should dare to build him a house, except to burn incense to him?

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Who is he then that can be able to buylde him an house, when the heauen, and the heauen of heauens can not conteine him? who am I then that I should buylde him an house? but I do it to burne incense before him.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and who doth retain strength to build to Him a house, for the heavens, even the heavens of the heavens, do not contain Him? and who [am] I that I do build to Him a house, except to make perfume before Him?

World English Bible WEB

But who is able to build him a house, since heaven and the heaven of heavens can’t contain him? Who am I then, that I should build him a house, except just to burn incense before him?

Noah Webster Bible WBS

But who is able to build him a house, seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain him? who am I then that I should build him a house, save only to burn sacrifice before him?

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Who then can be able to build him a worthy house? if heaven, and the heavens of heavens cannot contain him: who am I that I should be able to build him a house? but to this end only, that incense may be burnt before him.

Translation for Translators T4T

But no one can really build a temple that would be big enough for God to live in, because even the highest heavens are not big enough for him. And I am worthy only to build a place where we can burn sacrifices to him.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Chronicles 2:6

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 2:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/עַתָּ֡ה שְֽׁלַֽח לִ֣/י אִישׁ חָכָ֡ם לַ/עֲשׂוֹת֩ בַּ/זָּהָ֨ב וּ/בַ/כֶּ֜סֶף וּ/בַ/נְּחֹ֣שֶׁת וּ/בַ/בַּרְזֶ֗ל וּ/בָֽ/אַרְגְּוָן֙ וְ/כַרְמִ֣יל וּ/תְכֵ֔לֶת וְ/יֹדֵ֖עַ לְ/פַתֵּ֣חַ פִּתּוּחִ֑ים עִם הַֽ/חֲכָמִ֗ים אֲשֶׁ֤ר עִמִּ/י֙ בִּֽ/יהוּדָ֣ה וּ/בִֽ/ירוּשָׁלִַ֔ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר הֵכִ֖ין דָּוִ֥יד אָבִֽ/י

וְ/עַתָּ֡ה ʻattâh H6258 now Conj | Adv

שְֽׁלַֽח shâlach H7971 to send V-Qal-Impv-2ms

לִ֣/י Prep | Suff

אִישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms

חָכָ֡ם châkâm H2450 wise Adj

לַ/עֲשׂוֹת֩ ʻâsâh H6213 to make Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

בַּ/זָּהָ֨ב zâhâb H2091 gold Prep | N-ms

וּ/בַ/כֶּ֜סֶף keçeph H3701 silver Conj | Prep | N-ms

וּ/בַ/נְּחֹ֣שֶׁת nᵉchôsheth H5178 bronze Conj | Prep | N-fs

וּ/בַ/בַּרְזֶ֗ל barzel H1270 iron Conj | Prep | N-ms

וּ/בָֽ/אַרְגְּוָן֙ ʼargᵉvân H710 purple Conj | Prep | N-ms

וְ/כַרְמִ֣יל karmîyl H3758 crimson Conj | N-ms

וּ/תְכֵ֔לֶת tᵉkêleth H8504 blue Conj | N-fs

וְ/יֹדֵ֖עַ yâdaʻ H3045 to know Conj | V-Qal

לְ/פַתֵּ֣חַ pâthach H6605 to open Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a

פִּתּוּחִ֑ים pittûwach H6603 engraving N-mp

עִם ʻim H5973 with Prep

הַֽ/חֲכָמִ֗ים châkâm H2450 wise Art | Adj

אֲשֶׁ֤ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

עִמִּ/י֙ ʻim H5973 with Prep | Suff

בִּֽ/יהוּדָ֣ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 Judah Prep | N-proper

וּ/בִֽ/ירוּשָׁלִַ֔ם Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 Jerusalem Conj | Prep | N-proper

אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

הֵכִ֖ין kûwn H3559 to establish V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms

דָּוִ֥יד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper

אָבִֽ/י ʼâb H1 father N-ms | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Chronicles 2:6

וְ/עַתָּ֡ה ʻattâh H6258 "now" Conj | Adv

This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.

Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases

Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.

שְֽׁלַֽח shâlach H7971 "to send" V-Qal-Impv-2ms

To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.

Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send

Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.

לִ֣/י "" Prep | Suff

אִישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

חָכָ֡ם châkâm H2450 "wise" Adj

This word means wise or skilled, describing someone intelligent or crafty, like a cunning man or a prudent leader.

Definition: 1) wise, wise (man) 1a) skilful (in technical work) 1b) wise (in administration) 1c) shrewd, crafty, cunning, wily, subtle 1d) learned, shrewd (class of men) 1e) prudent 1f) wise (ethically and religiously)

Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man). See also: Genesis 41:8; Proverbs 16:14; Psalms 49:11.

לַ/עֲשׂוֹת֩ ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.

Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made

Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.

בַּ/זָּהָ֨ב zâhâb H2091 "gold" Prep | N-ms

Gold is a valuable metal, also used to describe something yellow or brilliant, like oil or a clear sky. It is often mentioned in the Bible as a precious resource.

Definition: 1) gold 1a) as precious metal 1b) as a measure of weight 1c) of brilliance, splendour (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: de.hav (דְּהַב "gold" H1722)

Usage: Occurs in 336 OT verses. KJV: gold(-en), fair weather. See also: Genesis 2:11; Numbers 7:26; 1 Chronicles 28:17.

וּ/בַ/כֶּ֜סֶף keçeph H3701 "silver" Conj | Prep | N-ms

Silver or money, often referring to payment or wealth, like the silver talents in Matthew 25. It can also describe silver as a valuable metal or ornament.

Definition: : money/payment/silver 1) silver, money 1a) silver 1a1) as metal 1a2) as ornament 1a3) as colour 1b) money, shekels, talents

Usage: Occurs in 343 OT verses. KJV: money, price, silver(-ling). See also: Genesis 13:2; Numbers 22:18; 2 Chronicles 1:17.

וּ/בַ/נְּחֹ֣שֶׁת nᵉchôsheth H5178 "bronze" Conj | Prep | N-fs

This Hebrew word refers to copper or something made of it, like a coin or chain. It can also symbolize something base or impure, as in lust or filthiness. It appears in various KJV translations, including brasen and brass.

Definition: 1) copper, bronze 1a) copper (ore), bronze (as copper alloy) 1b) fetters (of copper or bronze) 1c) copper (as value)

Usage: Occurs in 119 OT verses. KJV: brasen, brass, chain, copper, fetter (of brass), filthiness, steel. See also: Genesis 4:22; 1 Kings 7:38; Psalms 107:16.

וּ/בַ/בַּרְזֶ֗ל barzel H1270 "iron" Conj | Prep | N-ms

Iron refers to a strong metal used for tools and furniture, symbolizing strength or harshness, as seen in the Bible's descriptions of iron implements.

Definition: 1) iron 1a) iron 1a1) iron ore 1a2) as material of furniture, utensils, implements 2) tool of iron 3) harshness, strength, oppression (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: par.zel (פַּרְזֶל "iron" H6523)

Usage: Occurs in 70 OT verses. KJV: (ax) head, iron. See also: Genesis 4:22; 2 Chronicles 2:6; Psalms 2:9.

וּ/בָֽ/אַרְגְּוָן֙ ʼargᵉvân H710 "purple" Conj | Prep | N-ms

This word means purple, a valuable and expensive dye in ancient times. The same word is used in both Hebrew and Aramaic to describe this rich color. The KJV translates it as 'purple'.

Definition: purple Aramaic equivalent: ar.ge.van (אַרְגְּוָן "purple" H0711)

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: purple. See also: 2 Chronicles 2:6.

וְ/כַרְמִ֣יל karmîyl H3758 "crimson" Conj | N-ms

Carmine refers to a deep red color, like crimson, used to describe luxurious fabrics and dyes in the Bible. It represents a vibrant, rich hue. The KJV translates it as 'crimson'.

Definition: crimson, red, carmine

Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: crimson. See also: 2 Chronicles 2:6; 2 Chronicles 2:13; 2 Chronicles 3:14.

וּ/תְכֵ֔לֶת tᵉkêleth H8504 "blue" Conj | N-fs

Describes the color blue or violet, obtained from a specific type of mussel, used to dye fabrics in Exodus 28. It is a distinct color in the biblical spectrum.

Definition: 1) violet, violet stuff 1a) violet thread 1b) violet stuff or fabric 2) (TWOT) blue (covering spectrum from brilliant red through deep purple)

Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: blue. See also: Exodus 25:4; Exodus 39:1; Jeremiah 10:9.

וְ/יֹדֵ֖עַ yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" Conj | V-Qal

The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)

Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.

לְ/פַתֵּ֣חַ pâthach H6605 "to open" Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a

This verb means to engrave or carve, and is used in Exodus to describe the intricate carvings on the furniture of the tabernacle.

Definition: 1) to open 1a) (Qal) to open 1b) (Niphal) to be opened, be let loose, be thrown open 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to free 1c2) to loosen 1c3) to open, open oneself 1d) (Hithpael) to loose oneself Aramaic equivalent: pe.tach (פְּתַח "to open" H6606)

Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: appear, break forth, draw (out), let go free, (en-) grave(-n), loose (self), (be, be set) open(-ing), put off, ungird, unstop, have vent. See also: Genesis 7:11; Psalms 39:10; Psalms 5:10.

פִּתּוּחִ֑ים pittûwach H6603 "engraving" N-mp

This Hebrew word means an engraving or carving, often referring to intricate designs cut into stone or wood, like the carvings in Solomon's temple.

Definition: engraving, carving

Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: carved (work) (are, en-) grave(-ing, -n). See also: Exodus 28:11; Exodus 39:30; Psalms 74:6.

עִם ʻim H5973 "with" Prep

This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.

Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as

Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.

הַֽ/חֲכָמִ֗ים châkâm H2450 "wise" Art | Adj

This word means wise or skilled, describing someone intelligent or crafty, like a cunning man or a prudent leader.

Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man). See also: Genesis 41:8; Proverbs 16:14; Psalms 49:11.

אֲשֶׁ֤ר 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.

עִמִּ/י֙ ʻim H5973 "with" Prep | Suff

Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as

בִּֽ/יהוּדָ֣ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 "Judah" Prep | N-proper

Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.

Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob

Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.

וּ/בִֽ/ירוּשָׁלִַ֔ם Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 "Jerusalem" Conj | Prep | N-proper

Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.

Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split

Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.

אֲשֶׁ֥ר 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.

הֵכִ֖ין kûwn H3559 "to establish" V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms

This verb means to set something up or establish it, like setting up a tent or appointing someone to a position, as seen in Isaiah 7:14.

Definition: : prepare/direct 1) to be firm, be stable, be established 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be set up, be established, be fixed 1a1a) to be firmly established 1a1b) to be established, be stable, be secure, be enduring 1a1c) to be fixed, be securely determined 1a2) to be directed aright, be fixed aright, be steadfast (moral sense) 1a3) to prepare, be ready 1a4) to be prepared, be arranged, be settled 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to establish, set up, accomplish, do, make firm 1b2) to fix, make ready, prepare, provide, provide for, furnish 1b3) to direct toward (moral sense) 1b4) to arrange, order 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be established, be fastened 1c2) to be prepared, be ready 1d) (Polel) 1d1) to set up, establish 1d2) to constitute, make 1d3) to fix 1d4) to direct 1e) (Pulal) to be established, be prepared 1f) (Hithpolel) to be established, be restored

Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: certain(-ty), confirm, direct, faithfulness, fashion, fasten, firm, be fitted, be fixed, frame, be meet, ordain, order, perfect, (make) preparation, prepare (self), provide, make provision, (be, make) ready, right, set (aright, fast, forth), be stable, (e-) stablish, stand, tarry, [idiom] very deed. See also: Genesis 41:32; Job 18:12; Psalms 5:10.

דָּוִ֥יד Dâvid H1732 "David" N-proper

David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.

Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel

Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.

אָבִֽ/י ʼâb H1 "father" N-ms | 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.

Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 2:6

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
2 Chronicles 2:6 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 2:6
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 2:6
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 2:6
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 2:6
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 2:6
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 2:6
Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 2:6
Barnes' Notes on 2 Chronicles 2:6
Sermons on 2 Chronicles 2:6

Context — Preparations for the Temple

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. 8Send me also cedar, cypress, and algum logs from Lebanon, for I know that your servants have skill to cut timber there. And indeed, my servants will work with yours

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Isaiah 66:1	This is what the LORD says: “Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. What kind of house will you build for Me? Or where will My place of repose be?
2	2 Chronicles 6:18	But will God indeed dwell with man upon the earth? Even heaven, the highest heaven, cannot contain You, much less this temple I have built.
3	1 Kings 8:27	But will God indeed dwell upon the earth? Even heaven, the highest heaven, cannot contain You, much less this temple I have built.
4	Acts 7:48–49	However, the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands. As the prophet says: ‘Heaven is My throne and the earth is My footstool. What kind of house will you build for Me, says the Lord, or where will My place of repose be?
5	2 Chronicles 1:10	Now grant me wisdom and knowledge, so that I may lead this people. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?”
6	Deuteronomy 12:5–6	Instead, you must seek the place the LORD your God will choose from among all your tribes to establish as a dwelling for His Name, and there you must go. To that place you are to bring your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and heave offerings, your vow offerings and freewill offerings, as well as the firstborn of your herds and flocks.
7	1 Chronicles 29:14	But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? For everything comes from You, and from Your own hand we have given to You.
8	2 Samuel 7:18	Then King David went in, sat before the LORD, and said, “Who am I, O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that You have brought me this far?
9	Exodus 3:11	But Moses asked God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”
10	Deuteronomy 12:14	you must offer them only in the place the LORD will choose in one of your tribal territories, and there you shall do all that I command you.

2 Chronicles 2:6 Summary

[This verse is saying that God is so big and powerful that no building, not even the biggest one in the world, can fully contain Him. Solomon, the king, is acknowledging how small he is compared to God and recognizing that any house he builds for God is just a place for people to worship and offer sacrifices to Him, as a way of honoring His greatness, similar to what we see in 1 Kings 8:27. It's like trying to put the entire ocean into a small bucket - it's just not possible. So, Solomon is being humble and honest about what he can and cannot do, and this is a great example for us to follow, as we see in Proverbs 3:5-6, where we are called to trust in God with all our heart.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that the heavens cannot contain God?

This phrase, also seen in 1 Kings 8:27, reminds us of God's immense size and power, beyond human comprehension, and that no physical structure can fully encompass His presence, as noted in Isaiah 66:1-2.

Is Solomon expressing humility or doubt in this verse?

Solomon is expressing humility, recognizing his limitations and the grandeur of God, similar to the humility shown by the prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 6:5, where he acknowledges his own sinfulness in the presence of a holy God.

What is the purpose of building a house for God if He cannot be contained?

The purpose is to create a place for worship, sacrifice, and communion with God, as Solomon mentions, to burn sacrifices before Him, reflecting the heart of worship seen in Psalm 95:6-7, where believers are called to come before God with thanksgiving and worship.

How does this verse relate to our worship today?

This verse reminds us that our worship, whether in a church building or in our personal lives, is not about containing or limiting God, but about creating a space to honor and connect with Him, as seen in John 4:23-24, where Jesus teaches about worshiping in spirit and truth.

Reflection Questions

What are the ways I try to 'build a house' for God in my life, and how do I acknowledge His greatness and my limitations?
How can I, like Solomon, recognize the vastness of God's presence and power, and what difference would this make in my daily worship and service?
In what ways can I create a 'place to burn sacrifices' in my heart, offering my life and actions as worship to God, as seen in Romans 12:1-2?
What are the 'heavens' in my life that I try to use to contain or understand God, and how can I, like Solomon, acknowledge the mystery and wonder of His presence?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 2:6

But who is able to build him an house,.... Suitable to the greatness of his majesty, especially as he dwells not in temples made with hands: seeing the heaven, and heaven of heavens, cannot contain him?

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 2:6

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 2:6

The heaven of heavens cannot contain him: when I speak of building a great house for our great God, let none be so foolish to think that I mean to include or comprehend God within it, for he is infinite. To burn sacrifice before him, i.e. to worship him there where he is graciously present.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 2:6

2 Chronicles 2:6 But who is able to build him an house, seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain him? who [am] I then, that I should build him an house, save only to burn sacrifice before him?Ver. 6. Seeing the heavens and heaven of heavens.] He is ανεπιγραπτος incomprehensible, incircumscriptible: good without quality, great without quantity, everlasting without time, present everywhere without place, containing all things without extent: he filleth all places without compression or straitening of another, or the contraction, extension, condensation, or rarefaction of himself: he is within all things, and contained of nothing: without all things, and sustained of nothing.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 2:6

(6) But who is able.—Literally, who could keep strength? (See 1 Chronicles 29:14.) The heaven . . . cannot contain him.—This high thought occurs in Solomon’s prayer (1 Kings 8:27; 2 Chronicles 6:18). Who am I then . . . before him?—That is, I am not so ignorant of the infinite nature of Deity, as to think of localising it within an earthly dwelling. I build not for His residence, but for His worship and service. (Comp. Isaiah 40:22.) To burn sacrifice.—Literally, to burn incense. Here, as in 2 Chronicles 2:4, used in a general sense.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 2:6

Verse 6. Seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens] "For the lower heavens, the middle heavens, and the upper heavens cannot contain him, seeing he sustains all things by the arm of his power. Heaven is the throne of his glory, the earth his footstool; the deep, and the whole world, are sustained by the spirit of his WORD, [ברוח מימריה beruach meymereih.] Who am I, then, that I should build him a house?" - Targum. Save only to burn sacrifice] It is not under the hope that the house shall be able to contain him, but merely for the purpose of burning incense to him, and offering him sacrifice, that I have erected it.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 2:6

6. is able] Lit. retaineth strength; 1 Chronicles 29:14. Cp. 2 Chronicles 6:2; 2 Chronicles 6:18. to burn sacrifice] R.V. to burn incense.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Chronicles 2:6

Save only to burn sacrifice before him - Solomon seems to mean that to build the temple can only be justified on the human - not on the divine - side.

Sermons on 2 Chronicles 2:6

	Sermon	Description
	(Godly Home) Part 19 - Children - a Dwelling Place for the Living God by Denny Kenaston	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of creating a nurturing environment for children in our homes. He encourages parents to be vigilant in monitoring what influen
	True Gospel - Pt6 - Acceptance in the Beloved by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the speaker shares personal experiences and reflections on his journey with God. He talks about how he initially approached serving God with a strong work ethic, bu
	The Liberation of Zion by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher warns the congregation about the rise of false teachers who will try to lead people astray. He emphasizes the importance of staying vigilant and rememb
	The Ark of God by Leonard Ravenhill	This sermon delves into the story of David and the ark of God, highlighting the consequences of mishandling holy things, the importance of obedience over sacrifice, and the need fo
	Schools Teaching Kids to Reject Bible by Kent Hovind	The video is a sermon transcript discussing the importance of teaching the creation story and the flaws in the theory of evolution. The speaker shares a personal experience of spea
	(Divine Attributes) 05 God Mysterious by Denny Kenaston	In this sermon, Brother Denny emphasizes the importance of understanding and relating to God. He describes God as the high and lofty one, sitting on a throne above the heavens. God
	Three Characteristics of God's House by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a solid foundation in God's word. He encourages the congregation to develop a habit of listening to God's word daily