2 Chronicles 6 14

2 Chronicles 6:14 kjv

And said, O LORD God of Israel, there is no God like thee in the heaven, nor in the earth; which keepest covenant, and showest mercy unto thy servants, that walk before thee with all their hearts:

2 Chronicles 6:14 nkjv

and he said: "LORD God of Israel, there is no God in heaven or on earth like You, who keep Your covenant and mercy with Your servants who walk before You with all their hearts.

2 Chronicles 6:14 niv

He said: "LORD, the God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven or on earth?you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way.

2 Chronicles 6:14 esv

and said, "O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven or on earth, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to your servants who walk before you with all their heart,

2 Chronicles 6:14 nlt

He prayed, "O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in all of heaven and earth. You keep your covenant and show unfailing love to all who walk before you in wholehearted devotion.

2 Chronicles 6 verses

2 Chronicles 6 14 Meaning

King Solomon, in his dedicatory prayer for the Temple, declares the absolute uniqueness and incomparability of the LORD God of Israel. He affirms that there is no other deity in all of creation—neither in heaven nor on earth—who faithfully keeps His covenant and demonstrates steadfast love and mercy towards His devoted servants, those who sincerely obey Him with all their being. This verse serves as both an affirmation of God's sovereign character and a condition for receiving His blessings.

2 Chronicles 6 14 Context

2 Chronicles 6:14 is a pivotal part of Solomon's lengthy prayer of dedication at the completion of the first Temple in Jerusalem. This prayer occurs immediately after the ark of the covenant has been brought into the Most Holy Place and the glory of the LORD (the Shekinah) has filled the Temple, preventing the priests from ministering. Standing before the congregation, Solomon blesses Israel and then recounts God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to David regarding a perpetual dynasty and a chosen place for His name. Verse 14 initiates Solomon's fervent plea, setting the theological foundation for the specific requests that follow (e.g., forgiveness, deliverance, hearing prayer). The historical setting is approximately 960 BC, a time of national prosperity and a central, grand edifice for Israel's worship, in stark contrast to the surrounding polytheistic nations. This verse strongly asserts Israel's distinct monotheism in a world filled with numerous gods and cults.

2 Chronicles 6 14 Word analysis

• And he said: Refers to Solomon, the speaker. His declaration is solemn, authoritative, and rooted in his unique position as king and builder of the Temple.
• O LORD God of Israel:
  • O LORD (יְהוָה - YHWH): The personal, covenant name of God revealed to Moses (Exod 3:15). It signifies God's self-existence, His eternal nature, and His covenant fidelity to His people. It distinguishes Him from all other gods.
  • God (אֱלֹהִים - Elohim): A generic term for God, but used here in combination with YHWH to emphasize His supreme deity, power, and authority over all creation. It's a plural form but functions as a singular in reference to the true God, often indicating fullness or majesty.
  • of Israel: Identifies YHWH as the particular God who entered into covenant relationship with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob (Israel), and their descendants. This highlights His unique bond with a chosen people.
• there is no God like thee:
  • (אֵין כָּמוֹךָ אֱלֹהִים - 'êyn kāmōkāh 'ĕlōhîm): A powerful declaration of divine incomparability. "No" ('êyn) is emphatic. This is a core tenet of biblical monotheism, asserting YHWH's uniqueness and supreme authority over any purported deity of other nations. It serves as a direct polemic against the polytheism prevalent in the Ancient Near East.
• in the heaven, nor in the earth:
  • (בַּשָּׁמַיִם וּבָאָרֶץ - ba-shāmāyim u-vā-'āretz): Expresses God's universal sovereignty and omnipresence. He is not confined to a single locality, nor is His power limited to a specific domain (like other pagan deities). He reigns supreme over the entire cosmos, both the visible (earth) and invisible (heaven) realms.
• which keepest covenant:
  • (שׁוֹמֵר הַבְּרִית - shōmēr hab-bĕrı̂t): Highlights God's absolute faithfulness to His sworn agreements. The "covenant" (bĕrı̂t) refers to the foundational covenants God made with His people, particularly with Abraham, Israel (at Sinai), and David, demonstrating His reliability and commitment to His promises, regardless of human failures.
• and shewest mercy:
  • (וְעֹשֵׂה חֶסֶד - v'oseh chesed): Emphasizes God's benevolent and enduring love. "Mercy" here translates chesed, which is much deeper than simple kindness. It refers to God's steadfast love, covenant loyalty, enduring goodness, and faithfulness—a commitment that goes beyond mere legal obligation and is rooted in His very character.
• unto thy servants:
  • (לַעֲבָדֶיךָ - la-'avādeyḵā): Refers to those who are devoted to God, willing to serve Him and submit to His will. This indicates that God's covenant love and mercy, while freely given, are primarily manifested towards those who acknowledge Him and live in His service.
• that walk before thee:
  • (הַהֹלְכִים לְפָנֶיךָ - hāholekim lepānēykā): This idiom denotes a life of active obedience, living in God's presence, under His watchful eye, and according to His commands. It implies a moral and spiritual conduct aligned with divine will, walking in integrity and faithfulness.
• with all their hearts:
  • (בְּכָל־לִבָּם - be-khol-libām): Signifies wholeheartedness, sincerity, complete devotion, and internal commitment. The "heart" (levav) in Hebrew thought is not just the seat of emotion, but the totality of one's inner being—intellect, will, emotion, and conscience. Thus, it requires a comprehensive, undivided devotion to God.

Words-group analysis:

• O LORD God of Israel, there is no God like thee in the heaven, nor in the earth: This foundational statement establishes the unique, supreme, and universal nature of the God of Israel. It positions YHWH above all other perceived deities, reinforcing monotheism and His omnipresence.
• which keepest covenant, and shewest mercy: These two phrases highlight God's primary attributes concerning His relationship with humanity: His unwavering faithfulness to His promises (brit) and His overflowing, steadfast, and loyal love (chesed). These qualities assure His people of His reliability and benevolent intentions.
• unto thy servants, that walk before thee with all their hearts: This clause delineates the beneficiaries and conditions of God's steadfast love and mercy. It specifies that these divine blessings are continually manifested towards those who serve Him, live obediently in His presence, and commit themselves entirely to Him from their innermost being. This emphasizes human responsibility and reciprocity in the covenant relationship.

2 Chronicles 6 14 Bonus section

Solomon's prayer here, with its emphasis on God's character and human responsibility, foreshadows prophetic calls for genuine repentance and obedience throughout Israel's history. The "heart" in biblical wisdom literature is the center of moral and spiritual life, where true religion resides. This emphasis on wholeheartedness continues into the New Testament, where loving God with all one's heart, soul, mind, and strength remains the greatest commandment. The fulfillment of God's covenant promises, especially that to David about an enduring kingdom, ultimately points to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, in whom God's chesed and brit are perfectly embodied and actualized, securing a new and eternal covenant for those who believe and walk before Him. This verse sets the stage for the recurring theme in Chronicles of a direct link between Judah's national well-being and their kings' faithfulness to God's covenant.

2 Chronicles 6 14 Commentary

2 Chronicles 6:14 encapsulates Solomon's profound theological understanding and the core beliefs of Israel. It begins with an awe-filled address to the covenant God of Israel, immediately proclaiming His absolute incomparability. This affirmation sets the stage for any legitimate prayer, recognizing God's supreme authority over all creation. Crucially, God's uniqueness is not merely about power but is intrinsically linked to His moral attributes: He is the faithful covenant keeper (shomer habberit) and the one who consistently demonstrates loyal love and mercy (oseh chesed). This is the basis of Israel's trust. However, this boundless grace is specifically directed towards "His servants" who respond with "wholehearted" obedience. This isn't a transactional exchange, but the natural alignment of one's entire life—mind, will, and emotions—with God's will, enabling them to truly walk in His presence and receive the fullness of His covenant blessings. It highlights a relationship built on both divine faithfulness and human devotion.