2 Chronicles 6:40 kjv
Now, my God, let, I beseech thee, thine eyes be open, and let thine ears be attent unto the prayer that is made in this place.
2 Chronicles 6:40 nkjv
Now, my God, I pray, let Your eyes be open and let Your ears be attentive to the prayer made in this place.
2 Chronicles 6:40 niv
"Now, my God, may your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.
2 Chronicles 6:40 esv
Now, O my God, let your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayer of this place.
2 Chronicles 6:40 nlt
"O my God, may your eyes be open and your ears attentive to all the prayers made to you in this place.
2 Chronicles 6 40 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Ki 8:52 | That thine eyes may be open unto the supplication of thy servant… | God's attentiveness to prayer |
| 2 Chron 7:15 | Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer… | God's answer to Solomon's prayer |
| Ps 17:6 | I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear… | Plea for God's listening ear |
| Ps 34:15 | The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto… | God watches and listens to the righteous |
| Jer 29:12 | Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hear | God's promise to hear prayer |
| Is 56:7 | even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house… | Temple as a house of prayer |
| Dan 9:18 | incline thine ear, O my God, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold… | Daniel's plea for God to see and hear |
| Neh 1:6 | Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear… | Nehemiah's prayer for divine attention |
| Jn 9:31 | We know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God… | God listens to those who honor Him |
| Mt 18:20 | For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I… | Christ's presence among believers |
| 1 Jn 5:14 | And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing… | Confidence in God hearing prayer |
| Phil 4:6 | Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication… | Command to pray and seek God |
| Heb 4:16 | Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain… | Bold access to God through Christ |
| Ps 65:2 | O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come. | God as the Hearer of prayer |
| Joel 2:17 | ...and say, Spare thy people, O Lord… | Plea for mercy and intervention |
| Mk 11:24 | Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray… | Believing prayer brings results |
| Jas 1:5 | If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men… | God's generosity in answering |
| Zec 8:20-22 | ...and many people and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord… | Future global prayer and seeking God |
| Lam 3:8 | When I cry and shout, he shutteth out my prayer. | God's turning away when He doesn't hear |
| Is 59:1-2 | Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened… neither his ear heavy… | Sin hinders God's hearing |
| Lk 18:1-8 | the parable of the persistent widow | The need for persistent prayer |
| Rev 5:8 | ...and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. | Prayers ascend as incense to God |
| 2 Sam 22:7 | In my distress I called upon the Lord… he heard my voice out of his temple… | God hears cries from His heavenly Temple |
| Eph 6:18 | Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit… | Importance of continuous, Spirit-led prayer |
| Col 4:2 | Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving… | Steadfastness and gratitude in prayer |
2 Chronicles 6 verses
2 Chronicles 6 40 Meaning
This verse encapsulates a fervent plea by King Solomon to the Almighty God, made during the dedication of the newly completed Temple in Jerusalem. It expresses an earnest desire for God to continuously demonstrate His active attentiveness and responsive presence towards all the prayers and supplications that would be offered within this sacred space. It is a request for God's unfailing vigilance over His people's appeals made from the designated house of worship.
2 Chronicles 6 40 Context
This verse is situated within Solomon's profound dedicatory prayer for the Temple, an extensive address spanning 2 Chronicles 6:12-42. Following the successful installation of the Ark of the Covenant and the glorious manifestation of the Lord's presence (Ch. 5), Solomon leads the people in worship. He blesses the assembly and then begins this deeply significant prayer from a bronze platform before the altar. His prayer reaffirms God's covenant faithfulness to David, acknowledging that God fulfilled His promise to establish David's lineage and build a house for His name. Solomon then petitions God on behalf of the nation, foreseeing various future calamities (war, famine, plague, defeat, exile) and asking God to hear their pleas should they humble themselves and pray towards this newly consecrated Temple. Verse 40 specifically acts as a summarizing, urgent appeal at the climax of these anticipated scenarios, imploring God's constant, attentive oversight over the very act of prayer offered in this sacred place. Historically, the building of this Temple marked a pivotal moment, centralizing the worship of Yahweh in Israel and serving as a tangible symbol of God's dwelling among His people.
2 Chronicles 6 40 Word analysis
Now (עַתָּה, ‘attah): An adverb indicating immediacy or present urgency. It highlights that Solomon's request is not a general hope, but a specific and pressing appeal at this pivotal moment of dedication.
my God (אֱלֹהִים, 'Elohim): A personal address, emphasizing the intimate and covenantal relationship Solomon shares with God. It expresses devotion and dependence. The term 'Elohim' points to God's divine majesty and power.
let, I beseech thee (נָא, na):
Nais an particle of entreaty or request, translated as "please" or "I beg you." It adds an element of humble urgency and deference to the imperative, highlighting Solomon's heartfelt earnestness in addressing the Almighty.thine eyes be open (עֵינֶיךָ תִּהְיֶינָה פְתוּחֹות, ‘eyneykha tihyeynah pethukhoth): This is anthropomorphic language for God's constant and benevolent watchfulness. It does not imply God literally has eyelids to open but signifies His full awareness, discernment, and care. The "openness" implies active perception and readiness to intervene or respond, a direct contrast to the "eyes that do not see" of pagan idols (Ps 115:5).
and let thine ears be attent (וְאָזְנֶיךָ קַשֻּׁבֹות, wə'ozneykha qashuvvoth): Parallel anthropomorphic language to "eyes open." "Attent" (
qašav) means to listen closely, to pay careful attention, not merely to hear sound, but to discern and act upon the appeal. It implies active, compassionate reception and processing of prayer, unlike "ears that do not hear" of false gods (Ps 115:6).unto the prayer (לַתְּפִלָּה, lattəphillah): Refers specifically to the act of communication and petition directed to God.
Tefillahencompasses supplication, intercession, and praise. It underscores the primary purpose for which God desires relationship with His people—to hear their cry.that is made in this place (בַּמָּקוֹם הַזֶּה, bammaqom hazzeh): Refers directly and emphatically to the newly consecrated Temple. This "place" serves as the symbolic focal point for the prayers of God's people. It is not presented as limiting God's omnipresence but as confirming God's special covenantal presence there and His commitment to respond to prayers directed toward it. This reinforced the Temple's unique spiritual significance.
"Thine eyes be open and thine ears be attent": This combined phrase emphasizes God's total and active engagement. It speaks of divine omnipresence and omniscience translated into relational attentiveness, ensuring no cry of His people goes unnoticed or unheard. It highlights God's readiness to respond with both sight and understanding, offering a full picture of His watchful care.
2 Chronicles 6 40 Bonus section
This powerful request by Solomon receives a direct, positive response from God, as recorded explicitly in 2 Chronicles 7:15-16, where God states: "Now Mine eyes shall be open, and Mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that My name may be there for ever: and Mine eyes and Mine heart shall be there perpetually." This divine affirmation highlights the theological importance of Solomon's specific request. It underscores that God values sincere, contrite prayer and guarantees His commitment to His covenant with Israel centered around the Temple. The "eyes open" and "ears attent" ultimately speak to God's unwavering faithfulness and accessibility to those who seek Him in accordance with His revealed will.
2 Chronicles 6 40 Commentary
2 Chronicles 6:40 captures the essence of a worshipper's yearning for a living, responsive God. Solomon, having built the Temple, recognized that the magnificent structure itself was meaningless without God's active presence and responsiveness. His earnest plea for God's "eyes" and "ears" to be attentive to the prayers offered "in this place" is not a call for God to be confined, but for Him to fulfill His covenant promise to dwell among His people and hear their cries. It speaks to God's character as One who sees our needs, hears our voices, and cares to intervene. This verse establishes the Temple as the designated center for direct communion with God, signifying that heartfelt prayer from His people will always reach His divine attention. The prayer anticipates future needs and sets a precedent for continuous seeking of God's face in times of both blessing and distress.