2 Chronicles 9 5

2 Chronicles 9:5 kjv

And she said to the king, It was a true report which I heard in mine own land of thine acts, and of thy wisdom:

2 Chronicles 9:5 nkjv

Then she said to the king: "It was a true report which I heard in my own land about your words and your wisdom.

2 Chronicles 9:5 niv

She said to the king, "The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true.

2 Chronicles 9:5 esv

And she said to the king, "The report was true that I heard in my own land of your words and of your wisdom,

2 Chronicles 9:5 nlt

She exclaimed to the king, "Everything I heard in my country about your achievements and wisdom is true!

2 Chronicles 9 verses

2 Chronicles 9 5 Meaning

In 2 Chronicles 9:5, the Queen of Sheba affirms to King Solomon that the reports she heard in her own country concerning his unparalleled accomplishments and profound wisdom were entirely truthful. Her statement validates Solomon's legendary reputation, indicating that the reality of his splendor and sagacity even surpassed the incredible rumors that reached distant lands.

2 Chronicles 9 5 Context

Chapter 9 of 2 Chronicles details the illustrious visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon in Jerusalem. This event marks the zenith of Solomon's global fame and prosperity, granted by God as a fulfillment of His promises (1 Chr 22:9-10). The Queen, having heard extensive reports of Solomon's wisdom and his magnificent kingdom, undertook a challenging journey from her distant land, bringing immense wealth, to test him with hard questions. The preceding verses (2 Chr 9:1-4) describe her extensive inquiries and Solomon's comprehensive answers, alongside her profound astonishment upon witnessing the opulence, administration, and spiritual devotion evident in his kingdom. Verse 5 encapsulates her definitive declaration that the reality she witnessed surpassed the most lavish reports she had received, confirming the unparalleled divine favor upon Solomon. This narrative serves to underscore God's blessing on a righteous ruler and demonstrates the attracting power of divine wisdom, even to pagan nations.

2 Chronicles 9 5 Word analysis

• And she said to the king: This signifies a direct, formal address from a visiting monarch to a host king, underscoring the weight and importance of her statement.
• It was a true report: In Hebrew, this is "דָּבָר אֱמֶת" (davar emet).
  • דָּבָר (davar): Refers to a word, matter, thing, or deed. It signifies not merely a verbal account but the substance of what was heard—Solomon's affairs, achievements, and entire reputation.
  • אֱמֶת (emet): Means truth, faithfulness, firmness, reliability. It denotes something that is genuinely and consistently so, far from exaggeration or fabrication. Her pronouncement of "true report" means that the factual account itself, the reputation, was solid and trustworthy, not embellished.
• which I heard: From the Hebrew "שָׁמַעְתִּי" (shamati). The act of hearing implies reception of information, but often also carries the connotation of understanding and even believing. She heard it through reputation, at a great distance, which speaks to the widespread nature of Solomon's fame.
• in mine own land: This highlights the extraordinary reach of Solomon's reputation, spanning great distances and reaching foreign lands. It also emphasizes that this was an external validation, not a domestic one, making it highly credible.
• of thy acts: In Hebrew, "דְּבָרֶיךָ" (debareykha), literally "your words/matters/things." Here, "acts" (or "dealings" / "accomplishments") encompasses his administrative decisions, the governance of his kingdom, the execution of his plans, his judicial pronouncements, and the practical demonstrations of his wisdom in daily life. This refers to the tangible manifestations of his wisdom.
• and of thy wisdom: In Hebrew, "וְחָכְמָתֶךָ" (v'chochmatekha). This directly points to the divine gift Solomon received from God (1 Kgs 3:9-12; 2 Chr 1:10-12). It refers to his discernment, understanding, practical skill, and insight that governed his "acts" and all aspects of his reign, attracting universal renown. It is presented as distinct from, yet intimately linked to, his 'acts' as the source behind them.

Words-group analysis:

• "true report which I heard in mine own land": This phrase emphasizes the external, unsolicited nature of the commendation. The Queen was not prompted to speak but validated the pre-existing reports that had traversed vast geographical and cultural boundaries. The "truth" of these reports, verified by her direct experience, speaks to the divine source and inherent reality of what God had accomplished through Solomon.
• "of thy acts, and of thy wisdom": This coupling points to two aspects of Solomon's fame. His "acts" were the observable, tangible outcomes and demonstrations of his reign, while his "wisdom" was the underlying quality and divine gift that empowered those acts. It signifies that both the evidence (acts) and the essence (wisdom) of his greatness were truly as magnificent as reported. This wisdom was not theoretical but deeply practical, influencing every facet of his kingship.

2 Chronicles 9 5 Bonus section

• The Queen of Sheba's validation carries particular weight because she was an unbiased, foreign ruler, symbolizing the recognition of God's work among the Gentiles. Her journey, curiosity, and ultimate belief serve as a precursor to the nations coming to Jerusalem to seek God, a common Old Testament prophetic theme (e.g., Isa 2:2-3).
• The fact that she believed not until she "came and saw with her own eyes" (as explicitly stated in the parallel 1 Kgs 10:7, and implicitly here) emphasizes the superiority of personal experience and divine revelation over mere hearsay.
• This verse highlights the inseparable link between true wisdom and its tangible manifestations (acts/deeds). Divine wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge but also practical discernment that results in righteous and effective living and governance.
• The overwhelming nature of Solomon's splendor, particularly in his acts and wisdom, showcases God's glory through His chosen king, a reflection of His covenant faithfulness to Israel.

2 Chronicles 9 5 Commentary

2 Chronicles 9:5 is a pivotal statement in the narrative of the Queen of Sheba's visit, acting as the ultimate seal of validation for Solomon's renowned greatness. Her initial reports, heard "in mine own land," must have been so extraordinary as to evoke a measure of skepticism or, at least, necessitate direct confirmation. Her declaration that these seemingly exaggerated tales were, in fact, "true" and not only true, but the reality surpassed the reports, serves as a powerful testament to the overwhelming blessing and wisdom bestowed upon Solomon by God. This speaks to the tangible, undeniable presence of God's favor and the reality of His work through His chosen instruments. The Queen's amazement encompasses both Solomon's visible "acts" (his immense wealth, magnificent buildings, efficient administration) and, more profoundly, the underlying "wisdom" that fueled and structured all these achievements. This divine wisdom was the true magnet that drew nations to Jerusalem, demonstrating God's global renown reflected through His servant. The verse thus stands as a witness to the profound and visible impact of divinely granted wisdom upon the world, fulfilling God's promise to make Solomon's name great (2 Sam 7:9).