2 Chronicles 9:7 kjv
Happy are thy men, and happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and hear thy wisdom.
2 Chronicles 9:7 nkjv
Happy are your men and happy are these your servants, who stand continually before you and hear your wisdom!
2 Chronicles 9:7 niv
How happy your people must be! How happy your officials, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom!
2 Chronicles 9:7 esv
Happy are your wives! Happy are these your servants, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom!
2 Chronicles 9:7 nlt
How happy your people must be! What a privilege for your officials to stand here day after day, listening to your wisdom!
2 Chronicles 9 7 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ps 1:1 | Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly... | True happiness from right association |
| Matt 5:3-12 | Blessed are the poor in spirit...Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness... | The Beatitudes, linking happiness to divine principles |
| Luke 11:28 | But He said, "More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!" | Hearing God's word brings true blessing |
| Jam 1:5 | If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God... | Source of true wisdom is God |
| Prov 3:13 | Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding; | Wisdom as a source of happiness/blessing |
| Prov 2:6 | For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding; | God as the origin of wisdom |
| Deut 6:6-7 | "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children..." | Emphasizes continual exposure to wisdom |
| 1 Kgs 10:8 | Happy are your men and happy are these your servants who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom. | Parallel verse in 1 Kings, affirming the same sentiment |
| 1 Kgs 4:29-30 | And God gave Solomon wisdom and exceedingly great understanding...so that Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the men of the East... | God granted Solomon's unique wisdom |
| Matt 12:42 | The queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon... | Queen of Sheba's earnest pursuit of wisdom |
| Lk 1:19 | And the angel answered and said to him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God..." | Privilege of standing continually before a great one |
| Ps 84:4 | Blessed are those who dwell in Your house; They will still be praising You. | Blessing of continuous proximity to God's presence |
| John 6:68 | Peter replied, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." | Finding eternal wisdom in Christ |
| Eph 1:3 | Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ... | Ultimate blessings found in Christ |
| Col 2:3 | in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. | Christ as the ultimate embodiment of wisdom |
| Ps 34:8 | Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! | Happiness linked to knowing/trusting God |
| Ps 144:15 | Happy is the people whose God is the Lord! | National blessedness from a relationship with God |
| Phil 4:7 | and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. | The depth of God's wisdom transcends human understanding |
| Rom 11:33 | Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! | Awe at the incomprehensible wisdom of God |
| Pro 8:34-35 | Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoever finds me finds life... | Wisdom personified, bringing life and blessedness |
2 Chronicles 9 verses
2 Chronicles 9 7 Meaning
2 Chronicles 9:7 describes the profound admiration of the Queen of Sheba for King Solomon's household. Her statement emphasizes the unparalleled blessedness of those who are in continuous proximity to Solomon, benefiting directly from his divinely granted wisdom. It speaks to a deep sense of contentment and favor enjoyed by those who can perpetually learn and be guided by such extraordinary insight.
2 Chronicles 9 7 Context
This verse is found within the account of the Queen of Sheba's visit to King Solomon in Jerusalem, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 9 (parallel to 1 Kings 10). The Queen had heard of Solomon's fame and his divinely endowed wisdom and journeyed a great distance to test him with hard questions. Upon witnessing his extraordinary wealth, magnificent palace, the efficiency of his administration, the excellence of his servants, and most significantly, his unparalleled wisdom in answering all her inquiries, she was overwhelmed. Her declaration in 2 Chronicles 9:7-8 is a pinnacle moment of her admiration, culminating in praise not only for Solomon but ultimately for the Lord God who delighted in Solomon and placed him on the throne. The historical context reflects a golden age for Israel under Solomon, characterized by peace, prosperity, and international renown, largely due to God's favor and the gift of wisdom bestowed upon the king.
2 Chronicles 9 7 Word analysis
- Happy (אַשְׁרֵי - ’ashrey): This word signifies a state of deep blessedness, flourishing, or prosperity. It is a common term used in the Psalms (e.g., Ps 1) to describe those who are favored by God or walk in His ways. It indicates more than mere transient joy; rather, it refers to an abiding condition of well-being, often with a spiritual dimension, suggesting divine favor or approval as the ultimate source of this happiness.
- are thy men (אֲנָשֶׁיךָ - ’anasheyka): Refers to the broader populace or citizens under Solomon's rule, especially those residing near him in the capital. The Queen recognizes a general prosperity and contentment extending to the common people.
- and happy are these thy servants (עֲבָדֶיךָ - ‘avadeykha): This distinguishes a more intimate group, those directly serving Solomon, his officials and attendants. The Queen specifically calls out their blessedness, perhaps due to their direct, personal access to the king. The repetition of "happy" (or "blessed") underscores her profound awe.
- which stand continually (הָעֹמְדִים תָּמִיד - ha‘omedim tamid): "Stand" (‘amad) here implies being present, in attendance, or serving in an official capacity. "Continually" (tamid) means always, perpetually, or regularly. This highlights their uninterrupted access and presence in the royal court, signifying their privileged and enduring position near Solomon. This constant proximity is a key aspect of their blessed state.
- before thee (לְפָנֶיךָ - lĕphaneyka): Literally "to your face" or "in your presence." It emphasizes direct, unhindered access and proximity to the source of wisdom.
- and hear thy wisdom (וְשֹׁמְעִים אֶת חָכְמָתֶךָ - weshom‘im et chokhmatekha): "Hear" (shama‘) implies not just passive reception, but attentive listening and often obedience. "Thy wisdom" (chokhmatekha) refers to Solomon's profound understanding, discernment, and skill, divinely bestowed upon him. This continuous exposure to Solomon's unparalleled wisdom is presented as the primary reason for the servants' happiness and favored status. Their blessedness comes from continually learning from such a wise ruler.
Words-group analysis
- "Happy are thy men, and happy are these thy servants": This double affirmation emphasizes the widespread nature of Solomon's blessing, impacting both the general populace and those in close royal service. The "happiness" or "blessedness" stems from their association with Solomon and, implicitly, with the God who blessed him. It underscores the concept that true leadership (divinely appointed) brings prosperity and well-being to those under its authority.
- "which stand continually before thee, and hear thy wisdom": This phrase defines the specific privilege that leads to the aforementioned happiness. It is not just about proximity, but about active engagement and reception of wisdom. The continuous presence signifies devoted service and uninterrupted access, leading to constant learning. This implies that being in the presence of and receiving wisdom from a godly, wise leader is a source of profound blessing and benefit. This also alludes to the honor of those who stand directly before the king, implying trust and high regard.
2 Chronicles 9 7 Bonus section
The Queen of Sheba's awe-filled pronouncement in 2 Chronicles 9:7 serves as an external validation of God's blessing on Solomon, particularly concerning the gift of wisdom that distinguished him. Her observation is not simply a compliment, but a theological insight, as it immediately precedes her declaration in 2 Chr 9:8 acknowledging the Lord God of Israel as the source of Solomon's reign and prosperity. The Hebrew word ’ashrey for "happy" is highly significant, used often in contexts of spiritual blessedness (e.g., Psalms' beatitudes), indicating a state of being truly fortunate or right in the eyes of God. It's not fleeting happiness but an enduring, favorable condition. The scene indirectly critiques human-centric or polytheistic notions of power by showcasing a kingdom where true strength and prosperity stem from a singular, righteous God and the wisdom He bestows.
2 Chronicles 9 7 Commentary
2 Chronicles 9:7 is a foreign dignitary's astonished commendation of Solomon's kingdom. The Queen of Sheba, witnessing Solomon's unprecedented glory and the orderliness of his court, proclaims the blessedness of his servants. Their "happiness" isn't merely comfort, but a deep spiritual and material flourishing. This blessing flows from their unbroken proximity to Solomon and, critically, their continuous access to his divinely inspired wisdom. The verse highlights that true felicity comes not just from material wealth but from living under wise leadership and, by extension, continually being nourished by truth and discernment. This prefigures the ultimate blessedness of those who constantly dwell in the presence of the Lord, our true King, and are privileged to hear and abide in His wisdom, which is found perfectly in Christ. The continuous act of "hearing" implies attentive learning and integration of this wisdom into daily life.