Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded.

2 CHRONICLES 15:7KJV
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What does 2 Chronicles 15:7 mean?

2 Chronicles 15:7 encourages its listeners to stay strong and not give up, promising that their efforts will be recognized and rewarded. The verse is a call to perseverance, assuring that hard work and faithfulness will not go unnoticed.

The prophet Azariah is speaking to King Asa and the people of Judah during a time of religious reform. The people are being urged to remain committed to seeking God and carrying out needed changes, even when it is difficult. The promise of reward is meant to motivate them to keep going, especially when the work feels tiring or thankless.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 15:7

  • "Strong" (חָזַק, chazaq, H2388) means to be courageous or resolute. Here, it is a call to inner strength and determination, not just physical might.
  • "Weak" (רָפָה, raphah, H7503) means to let go, slacken, or become discouraged. The verse urges the people not to let their "hands" (יָד, yad, H3027) become slack, a picture of losing energy or motivation.
  • "Work" (מַעֲשֶׂה, ma'aseh, H6468) refers to deeds or efforts, especially those done in service to God during this period of reform.
  • "Rewarded" (שָׂכָר, sakar, H7939) means wages, compensation, or a just return. The promise is that God will notice and repay their faithful actions.

Why 2 Chronicles 15:7 matters

  • This verse clarifies that perseverance in doing what is right, especially in difficult times, is seen and valued by God, not just by people.
  • The encouragement to "be strong" is not about brute force but about staying committed and not losing heart, which is especially relevant in times of spiritual or moral challenge.
  • In the wider passage, this promise comes as part of a call to reform and renewal, showing that real change often requires endurance and that such work is worth the effort.

Where else these words appear

“work” Hebrew H6468 · used in 14 verses

  • Leviticus 19:13 Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbour, neither rob him: the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning.
  • Proverbs 10:16 The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.
  • Isaiah 61:8 For I the LORD love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.

“rewarded” Hebrew H7939 · used in 25 verses

  • Genesis 15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
  • Numbers 18:31 And ye shall eat it in every place, ye and your households: for it is your reward for your service in the tabernacle of the congregation.
  • Isaiah 62:11 Behold, the LORD hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him.

“weak” Hebrew H7503 · used in 45 verses

  • Exodus 4:26 So he let him go: then she said, A bloody husband thou art, because of the circumcision.
  • 1 Samuel 15:16 Then Samuel said unto Saul, Stay, and I will tell thee what the LORD hath said to me this night. And he said unto him, Say on.
  • Proverbs 4:13 Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.

“be” Hebrew H3426 · used in 129 verses

  • Genesis 18:24 Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein?
  • 1 Samuel 21:8 And David said unto Ahimelech, And is there not here under thine hand spear or sword? for I have neither brought my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king's business required haste.
  • Psalms 135:17 They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths.