And the fear of God was on all the kingdoms of those countries, when they had heard that the LORD fought against the enemies of Israel.

2 CHRONICLES 20:29KJV
Know the Bible

2 Chronicles 20:29 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 20:29 mean?

2 Chronicles 20:29 describes how all the surrounding kingdoms were filled with fear of God when they heard that the LORD had fought against Israel’s enemies. This verse shows that news of God’s powerful intervention on behalf of Israel spread widely and made other nations afraid to oppose them.

This moment comes after King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah experienced a miraculous victory, where God defeated their enemies without them having to fight. The verse highlights the impact of this event on the nations nearby, emphasizing that it was God’s action—rather than Israel’s military strength—that caused other kingdoms to be afraid.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 20:29

  • The word for "fear" is פַּחַד (pachad, H6343), which often means a sense of dread or terror. Here, it describes a deep, overwhelming fear that fell on the surrounding nations, not just respect but real anxiety about what God might do.
  • "God" is אֱלֹהִים (Elohim, H430), a general term for God that can also emphasize His power and authority over all nations, not just Israel.
  • "Fought" is לָחַם (lacham, H3898), which means to wage war or do battle. The verse stresses that it was the LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH, H3068) Himself who fought, not just Israel’s army, underlining God’s direct involvement.

Why 2 Chronicles 20:29 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the fear experienced by other nations was not because of Israel’s military might, but because they recognized God’s direct intervention.
  • It connects to the larger story in 2 Chronicles 20, where God delivers Judah in a way that demonstrates His power to both Israel and the surrounding peoples.
  • The verse shows how God’s actions on behalf of His people can influence even those who do not worship Him, shaping the political and spiritual landscape beyond Israel’s borders.

Where else these words appear

“fear” Hebrew H6343 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 31:42 Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked thee yesternight.
  • Job 4:14 Fear came upon me, and trembling, which made all my bones to shake.
  • Psalms 119:120 My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.

“kingdoms” Hebrew H4467 · used in 113 verses

  • Genesis 10:10 And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar.
  • 2 Kings 14:5 And it came to pass, as soon as the kingdom was confirmed in his hand, that he slew his servants which had slain the king his father.
  • Isaiah 14:16 They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms;