And Azariah the chief priest, and all the priests, looked upon him, and, behold, he was leprous in his forehead, and they thrust him out from thence; yea, himself hasted also to go out, because the LORD had smitten him.

2 CHRONICLES 26:20KJV
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2 Chronicles 26:20 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 26:20 mean?

2 Chronicles 26:20 describes the moment King Uzziah is forced to leave the Lord’s temple after a visible skin disease appears on his forehead. The priests recognize what has happened, and Uzziah himself hurries out because the verse says the Lord has struck him.

The mark on Uzziah’s forehead is immediately visible to Azariah and the other priests. Their reaction follows Uzziah’s confrontation with them over his attempt to burn incense in the temple.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 26:20

  • “leprous” — צָרַע (tsaraʿ): The word refers to being affected by a skin condition. The KJV’s “leprous” does not by itself establish that Uzziah had what is called leprosy today.
  • “thrust him out” — בָּהַל (bahal): The word can carry a sense of urgency or alarm. It shows the priests acting quickly to get Uzziah out.
  • “smitten” — נָגַע (nagaʿ): The word can mean “struck” or “touched.” Here the KJV uses it to describe the Lord as the one responsible for Uzziah’s condition.

Why 2 Chronicles 26:20 matters

  • Uzziah’s departure is both enforced and voluntary. The priests “thrust him out,” but Uzziah also hurries to leave.
  • The account presents the skin disease as part of the confrontation in the temple. Verse 19 places its appearance on Uzziah’s forehead while he is angry with the priests.
  • Uzziah’s condition has consequences beyond that moment. Verse 21 says he remains affected for the rest of his life and lives apart, while his son Jotham governs the people.

Where else these words appear

“hasted” Hebrew H1765 · used in 4 verses

  • Esther 3:15 The posts went out, being hastened by the king's commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed.
  • Esther 6:12 And Mordecai came again to the king's gate. But Haman hasted to his house mourning, and having his head covered.
  • Esther 8:14 So the posts that rode upon mules and camels went out, being hastened and pressed on by the king's commandment. And the decree was given at Shushan the palace.

“forehead” Hebrew H4696 · used in 10 verses

  • Exodus 28:38 And it shall be upon Aaron's forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the LORD.
  • Isaiah 48:4 Because I knew that thou art obstinate, and thy neck is an iron sinew, and thy brow brass;
  • Ezekiel 3:8 Behold, I have made thy face strong against their faces, and thy forehead strong against their foreheads.

“leprous” Hebrew H6879 · used in 18 verses

  • Exodus 4:6 And the LORD said furthermore unto him, Put now thine hand into thy bosom. And he put his hand into his bosom: and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous as snow.
  • Leviticus 22:4 What man soever of the seed of Aaron is a leper, or hath a running issue; he shall not eat of the holy things, until he be clean. And whoso toucheth any thing that is unclean by the dead, or a man whose seed goeth from him;
  • 2 Kings 5:27 The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow.

“out” Hebrew H926 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 45:3 And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence.
  • Job 21:6 Even when I remember I am afraid, and trembling taketh hold on my flesh.
  • Psalms 104:29 Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust.