And the Ammonites gave gifts to Uzziah: and his name spread abroad even to the entering in of Egypt; for he strengthened himself exceedingly.

2 CHRONICLES 26:8KJV
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2 Chronicles 26:8 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 26:8 mean?

2 Chronicles 26:8 describes how the Ammonites brought gifts to King Uzziah, and his reputation became well known, even as far as the border of Egypt, because he became very strong and powerful. The verse highlights the respect and influence Uzziah gained among neighboring nations due to his growing strength.

This verse is part of a historical account about King Uzziah of Judah. The Chronicler is describing how Uzziah’s military and political success led other nations, like the Ammonites, to honor him with gifts. The mention of his fame reaching "even to the entering in of Egypt" shows just how far his influence spread during his reign.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 26:8

  • אֲמֹנִים (Ammonim, "Ammonites"): This word refers to the people of Ammon, a neighboring nation often in conflict with Israel and Judah. Their giving of gifts here signals a shift in power and respect toward Uzziah.
  • מִנְחָה (minchah, "gifts"): This word often means tribute or offerings, not just casual presents. The Ammonites’ tribute shows political submission or alliance, not just friendship.
  • חָזַק (chazaq, "strengthened"): This verb means to become strong or to strengthen oneself. The verse emphasizes that Uzziah’s strength was not ordinary but exceptional, leading to his widespread fame.
  • מְאֹד (me’od, "exceedingly"): This adverb intensifies the verb "strengthened," making it clear that Uzziah’s power grew far beyond the usual.

Why 2 Chronicles 26:8 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Uzziah’s influence was not limited to his own people but extended to foreign nations, showing the regional impact of his reign.
  • The tribute from the Ammonites marks a reversal from earlier times when Judah was often threatened by its neighbors, highlighting a period of strength and stability.
  • The mention of Egypt as the farthest extent of Uzziah’s fame connects his reign to the larger world of the ancient Near East, placing Judah on the map as a significant power during his rule.

Where else these words appear

“Ammonites” Hebrew H5984 · used in 18 verses

  • Deuteronomy 2:20 (That also was accounted a land of giants: giants dwelt therein in old time; and the Ammonites call them Zamzummims;
  • 1 Kings 11:1 But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites;
  • Nehemiah 2:10 When Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard of it, it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel.

“Uzziah” Hebrew H5818 · used in 26 verses

  • 2 Kings 15:13 Shallum the son of Jabesh began to reign in the nine and thirtieth year of Uzziah king of Judah; and he reigned a full month in Samaria.
  • 2 Chronicles 26:9 Moreover Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the corner gate, and at the valley gate, and at the turning of the wall, and fortified them.
  • 2 Chronicles 27:2 And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Uzziah did: howbeit he entered not into the temple of the LORD. And the people did yet corruptly.

“exceedingly” Hebrew H4605 · used in 134 verses

  • Genesis 6:16 A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it.
  • Numbers 4:30 From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old shalt thou number them, every one that entereth into the service, to do the work of the tabernacle of the congregation.
  • 2 Chronicles 5:8 For the cherubims spread forth their wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubims covered the ark and the staves thereof above.