Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard thee also, saith the LORD.

2 CHRONICLES 34:27KJV
Know the Bible

2 Chronicles 34:27 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 34:27 mean?

2 Chronicles 34:27 means that God noticed and responded to the humility and genuine sorrow of King Josiah when Josiah heard God’s warnings about judgment. Because Josiah’s heart was soft and he humbled himself, God assures him that his prayers and repentance have been heard.

In this verse, God is speaking through a prophet to King Josiah of Judah after Josiah heard the words of the Law and realized how far the nation had strayed. Josiah tore his clothes and wept—a sign of deep grief and repentance in ancient Israel. God’s response highlights that He pays attention to the attitude of the heart, especially when someone is truly humble and open before Him.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 34:27

  • "heart" (לֵבָב, levav): This word refers to the inner self or the core of a person’s emotions and will. The verse emphasizes that it was Josiah’s inner attitude, not just outward actions, that mattered to God.
  • "tender" (רַךְ, rakh): This word is often understood as “soft” or “sensitive.” Josiah’s heart was not hard or stubborn but responsive to God’s word, which is why God took notice.
  • "humble" (כָּנַע, kanaʿ): This verb means to bring oneself low or to submit. Josiah did not respond with pride or defensiveness but lowered himself before God, showing true humility.
  • "rend" (קָרַע, qaraʿ): To “rend” clothes was a traditional sign of mourning or distress in ancient Israel. Josiah’s action was a visible expression of his inner grief and repentance.

Why 2 Chronicles 34:27 matters

  • This verse clarifies that God values a humble and sensitive heart more than ritual or status; Josiah’s response stands in contrast to the stubbornness often shown by other kings.
  • The verse shows that God’s warnings are not meant to crush people but to lead them to repentance and restoration, as seen in how He responds to Josiah’s humility.
  • 2 Chronicles 34:27 connects to the broader story of Josiah’s reforms, showing that true change begins with a leader’s personal response to God’s word before it spreads to the nation.

Where else these words appear

“tender” Hebrew H7401 · used in 8 verses

  • Deuteronomy 20:3 And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them;
  • Job 23:16 For God maketh my heart soft, and the Almighty troubleth me:
  • Isaiah 1:6 From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment.

“humble” Hebrew H3665 · used in 32 verses

  • Leviticus 26:41 And that I also have walked contrary unto them, and have brought them into the land of their enemies; if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity:
  • 1 Chronicles 17:10 And since the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel. Moreover I will subdue all thine enemies. Furthermore I tell thee that the LORD will build thee an house.
  • 2 Chronicles 32:26 Notwithstanding Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the LORD came not upon them in the days of Hezekiah.

“rend” Hebrew H7167 · used in 60 verses

  • Genesis 37:29 And Reuben returned unto the pit; and, behold, Joseph was not in the pit; and he rent his clothes.
  • 1 Kings 11:11 Wherefore the LORD said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant.
  • 2 Chronicles 34:19 And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the law, that he rent his clothes.

“weep” Hebrew H1058 · used in 100 verses

  • Genesis 21:16 And she went, and sat her down over against him a good way off, as it were a bowshot: for she said, Let me not see the death of the child. And she sat over against him, and lift up her voice, and wept.
  • Judges 20:26 Then all the children of Israel, and all the people, went up, and came unto the house of God, and wept, and sat there before the LORD, and fasted that day until even, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.
  • Esther 8:3 And Esther spake yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet, and besought him with tears to put away the mischief of Haman the Agagite, and his device that he had devised against the Jews.