But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth? behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house which I have built!
2 CHRONICLES 6:18KJVWhat does 2 Chronicles 6:18 mean?
2 Chronicles 6:18 expresses King Solomon’s amazement that God, who is greater than all creation, would choose to dwell among people on earth. Solomon recognizes that even the vast heavens cannot contain God, so the temple he has built is far too small to hold Him.
Solomon is speaking during the dedication of the temple in Jerusalem, addressing God in prayer before the gathered people. He is acknowledging God’s greatness and transcendence, contrasting it with the physical temple he has just completed. This verse highlights the humility and awe Solomon feels, and sets the stage for his request that God would still hear prayers offered toward this temple.
The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 6:18
- "God" (אֱלֹהִים, ’elohim): This word emphasizes God’s power and majesty, fitting Solomon’s focus on God’s greatness compared to the temple.
- "Dwell" (יָשַׁב, yashav): This word means to settle or live, and Solomon is questioning whether God could truly “live” among humans in a physical space.
- "Contain" (כּוּן, kun): This word means to hold or sustain, and Solomon is saying that not even the heavens can “hold” God, much less a building made by human hands.
- "House" (בַּיִת, bayit): This refers to the temple, and Solomon is stressing that this “house” is inadequate to contain the infinite God.
Why 2 Chronicles 6:18 matters
- This verse clears up any idea that God is limited to a building or any physical place, even one as grand as Solomon’s temple.
- It emphasizes the humility required in worship, reminding readers that God’s presence is not controlled or confined by human effort.
- The verse connects to the larger theme of Solomon’s prayer, which is about God’s willingness to hear and forgive His people, even though He is far above all creation.