Have respect therefore to the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, O LORD my God, to hearken unto the cry and the prayer which thy servant prayeth before thee:

2 CHRONICLES 6:19KJV
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2 Chronicles 6:19 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 6:19 mean?

2 Chronicles 6:19 is Solomon’s humble request that God would pay attention to his prayer and listen to his earnest plea. Solomon is asking God to notice and respond to the prayers he is offering on behalf of himself and the people.

Solomon is speaking during the dedication of the temple in Jerusalem, addressing God directly in front of the gathered Israelites. The verse shows Solomon’s awareness of his own position as God’s servant and his dependence on God’s willingness to listen. This is part of a longer prayer where Solomon asks God to be attentive to the prayers made in or toward the temple.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 6:19

  • "respect" (פָּנָה, panah): This word means to turn toward or pay attention. Solomon is asking God to turn His attention specifically to this prayer, highlighting the personal nature of the request.
  • "supplication" (תְּחִנָּה, techinnah): This word refers to a plea for mercy or favor, not just a general prayer. It emphasizes Solomon’s humble and urgent tone.
  • "cry" (רִנָּה, rinah): This word can mean a ringing cry or shout, often expressing deep emotion. Solomon’s prayer is not just formal words but a heartfelt outpouring.

Why 2 Chronicles 6:19 matters

  • The verse highlights Solomon’s humility and dependence on God, showing that even a king approaches God as a servant in need of mercy.
  • The use of multiple words for prayer and pleading shows the depth and seriousness of Solomon’s request, not just a routine ritual.
  • This verse sets the tone for the rest of Solomon’s prayer, emphasizing the importance of God’s willingness to listen and respond to His people’s needs.

Where else these words appear

“supplication” Hebrew H8467 · used in 24 verses

  • Joshua 11:20 For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that he might destroy them utterly, and that they might have no favour, but that he might destroy them, as the LORD commanded Moses.
  • 1 Kings 8:54 And it was so, that when Solomon had made an end of praying all this prayer and supplication unto the LORD, he arose from before the altar of the LORD, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread up to heaven.
  • Psalms 55:1 To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, A Psalm of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication.

“cry” Hebrew H7440 · used in 33 verses

  • 1 Kings 8:28 Yet have thou respect unto the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, O LORD my God, to hearken unto the cry and to the prayer, which thy servant prayeth before thee to day:
  • Psalms 106:44 Nevertheless he regarded their affliction, when he heard their cry:
  • Isaiah 43:14 Thus saith the LORD, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; For your sake I have sent to Babylon, and have brought down all their nobles, and the Chaldeans, whose cry is in the ships.

“prayer” Hebrew H8605 · used in 70 verses

  • 2 Samuel 7:27 For thou, O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, hast revealed to thy servant, saying, I will build thee an house: therefore hath thy servant found in his heart to pray this prayer unto thee.
  • Job 16:17 Not for any injustice in mine hands: also my prayer is pure.
  • Psalms 102:17 He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer.

“prayeth” Hebrew H6419 · used in 82 verses

  • Genesis 20:7 Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine.
  • 1 Kings 13:6 And the king answered and said unto the man of God, Intreat now the face of the LORD thy God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored me again. And the man of God besought the LORD, and the king's hand was restored him again, and became as it was before.
  • Job 42:10 And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.