Then hear thou from the heavens, even from thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for; that all people of the earth may know thy name, and fear thee, as doth thy people Israel, and may know that this house which I have built is called by thy name.

2 CHRONICLES 6:33KJV
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2 Chronicles 6:33 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 6:33 mean?

2 Chronicles 6:33 asks God to listen to the prayers of foreigners who come to the temple, so that all people everywhere may come to know and respect God, just as the people of Israel do, and recognize that the temple is dedicated to God’s name. The verse shows that God’s attention and care are not limited to Israel alone, but are open to anyone who seeks Him sincerely.

King Solomon is speaking during the dedication of the temple in Jerusalem, praying to God in front of the gathered people. Solomon specifically mentions “the stranger” (a foreigner) who is not part of Israel but comes to pray, showing a surprising openness for that time. Solomon’s prayer highlights that the temple was meant to be a place where anyone, not just Israelites, could reach out to God and learn about Him.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 6:33

  • “stranger” (נָכְרִי, nokhri): This word refers to someone who is not an Israelite, a foreigner. Its use here emphasizes that Solomon’s prayer includes people outside the nation of Israel, showing an early vision of God’s global reach.
  • “hear” (שָׁמַע, shama): This word means to listen or pay attention. Solomon asks God to truly listen to the prayers of outsiders, not just those of His own people.
  • “name” (שֵׁם, shem): In the Bible, “name” often means reputation or character. Solomon wants all people to know God’s true character, not just His title.
  • “fear” (יָרֵא, yare): This word means to respect or stand in awe of. Solomon hopes that all people will come to have a deep respect for God, just as Israel does.

Why 2 Chronicles 6:33 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that the temple was only for Israelites; Solomon’s prayer shows that God’s presence and attention are available to all nations.
  • The verse highlights the purpose of the temple as a place for people everywhere to learn about and honor God, not just a national shrine.
  • It connects to the larger theme of Solomon’s prayer, which repeatedly asks God to respond to prayers made at the temple, whether by Israelites or foreigners, showing God’s openness and mercy.

Where else these words appear

“place” Hebrew H4349 · used in 17 verses

  • Exodus 15:17 Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance, in the place, O LORD, which thou hast made for thee to dwell in, in the Sanctuary, O Lord, which thy hands have established.
  • 2 Chronicles 6:2 But I have built an house of habitation for thee, and a place for thy dwelling for ever.
  • Psalms 89:14 Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face.

“stranger” Hebrew H5237 · used in 45 verses

  • Genesis 31:15 Are we not counted of him strangers? for he hath sold us, and hath quite devoured also our money.
  • 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;
  • Proverbs 5:10 Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours be in the house of a stranger;