Then hear thou from the heavens, even from thy dwelling place, their prayer and their supplications, and maintain their cause, and forgive thy people which have sinned against thee.

2 CHRONICLES 6:39KJV
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2 Chronicles 6:39 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 6:39 mean?

2 Chronicles 6:39 is a prayer asking God to listen from heaven to the prayers and pleas of His people, to support their cause, and to forgive them when they have sinned. The verse expresses a hope that God will respond with mercy and justice when His people turn back to Him.

King Solomon is speaking these words as part of his dedication prayer for the newly built temple in Jerusalem. He is asking God to be attentive to the prayers of the Israelites, especially when they are in trouble or have been exiled because of their sins. Solomon’s request shows his belief that God’s forgiveness and help are always possible when people sincerely seek Him.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 6:39

  • "hear" (שָׁמַע, shamaʿ): This word means more than just listening; it often carries the sense of responding or acting upon what is heard. Solomon is asking God not only to hear but to act in favor of His people.
  • "heavens" (שָׁמַיִם, shamayim): Refers to God’s dwelling place, emphasizing God's greatness and separation from the earthly realm, yet also His ability to listen and respond from afar.
  • "forgive" (סָלַח, salach): This word means to pardon or remove guilt. Solomon is specifically asking for God’s willingness to wipe away the people's wrongdoing, not just overlook it.
  • "cause" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat): This word refers to a legal case or justice. Solomon is asking God to maintain or uphold the just cause of His people, showing concern for fairness and right judgment.

Why 2 Chronicles 6:39 matters

  • This verse clarifies that forgiveness from God is available even after serious failure, as long as there is genuine repentance and prayer.
  • The verse highlights the importance of God’s justice ("cause") alongside His mercy, showing that Solomon is concerned with both forgiveness and fairness.
  • It connects to the larger context of Solomon’s prayer, where he repeatedly asks God to hear from heaven, making clear that God’s attention and response are central hopes for the people’s relationship with Him.

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.

“supplications” 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.

“forgive” Hebrew H5545 · used in 45 verses

  • Exodus 34:9 And he said, If now I have found grace in thy sight, O Lord, let my Lord, I pray thee, go among us; for it is a stiffnecked people; and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for thine inheritance.
  • Numbers 15:26 And it shall be forgiven all the congregation of the children of Israel, and the stranger that sojourneth among them; seeing all the people were in ignorance.
  • 2 Chronicles 6:27 Then hear thou from heaven, and forgive the sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel, when thou hast taught them the good way, wherein they should walk; and send rain upon thy land, which thou hast given unto thy people for an inheritance.

“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.