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.