Now, my God, let, I beseech thee, thine eyes be open, and let thine ears be attent unto the prayer that is made in this place.

2 CHRONICLES 6:40KJV
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2 Chronicles 6:40 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 6:40 mean?

2 Chronicles 6:40 is a prayer asking God to pay close attention—to see and to listen—to the prayers offered in a specific place, which is the newly built temple. The speaker is pleading for God to be present and responsive whenever people pray there.

King Solomon is speaking these words during the dedication of the temple in Jerusalem, addressing God in front of the gathered people. Solomon is asking God to keep His eyes (to watch over) and His ears (to listen) open to prayers made in the temple, emphasizing the temple’s role as a special meeting place between God and His people.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 6:40

  • אֱלֹהִים (Elohim): This is the Hebrew word for "God," used here to address the Lord directly and personally, showing the relational aspect of the prayer.
  • עֵינַיִם (eynayim): This word means "eyes." Solomon is asking God to "open" His eyes, which is a way of asking God to be watchful and attentive.
  • פָּתַח (pathach): This word means "open." The request for God’s eyes to be open is a vivid image of God’s ongoing attention and care.
  • אָזְנַיִם (oznayyim): This word means "ears." Solomon’s prayer for God’s ears to be "attent" is asking for God to truly listen and respond.
  • קַשֵּׁב (qashshev): This word means "attent" or "listen carefully." It adds the sense of God not just hearing, but being actively engaged with the prayers offered.
  • תְּפִלָּה (tefillah): This is the word for "prayer," highlighting the act of communicating with God, especially in times of need or worship.
  • מָקוֹם (maqom): This word means "place," referring specifically to the temple, which Solomon has just finished building and is dedicating as a house of prayer.

Why 2 Chronicles 6:40 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the temple was meant to be a place where people could confidently bring their prayers, expecting God to be attentive.
  • It emphasizes the personal relationship between God and His people, showing that God’s attention is something to be earnestly sought and valued.
  • The verse connects to Solomon’s larger prayer in this chapter, where he repeatedly asks God to hear from heaven and respond to the prayers made in the temple, underlining the temple’s spiritual significance.

Where else these words appear

“attent” Hebrew H7183 · used in 5 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 7:15 Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place.
  • Nehemiah 1:6 Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father's house have sinned.
  • Nehemiah 1:11 O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer.

“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.

“open” Hebrew H6605 · used in 133 verses

  • Genesis 7:11 In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.
  • Nehemiah 6:5 Then sent Sanballat his servant unto me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand;
  • Isaiah 14:17 That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners?