But the LORD said to David my father, Forasmuch as it was in thine heart to build an house for my name, thou didst well in that it was in thine heart:

2 CHRONICLES 6:8KJV
Know the Bible

2 Chronicles 6:8 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 6:8 mean?

2 Chronicles 6:8 explains that God recognized David’s sincere desire to build a temple for God’s name, and God affirmed that David’s intention was good, even though David himself would not be the one to build it. The verse highlights that God values the heart and motives behind a person’s actions, not just the actions themselves.

In this verse, Solomon is speaking to the people during the dedication of the temple, recalling what God said to his father David. The situation is that David wanted to build a temple for God, but God chose David’s son Solomon to actually construct it. The verse shows that God honored David’s heartfelt wish, even though the task was given to someone else.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 6:8

  • The word for “heart” is לֵבָב (levav), which often refers to the inner self, including thoughts, desires, and intentions. This emphasizes that God was looking at David’s inner motivation, not just his outward plans.
  • The word for “well” is טוֹב (tov), which means good or right. God is saying that David’s desire was genuinely good in itself, even if he was not the one to carry it out.
  • The word for “house” is בַּיִת (bayit), which in this context means a temple or dwelling place for God’s name, not just any building.

Why 2 Chronicles 6:8 matters

  • This verse clarifies that God pays attention to a person’s intentions and desires, not just the outcome or who completes a task.
  • It connects to the larger story by showing respect for David’s role in preparing for the temple, even though Solomon finished the work.
  • The verse helps explain why Solomon, not David, built the temple, while still honoring David’s faithfulness and devotion.

Where else these words appear

“well” Hebrew H2895 · used in 33 verses

  • Numbers 10:29 And Moses said unto Hobab, the son of Raguel the Midianite, Moses' father in law, We are journeying unto the place of which the LORD said, I will give it you: come thou with us, and we will do thee good: for the LORD hath spoken good concerning Israel.
  • 1 Samuel 20:12 And Jonathan said unto David, O LORD God of Israel, when I have sounded my father about to morrow any time, or the third day, and, behold, if there be good toward David, and I then send not unto thee, and shew it thee;
  • Job 10:3 Is it good unto thee that thou shouldest oppress, that thou shouldest despise the work of thine hands, and shine upon the counsel of the wicked?