Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place.

2 CHRONICLES 7:15KJV
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What does 2 Chronicles 7:15 mean?

2 Chronicles 7:15 means that God promises to pay close attention to the prayers offered in the temple, saying His eyes will be open and His ears attentive to what is prayed there. This verse assures the people that God is watchful and listening when they seek Him in this special place.

In this verse, God is speaking to Solomon right after the dedication of the temple in Jerusalem. God is responding to Solomon’s prayer, confirming that the temple will be a place where God’s presence is especially attentive. This promise comes as part of a larger conversation where God explains how He will respond to the people’s faithfulness or disobedience.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 7:15

  • "eyes" (עַיִן, ‘ayin): This word means more than just physical sight; it often represents attention or watchfulness. Here, it emphasizes God’s active awareness of what happens in the temple.
  • "attent" (קָשַׁב, qashav): This word means to listen carefully or pay close attention. God is not just hearing prayers in a general sense but is promising to listen with care and intention.
  • "prayer" (תְּפִלָּה, tefillah): This word refers to petitions or requests made to God. The use of this word highlights the temple as a place for heartfelt communication with God.
  • "place" (מָקוֹם, maqom): This word points specifically to the temple as a designated, set-apart location for meeting with God.

Why 2 Chronicles 7:15 matters

  • This verse clarifies that God’s promise is tied to a specific place—the temple—showing the importance of sacred spaces in Israel’s relationship with God.
  • It reassures readers that God is not distant or indifferent but is actively watching and listening when people pray sincerely.
  • In the wider context, this verse connects to God’s earlier promises to Solomon and the people, reinforcing that God’s attention depends on their ongoing faithfulness and use of the temple as a place of genuine worship.

Where else these words appear

“attent” Hebrew H7183 · used in 5 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 6:40 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.
  • 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?