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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › 2 Chronicles 20  › 2 Chronicles 20:18

2 Chronicles 20:18

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2 Chronicles 20:18 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then Jehoshaphat bowed facedown, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down before the LORD to worship Him.

King James Version KJV

And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell before the LORD, worshipping the LORD.

American Standard Version ASV

And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground; and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before Jehovah, worshipping Jehovah.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then Jehoshaphat went down with his face to the earth, and all Judah and the people of Jerusalem gave worship to the Lord, falling down before him.

Free Bible Version FBV

Jehoshaphat bowed down with his face to the ground, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell to the ground before the Lord, worshiping him.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then Iehoshaphat bowed downe with his face to the earth, and all Iudah and the inhabitants of Ierusalem fell downe before the Lord, worshipping the Lord.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Jehoshaphat boweth — face to the earth — and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem have fallen before Jehovah, to bow themselves to Jehovah.

World English Bible WEB

Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground; and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the LORD, worshiping the LORD.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell before the LORD, worshiping the LORD.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Then Josaphat, and Juda, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell hat on the ground before the Lord, and adored him.

Translation for Translators T4T

Jehoshaphat prostrated himself with his face touching the ground, and all the people of Jerusalem and other places in Judah who were there knelt down to worship Yahweh.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Chronicles 20:18

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

2 Chronicles 20:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יִּקֹּ֧ד יְהוֹשָׁפָ֛ט אַפַּ֖יִם אָ֑רְצָ/ה וְ/כָל יְהוּדָ֞ה וְ/יֹשְׁבֵ֣י יְרוּשָׁלִַ֗ם נָֽפְלוּ֙ לִ/פְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֔ה לְ/הִֽשְׁתַּחֲוֺ֖ת לַ/יהוָֽה
וַ/יִּקֹּ֧ד qâdad H6915 to bow Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוֹשָׁפָ֛ט Yᵉhôwshâphâṭ H3092 Jehoshaphat N-proper
אַפַּ֖יִם ʼaph H639 face N-md
אָ֑רְצָ/ה ʼerets H776 land N-cs | Suff
וְ/כָל kôl H3605 all Conj | N-ms
יְהוּדָ֞ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 Judah N-proper
וְ/יֹשְׁבֵ֣י yâshab H3427 to dwell Conj | V-Qal
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֗ם Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 Jerusalem N-proper
נָֽפְלוּ֙ nâphal H5307 to fall V-Qal-Perf-3cp
לִ/פְנֵ֣י pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp
יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
לְ/הִֽשְׁתַּחֲוֺ֖ת shâchâh H7812 to bow Prep | V-Hithpael-Inf-a
לַ/יהוָֽה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Chronicles 20:18

וַ/יִּקֹּ֧ד qâdad H6915 "to bow" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To bow means to shrivel up or bend the body in deference. In the Bible, it is often used to describe showing respect or worship, like bowing down to God. This act is seen in many stories, including those of Moses and the prophets.
Definition: (Qal) to bow down
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: bow (down) (the) head, stoop. See also: Genesis 24:26; 1 Samuel 24:9; Nehemiah 8:6.
יְהוֹשָׁפָ֛ט Yᵉhôwshâphâṭ H3092 "Jehoshaphat" N-proper
Jehoshaphat was a king of Judah who ruled for 25 years and was known for his piety and prosperity. His name means Jehovah has judged, and he is mentioned in 2 Kings 9:2 as the son of King Asa. He was one of the best kings of Judah in the Bible.
Definition: A man of the Kingdom of Israel, living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.9.2; son of: Nimshi (H5250); father of: Jehu (H3058H) § Jehoshaphat = "Jehovah has judged" 1) son of king Asa and himself king of Judah for 25 years; one of the best, most pious, and prosperous kings of Judah 2) son of Nimshi and father of king Jehu of the northern kingdom of Israel 3) son of Ahilud and chronicler under David and Solomon 4) son of Paruah and one of the 12 commissary officers under Solomon 5) a priest and trumpeter in the time of David 6) symbolical name of a valley near Jerusalem which is the place of ultimate judgment; maybe the deep ravine which separates Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives through which the Kidron flowed
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: Jehoshaphat. Compare H3146 (יוֹשָׁפָט). See also: 2 Samuel 8:16; 2 Chronicles 17:5; Joel 4:12.
אַפַּ֖יִם ʼaph H639 "face" N-md
This Hebrew word can mean face, but also anger or nose. It is used to describe someone's countenance or emotions, like anger or patience. In the Bible, it appears in various contexts, including descriptions of God's emotions.
Definition: : face 1) nostril, nose, face 2) anger
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: anger(-gry), [phrase] before, countenance, face, [phrase] forebearing, forehead, [phrase] (long-) suffering, nose, nostril, snout, [idiom] worthy, wrath. See also: Genesis 2:7; Nehemiah 8:6; Psalms 2:5.
אָ֑רְצָ/ה ʼerets H776 "land" N-cs | Suff
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
וְ/כָל kôl H3605 "all" Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
יְהוּדָ֞ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 "Judah" N-proper
Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.
Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob
Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.
וְ/יֹשְׁבֵ֣י yâshab H3427 "to dwell" Conj | V-Qal
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֗ם Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 "Jerusalem" N-proper
Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.
Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split
Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.
נָֽפְלוּ֙ nâphal H5307 "to fall" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.
Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.
לִ/פְנֵ֣י pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
לְ/הִֽשְׁתַּחֲוֺ֖ת shâchâh H7812 "to bow" Prep | V-Hithpael-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to bow down, often as a sign of respect or worship. It is used in Genesis 24:52 to describe Abraham's servant bowing down to God. The word is about showing humility and respect to someone or something.
Definition: 1) to bow down 1a) (Qal) to bow down 1b)(Hiphil) to depress (fig) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to bow down, prostrate oneself 1c1a) before superior in homage 1c1b) before God in worship 1c1c) before false gods 1c1d) before angel
Usage: Occurs in 166 OT verses. KJV: bow (self) down, crouch, fall down (flat), humbly beseech, do (make) obeisance, do reverence, make to stoop, worship. See also: Genesis 18:2; 1 Kings 9:9; Psalms 5:8.
לַ/יהוָֽה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" Prep | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 20:18

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Exodus 4:31 and they believed. And when they heard that the LORD had attended to the Israelites and had seen their affliction, they bowed down and worshiped.
2 2 Chronicles 7:3 When all the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the glory of the LORD above the temple, they bowed down on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave thanks to the LORD: “For He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.”
3 Genesis 24:26 Then the man bowed down and worshiped the LORD,
4 Job 1:20 Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped,
5 Psalms 95:6 O come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.

2 Chronicles 20:18 Summary

[This verse shows us the importance of humility and worship in our lives, especially when we're faced with challenges or uncertainties. When Jehoshaphat bowed facedown, he was acknowledging God's power and control over the situation, which is a great example for us to follow (see Psalm 95:6). By worshiping God, we can trust in His goodness and provision, just as Jehoshaphat did, and just as we're encouraged to do in Romans 11:33. We can apply this to our own lives by taking time to humble ourselves before God and trust in His power and love for us.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted Jehoshaphat to bow facedown in worship?

Jehoshaphat's actions were a response to the prophetic word given to him, as seen in 2 Chronicles 20:17, where he was told that the Lord would fight on their behalf, which is similar to the promise given in Exodus 14:14, where the Lord says He will fight for the Israelites.

Why is worship so important in times of crisis?

Worship is essential in times of crisis because it allows us to focus on God's power and sovereignty, as seen in Psalm 95:6, which says to come before Him with thanksgiving and worship, and in Romans 11:33, which declares the depths of God's wisdom and knowledge.

How can we apply the example of Jehoshaphat's worship in our own lives?

We can apply Jehoshaphat's example by humbling ourselves before the Lord, just as he did in 2 Chronicles 20:18, and trusting in His power and provision, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6, which tells us to trust in the Lord with all our heart.

What role does community play in worship, as seen in this verse?

The community plays a significant role in worship, as seen in 2 Chronicles 20:18, where all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down to worship the Lord together, which is similar to the example in Acts 2:42-47, where the early church came together to worship and break bread.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I need to bow down and acknowledge God's sovereignty?
  2. How can I cultivate a posture of worship in my daily life, especially in times of crisis or uncertainty?
  3. What are some ways I can express my gratitude and praise to God, just as the Levites did in 2 Chronicles 20:19?
  4. How can I trust in God's power and provision, just as Jehoshaphat did, when faced with challenges or fears?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 20:18

And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground,.... Not only in reverence of God, and his prophet, but as a token of his belief of what was said, and his thankfulness for it: and all

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 20:18

And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell before the LORD, worshipping the LORD.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 20:18

Bowed his head with his face to the ground, in token of his reverence to God and his message, his belief of the promise, and his thankfulness for so great a favour.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 20:18

2 Chronicles 20:18 And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with [his] face to the ground: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell before the LORD, worshipping the LORD.Ver. 18. And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground.] Incurvasit sese in nares versus terram. - Vat. He made very low obeisance. Among the Jews at this day, the gesture of adoration in their synagogues is the bowing forward of their bodies; for kneeling they use none, as neither do the Greeks. Sandys’ s Relat. of West. Religion.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 20:18

(18) Bowed his head.—The king “bowed, face earthward,” and the people prostrated themselves upon their faces, both “to do worship to Jehovah.” (Comp. Leviticus 9:24; Joshua 5:14; 1 Chronicles 21:16; Exodus 34:8.)

Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 20:18

18. fell] R.V. fell down.

Sermons on 2 Chronicles 20:18

SermonDescription
Mike Wakely Miscellaneous Thoughts (Kathmandu) by Mike Wakely In this sermon, the speaker shares his thoughts and reflections on various topics. He mentions that he was asked to ramble and share his thoughts instead of doing a Bible study. He
Don Courville Desert Survival Series Pt 17- Moses the Servant of God by Don Courville In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of the Israelites being freed from the bondage of Egypt and their journey to the land of Canaan. He highlights that while God deliv
M.P. Hayden The Worshiping of Jesus by M.P. Hayden M.P. Hayden preaches about presenting Jesus as an object of worship, focusing on Jesus the Nazarene, the Galilean prophet, who received divine homage from His disciples while on ea
Colin Peckham The Purpose of Revival by Colin Peckham Colin Peckham preaches on the purpose of revival, emphasizing that it is not for our own glory, the salvation of souls, or the blessing of Christians, but for the glory of God. Rev
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 24:50-57 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Abraham's servant finding a wife for Isaac. The servant is eager to return to his master, but the family of the potential bride
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 24:1 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Genesis chapter 24, which tells the story of Abraham sending his servant to find a bride for his son Isaac. The preacher emphasizes the lead
Erlo Stegen Pentecost and Being Led by the Spirit by Erlo Stegen In this sermon, the preacher tells the story of Abraham's servant who was sent to find a wife for Isaac. The servant prayed to God for a sign, asking that the woman who would be Is
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