2 Chronicles 20:4
2 Chronicles 20:4 in Multiple Translations
So the people of Judah gathered to seek the LORD, and indeed, they came from all the cities of Judah to seek Him.
And Judah gathered themselves together, to ask help of the LORD: even out of all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD.
And Judah gathered themselves together, to seek help of Jehovah: even out of all the cities of Judah they came to seek Jehovah.
And Judah came together to make prayer for help from the Lord; from every town of Judah they came to give worship to the Lord.
So the people of Judah gathered in Jerusalem to pray to the Lord—in fact, they came from all the towns of Judah to commit themselves to him.
And Iudah gathered them selues together to aske counsel of the Lord: they came euen out of all the cities of Iudah to inquire of the Lord,
and Judah is gathered to inquire of Jehovah; also, from all the cities of Judah they have come in to seek Jehovah.
Judah gathered themselves together to seek help from the LORD. They came out of all the cities of Judah to seek the LORD.
And Judah assembled, to ask help of the LORD: even from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD.
And Juda gathered themselves together to pray to the Lord: and all came out of their cities to make supplication to him.
The people of Judah gathered together to request Yahweh to help them. They came to Jerusalem from every town in Judah to seek help from Yahweh.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Chronicles 20:4
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 20:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּקָּבְצ֣וּ
יְהוּדָ֔ה
לְ/בַקֵּ֖שׁ
מֵֽ/יְהוָ֑ה
גַּ֚ם
מִ/כָּל
עָרֵ֣י
יְהוּדָ֔ה
בָּ֖אוּ
לְ/בַקֵּ֥שׁ
אֶת
יְהוָֽה
וַ/יִּקָּבְצ֣וּ
qâbats
H6908
to gather
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp
יְהוּדָ֔ה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
Judah
N-proper
לְ/בַקֵּ֖שׁ
bâqash
H1245
to seek
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
מֵֽ/יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
גַּ֚ם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
מִ/כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
עָרֵ֣י
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
N-fp
יְהוּדָ֔ה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
Judah
N-proper
בָּ֖אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
לְ/בַקֵּ֥שׁ
bâqash
H1245
to seek
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Chronicles 20:4
וַ/יִּקָּבְצ֣וּ
qâbats
H6908
"to gather"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To gather or collect people or things, like when the Israelites assembled in the book of Numbers. It's about bringing things or people together in one place.
Definition: 1) to gather, assemble 1a) (Qal) to gather, collect, assemble 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to assemble, gather 1b2) to be gathered 1c) (Piel) to gather, gather together, take away 1d) (Pual) to be gathered together 1e) (Hithpael) to gather together, be gathered together
Usage: Occurs in 121 OT verses. KJV: assemble (selves), gather (bring) (together, selves together, up), heap, resort, [idiom] surely, take up. See also: Genesis 41:35; Proverbs 28:8; Psalms 41:7.
יְהוּדָ֔ה
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.
לְ/בַקֵּ֖שׁ
bâqash
H1245
"to seek"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.
Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.
מֵֽ/יְהוָ֑ה
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.
גַּ֚ם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
מִ/כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | 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.
עָרֵ֣י
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
יְהוּדָ֔ה
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.
בָּ֖אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
לְ/בַקֵּ֥שׁ
bâqash
H1245
"to seek"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.
Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
יְהוָֽה
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.
Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 20:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Chronicles 20:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 20:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 20:4
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 20:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 20:4
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 20:4
- Sermons on 2 Chronicles 20:4
Context — War against Jehoshaphat
2Then some men came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from beyond the Sea; they are already in Hazazon-tamar” (that is, En-gedi).
3Jehoshaphat was alarmed and set his face to seek the LORD. And he proclaimed a fast throughout Judah.
4So the people of Judah gathered to seek the LORD, and indeed, they came from all the cities of Judah to seek Him.
5Then Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem in the house of the LORD in front of the new courtyard 6and said, “O LORD, God of our fathers, are You not the God who is in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in Your hand, and no one can stand against You.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 50:15 | Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me.” |
| 2 | Psalms 60:10–12 | Have You not rejected us, O God? Will You no longer march out, O God, with our armies? Give us aid against the enemy, for the help of man is worthless. With God we will perform with valor, and He will trample our enemies. |
| 3 | Psalms 69:35 | For God will save Zion and rebuild the cities of Judah, that they may dwell there and possess it. |
| 4 | Psalms 34:5–6 | Those who look to Him are radiant with joy; their faces shall never be ashamed. This poor man called out, and the LORD heard him; He saved him from all his troubles. |
| 5 | 2 Chronicles 19:5 | He appointed judges in the land, in each of the fortified cities of Judah. |
2 Chronicles 20:4 Summary
[This verse shows us that when the people of Judah were faced with a big problem, they came together to seek God's help, and this is something that we can learn from today, as seen in Matthew 18:20, where Jesus says that when two or three gather in His name, He is with them. The people of Judah gathered from all the cities to seek the LORD, and this shows us the importance of unity and humility in seeking God's help. By seeking the LORD together, they were able to find strength and comfort in their time of need, just like we can when we seek God together, as encouraged in Hebrews 10:24-25.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the people of Judah to gather and seek the LORD?
The people of Judah gathered to seek the LORD because they were facing a vast army from Edom, and King Jehoshaphat had proclaimed a fast throughout Judah, as seen in 2 Chronicles 20:3, and this led them to come together in unity to seek God's help, similar to what is described in Joel 2:12-13.
How did the people of Judah demonstrate their desire to seek the LORD?
The people of Judah demonstrated their desire to seek the LORD by gathering from all the cities of Judah, showing their willingness to unite and humble themselves before God, as encouraged in 2 Chronicles 7:14.
What can we learn from the people of Judah's response to the threat they faced?
We can learn that in times of crisis, seeking the LORD should be our first response, just like King Jehoshaphat, and that unity and humility are key components of seeking God's help, as seen in Psalm 107:13-14.
How does this verse relate to the concept of seeking God in the Bible?
This verse relates to the concept of seeking God in the Bible, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:29, where it says that if we seek the LORD with all our heart and soul, we will find Him, and this is exactly what the people of Judah did in 2 Chronicles 20:4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to seek the LORD, and how can I gather with others to support each other in our pursuit of God?
- How can I demonstrate my desire to seek the LORD, just like the people of Judah, and what are some practical steps I can take to humble myself before God?
- What are some ways that I can prioritize seeking the LORD in my daily life, and how can I make sure that I am not just going through the motions, but truly seeking a deeper relationship with God?
- How can I apply the principle of seeking the LORD first, as seen in this verse, to my own life, and what are some potential consequences of not seeking God's help in times of crisis?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 20:4
And Judah gathered themselves together to ask help of the Lord,.... To implore his assistance against their enemies, and his protection of them; and they met not in their several cities, but at
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 20:4
And Judah gathered themselves together, to ask help of the LORD: even out of all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 20:4
2 Chronicles 20:4 And Judah gathered themselves together, to ask [help] of the LORD: even out of all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD.Ver. 4. To ask help of the Lord.] Armed they came on this errand. Ora et labora. Admota manu invocanda est Minerva, said the heathens. Pray and put forth yourselves at once. The late renowned Gustavus, king of Sweden, would pray on shipboard, ashore, in the field, in the midst of the battle; as if prayer alone were the surest piece of his whole armour.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 20:4
(4) To ask.—Literally, to seek (baqqçsh, a synonym of dârash. 2 Chronicles 20:2) from Jehovah; scil., help, which Authorised Version rightly supplies. Even out of all the cities of Judah.—Emphasising the fact that the gathering in the Temple represented the whole nation. Syriac and Arabic, “and even from the distant cities.”
Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 20:4
4. to ask help] R.V. to seek help.
Sermons on 2 Chronicles 20:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Calling on the Name of the Lord by Jim Cymbala | This sermon emphasizes the power and importance of calling on the name of the Lord in times of trouble and need. It recounts personal experiences and biblical principles that highl |
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Gold Tried in the Fire by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher expresses his deep concern and disappointment with the modern gospel being preached on television. He believes that it is a disgrace to the name of Jes |
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(Basics) 29. Praise Brings Deliverance by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of praising God in difficult situations. He shares the story of King Jehoshaphat and how he led the people of Israel to victor |
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The Position of Power by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, Pastor Jim Simba emphasizes the importance of prayer in our lives. He acknowledges that Satan tries to distract and cut us off from our supply line, which is prayer |
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Visitation by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker recounts the story of Peter's miraculous escape from prison. Peter was imprisoned and guarded by four groups of soldiers, but the church fervently praye |
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Becoming True Worshipers by Brian Long | In this sermon, the preacher describes the vision of the prophet Isaiah, where he saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up. The preacher emphasizes the sovereignty of G |
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Testimony and Message by Venus Brooks | In this sermon, the speaker shares two personal stories of individuals who faced the crisis of death with absolute victory and no fear. The first story is about an 11-year-old girl |