2 Chronicles 6:1

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2 Chronicles 6:1 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then Solomon declared: “The LORD has said that He would dwell in the thick cloud;

King James Version KJV

Then said Solomon, The LORD hath said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.

American Standard Version ASV

Then spake Solomon, Jehovah hath said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then Solomon said, O Lord, to the sun you have given the heaven for a living-place, but your living-place was not seen by men,

Free Bible Version FBV

Then Solomon spoke, “The Lord said that he lives in deep darkness.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then Salomon sayd, The Lord hath sayde that he would dwell in the darke cloude:

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Then said Solomon, 'Jehovah said — to dwell in thick darkness,

World English Bible WEB

Then Solomon said, “The LORD has said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Then said Solomon, The LORD hath said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Then Solomon said: The Lord promised that he would dwell in a cloud.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then Solomon said, “Yahweh, you said that you would live in a dark cloud.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Chronicles 6:1

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 6:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB אָ֖ז אָמַ֣ר שְׁלֹמֹ֑ה יְהוָ֣ה אָמַ֔ר לִ/שְׁכּ֖וֹן בָּ/עֲרָפֶֽל

אָ֖ז ʼâz H227 then Adv

אָמַ֣ר ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Perf-3ms

שְׁלֹמֹ֑ה Shᵉlômôh H8010 Solomon N-proper

יְהוָ֣ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

אָמַ֔ר ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Perf-3ms

לִ/שְׁכּ֖וֹן shâkan H7931 to dwell Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

בָּ/עֲרָפֶֽל ʻărâphel H6205 cloud Prep | N-ms

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 6:1

אָ֖ז ʼâz H227 "then" Adv

This Hebrew word refers to a past time or place, often used to describe something that happened earlier. It can also be used as a conjunction to show a cause-and-effect relationship. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah.

Definition: 1) then, at that time 1a) temporal expressions 1a1) then (past) 1a2) then, if...then (future) 1a3) earlier 1b) logical expressions 1b1) in that case 1b2) that (being so)

Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: beginning, for, from, hitherto, now, of old, once, since, then, at which time, yet. See also: Genesis 4:26; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 2:5.

אָמַ֣ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

שְׁלֹמֹ֑ה Shᵉlômôh H8010 "Solomon" N-proper

Shelomoh, or Solomon, was a king of Judah and successor of his father David, first mentioned in 2 Samuel 5:14 and known for his wisdom.

Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.5.14; son of: David (H1732) and Bathsheba (H1339); brother of: Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727) and Nathan (H5416); half-brother of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N); married to daughter_of_Pharaoh (H6547P) and Naamah (H5279A); father of: Taphath (H2955), Basemath (H1315) and Rehoboam (H7346); also called Jedidiah at 2Sa.12.25; § Solomon = "peace" son of David by Bathsheba and 3rd king of Israel; author of Proverbs and Song of Songs

Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: Solomon. See also: 2 Samuel 5:14; 1 Kings 9:25; 2 Chronicles 7:8.

יְהוָ֣ה 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.

אָמַ֔ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

לִ/שְׁכּ֖וֹן shâkan H7931 "to dwell" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

This Hebrew word means to live or stay in a place, like when God dwells among his people. It appears in books like Exodus and Psalms, describing God's presence. It's about making a home or resting place.

Definition: 1) to settle down, abide, dwell, tabernacle, reside 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to settle down to abide 1a2) to abide, dwell, reside 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make settle down, establish 1b2) to make or cause to dwell 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to lay, place, set, establish, settle, fix 1c2) to cause to dwell or abide Aramaic equivalent: she.khan (שְׁכֵן "to dwell" H7932)

Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: abide, continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-er), have habitation, inhabit, lay, place, (cause to) remain, rest, set (up). See also: Genesis 3:24; Psalms 55:7; Psalms 7:6.

בָּ/עֲרָפֶֽל ʻărâphel H6205 "cloud" Prep | N-ms

A cloud or dark cloud symbolizes gloom or thick darkness, often used to describe a heavy or ominous sky.

Definition: cloud, heavy or dark cloud, darkness, gross darkness, thick darkness

Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: (gross, thick) dark (cloud, -ness). See also: Exodus 20:21; Job 38:9; Psalms 18:10.

Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 6:1

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
2 Chronicles 6:1 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 6:1
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 6:1
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 6:1
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 6:1
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 6:1
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 6:1
Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 6:1
Barnes' Notes on 2 Chronicles 6:1
Sermons on 2 Chronicles 6:1

Context — Solomon Blesses the LORD

1Then Solomon declared: “The LORD has said that He would dwell in the thick cloud.

2But I have built You an exalted house, a place for You to dwell forever.” 3And as the whole assembly of Israel stood there, the king turned around and blessed them all

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Psalms 18:8–11	Smoke rose from His nostrils, and consuming fire came from His mouth; glowing coals blazed forth. He parted the heavens and came down with dark clouds beneath His feet. He mounted a cherub and flew; He soared on the wings of the wind. He made darkness His hiding place, and storm clouds a canopy around Him.
2	Leviticus 16:2	And the LORD said to Moses: “Tell your brother Aaron not to enter freely into the Most Holy Place behind the veil in front of the mercy seat on the ark, or else he will die, because I appear in the cloud above the mercy seat.
3	Exodus 20:21	And the people stood at a distance as Moses approached the thick darkness where God was.
4	Nahum 1:3	The LORD is slow to anger and great in power; the LORD will by no means leave the guilty unpunished. His path is in the whirlwind and storm, and clouds are the dust beneath His feet.
5	Deuteronomy 4:11	You came near and stood at the base of the mountain, a mountain blazing with fire to the heavens, with black clouds and deep darkness.
6	Psalms 97:2	Clouds and darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are His throne’s foundation.
7	Hebrews 12:18	For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom, and storm;
8	1 Kings 8:12–50	Then Solomon declared: “The LORD has said that He would dwell in the thick cloud. I have indeed built You an exalted house, a place for You to dwell forever.” And as the whole assembly of Israel stood there, the king turned around and blessed them all and said: “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who has fulfilled with His own hand what He spoke with His mouth to my father David, saying, ‘Since the day I brought My people Israel out of Egypt, I have not chosen a city from any tribe of Israel in which to build a house so that My Name would be there. But I have chosen David to be over My people Israel.’ Now it was in the heart of my father David to build a house for the Name of the LORD, the God of Israel. But the LORD said to my father David, ‘Since it was in your heart to build a house for My Name, you have done well to have this in your heart. Nevertheless, you are not the one to build it; but your son, your own offspring, will build the house for My Name.’ Now the LORD has fulfilled the word that He spoke. I have succeeded my father David, and I sit on the throne of Israel, as the LORD promised. I have built the house for the Name of the LORD, the God of Israel. And there I have provided a place for the ark, which contains the covenant of the LORD that He made with our fathers when He brought them out of the land of Egypt.” Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in front of the whole assembly of Israel, spread out his hands toward heaven, and said: “O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like You in heaven above or on earth below, keeping Your covenant of loving devotion with Your servants who walk before You with all their hearts. You have kept Your promise to Your servant, my father David. What You spoke with Your mouth You have fulfilled with Your hand this day. Therefore now, O LORD, God of Israel, keep for Your servant, my father David, what You promised when You said: ‘You will never fail to have a man to sit before Me on the throne of Israel, if only your descendants guard their way to walk before Me as you have done.’ And now, O God of Israel, please confirm what You promised to Your servant, my father David. But will God indeed dwell upon the earth? Even heaven, the highest heaven, cannot contain You, much less this temple I have built. Yet regard the prayer and plea of Your servant, O LORD my God, so that You may hear the cry and the prayer that Your servant is praying before You today. May Your eyes be open toward this temple night and day, toward the place of which You said, ‘My Name shall be there,’ so that You may hear the prayer that Your servant prays toward this place. Hear the plea of Your servant and of Your people Israel when they pray toward this place. May You hear from heaven, Your dwelling place. May You hear and forgive. When a man sins against his neighbor and is required to take an oath, and he comes to take an oath before Your altar in this temple, then may You hear from heaven and act. May You judge Your servants, condemning the wicked man by bringing down on his own head what he has done, and justifying the righteous man by rewarding him according to his righteousness. When Your people Israel are defeated before an enemy because they have sinned against You, and they return to You and confess Your name, praying and pleading with You in this temple, then may You hear from heaven and forgive the sin of Your people Israel. May You restore them to the land You gave to their fathers. When the skies are shut and there is no rain because Your people have sinned against You, and they pray toward this place and confess Your name, and they turn from their sins because You have afflicted them, then may You hear from heaven and forgive the sin of Your servants, Your people Israel, so that You may teach them the good way in which they should walk. May You send rain on the land that You gave Your people as an inheritance. When famine or plague comes upon the land, or blight or mildew or locusts or grasshoppers, or when their enemy besieges them in their cities, whatever plague or sickness may come, then may whatever prayer or petition Your people Israel make—each knowing his own afflictions and spreading out his hands toward this temple— be heard by You from heaven, Your dwelling place. And may You forgive and act, and repay each man according to all his ways, since You know his heart—for You alone know the hearts of all men— so that they may fear You all the days they live in the land that You gave to our fathers. And as for the foreigner who is not of Your people Israel but has come from a distant land because of Your name— for they will hear of Your great name and mighty hand and outstretched arm—when he comes and prays toward this temple, then may You hear from heaven, Your dwelling place, and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to You. Then all the peoples of the earth will know Your name and fear You, as do Your people Israel, and they will know that this house I have built is called by Your Name. When Your people go to war against their enemies, wherever You send them, and when they pray to the LORD in the direction of the city You have chosen and the house I have built for Your Name, then may You hear from heaven their prayer and their plea, and may You uphold their cause. When they sin against You—for there is no one who does not sin—and You become angry with them and deliver them to an enemy who takes them as captives to his own land, whether far or near, and when they come to their senses in the land to which they were taken, and they repent and plead with You in the land of their captors, saying, ‘We have sinned and done wrong; we have acted wickedly,’ and when they return to You with all their heart and soul in the land of the enemies who took them captive, and when they pray to You in the direction of the land that You gave to their fathers, the city You have chosen, and the house I have built for Your Name, then may You hear from heaven, Your dwelling place, their prayer and petition, and may You uphold their cause. May You forgive Your people who have sinned against You and all the transgressions they have committed against You, and may You grant them compassion in the eyes of their captors to show them mercy.
9	Exodus 24:15–18	When Moses went up on the mountain, the cloud covered it, and the glory of the LORD settled on Mount Sinai. For six days the cloud covered it, and on the seventh day the LORD called to Moses from within the cloud. And the sight of the glory of the LORD was like a consuming fire on the mountaintop in the eyes of the Israelites. Moses entered the cloud as he went up on the mountain, and he remained on the mountain forty days and forty nights.

2 Chronicles 6:1 Summary

[This verse is talking about God's presence and where He chooses to be. According to the Bible, God said He would dwell in a thick cloud, which is a symbol of His power and glory. This idea is also seen in other parts of the Bible, such as Exodus 19:9 and Exodus 24:15-17. In simple terms, God is saying that He will be with His people in a special way, and Solomon is acknowledging this promise by building a temple for Him to dwell in (as seen in 1 Kings 8:27).]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for God to dwell in the thick cloud?

This phrase refers to God's presence and glory, as seen in Exodus 19:9 and Exodus 24:15-17, where God's glory appeared as a thick cloud on Mount Sinai, symbolizing His powerful and holy presence among His people.

Is this verse talking about a physical or spiritual dwelling place?

While Solomon built a physical temple for God, the verse is also pointing to the spiritual reality that God's presence is not limited to a physical space, as stated in 1 Kings 8:27, where Solomon acknowledges that even the heavens cannot contain God.

How does this verse relate to the concept of God's omnipresence?

This verse highlights the tension between God's omnipresence, as stated in Jeremiah 23:24, and His choice to dwell in specific places, such as the temple, demonstrating that God's presence is both universal and particular, transcending physical boundaries while also being intimately involved with His people.

What does Solomon's declaration reveal about his understanding of God's nature?

Solomon's statement shows that he recognizes God as a God of mystery and transcendence, who chooses to reveal Himself in ways that are both powerful and intimate, as seen in Isaiah 57:15, where God says He dwells in the high and holy place, but also with the contrite and lowly in spirit.

Reflection Questions

What does it mean for me to acknowledge God's presence in my life, and how can I cultivate a deeper sense of His nearness?
In what ways can I, like Solomon, create space for God to dwell in my heart and my community?
How does the concept of God's dwelling in the thick cloud challenge or comfort me, and what does it reveal about His character?
What are the implications of God's omnipresence for my daily life, and how can I live in light of this reality?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 6:1

[See comments on 2 Chronicles 5:1].

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 6:1

Then said Solomon, The LORD hath said that he would dwell in the thick darkness. The Lord hath said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 6:1

2 CHAPTER 6 Solomon blesseth the people, and praiseth God. . His excellent prayer, wherein he showeth the right use of the temple . This whole chapter, for the substance, and almost all the words of it, are explained See Poole "".

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 6:1

2 Chronicles 6:1 Then said Solomon, The LORD hath said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.Ver. 1. Then said Solomon.] See 1 Kings 8:12-14, &c.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 6:1

VI. 2. KING SOLOMON BLESSES HIS PEOPLE AND HIS GOD (2 Chronicles 6:1-11.) (Comp. 1 Kings 8:12-21.) This section also is in verbal agreement with the parallel account, with a few slight exceptions. (1) The thick darkness.—‘Araphel, which is explained as caligo nubium, “gloom of clouds.” (See Exodus 20:21; Deuteronomy 4:11; Psalms 18:9. Comp. the Greek, ὅ ?ñöíç.) The Targum on 1 Kings 8:12 reads Jerusalem, but this is probably a gloss.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 6:1

CHAPTER VI Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the temple, 1-42. NOTES ON CHAP. VI Verse 1. The Lord hath said that he would dwell] Solomon, seeing the cloud descend and fill the house, immediately took for granted that the Lord had accepted the place, and was now present. What occurred now was precisely the same with what took place when Moses reared the tabernacle in the wilderness; see Exodus 40:34-35: A cloud covered the tent-and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter into the tent - because the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. The Chaldee paraphrases thus: "Then said Solomon, It has pleased God to place his majesty in the city of Jerusalem, in the house of the sanctuary which I have built to the name of his WORD, and he hath placed a dark cloud before him."

Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 6:1

Ch. 2 Chronicles 6:1-11 (= 1 Kings 8:12-21). Solomon’s Blessing 1, 2. These verses come from 1 Kings, the only important variation being, But I have built (Chron.), for I have surety built (1 Kin.). They seem to have been originally taken from some song.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Chronicles 6:1

Compare Kings (marginal references).

Sermons on 2 Chronicles 6:1

	Sermon	Description
	Fire on the Altar by G.W. North	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of King Solomon and the dedication of the temple. He describes how the people witnessed the fire of God coming down and the glory
	David's Location for the House of the Lord by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not judging a situation or God's plan until we see the end results. He warns against making hasty judgments in the midst of
	Praise by Andrew Bonar	Andrew Bonar emphasizes the significance of praise in the life of a believer, highlighting that it is 'pleasant' to God, 'good' for our sanctification, and 'comely' in all circumst
	Immersed in the Holy Spirit - Part 2 by Derek Prince	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on their personal experience in the Sinaiya Desert and how the Lord provided for them through a cloud. The cloud not only protected them from t
	In Our Time of Need by J. Glyn Owen	The sermon transcript is focused on the concept of Jesus as the great high priest. The speaker emphasizes that in the past, God spoke to people through prophets, but in the present
	You Are an Incredible Testimony of Mercy by Carter Conlon	This sermon emphasizes the importance of being a testimony of mercy, highlighting the power of God's covering, empowerment, and joy in our lives. It encourages believers to embrace
	The Savior Praying for Us by John A. Broadus	The preacher delves into the concept of propitiation, explaining how Jesus Christ serves as the means of gaining favor with God by satisfying His justice through His sacrificial de