2 Chronicles 6:18
But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth? behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house which I have built!
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֚י
H3588
כִּ֚י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 20
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יֵשֵׁ֧ב
dwell
H3427
יֵשֵׁ֧ב
dwell
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
3 of 20
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
אֱלֹהִ֛ים
But will God
H430
אֱלֹהִ֛ים
But will God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
4 of 20
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
אֶת
H854
אֶת
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
5 of 20
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
הָֽאָדָ֖ם
with men
H120
הָֽאָדָ֖ם
with men
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
6 of 20
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 20
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַשָּׁמַ֙יִם֙
and the heaven
H8064
הַשָּׁמַ֙יִם֙
and the heaven
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
10 of 20
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
הַשָּׁמַ֙יִם֙
and the heaven
H8064
הַשָּׁמַ֙יִם֙
and the heaven
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
11 of 20
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
הַשָּׁמַ֙יִם֙
and the heaven
H8064
הַשָּׁמַ֙יִם֙
and the heaven
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
12 of 20
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
13 of 20
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יְכַלְכְּל֔וּךָ
cannot contain
H3557
יְכַלְכְּל֔וּךָ
cannot contain
Strong's:
H3557
Word #:
14 of 20
properly, to keep in; hence, to measure; figuratively, to maintain (in various senses)
אַ֕ף
H637
אַ֕ף
Strong's:
H637
Word #:
15 of 20
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
16 of 20
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הַבַּ֥יִת
thee how much less this house
H1004
הַבַּ֥יִת
thee how much less this house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
17 of 20
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
הַזֶּ֖ה
H2088
Cross References
Isaiah 66:1Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?2 Chronicles 2:6But who is able to build him an house, seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain him? who am I then, that I should build him an house, save only to burn sacrifice before him?Acts 17:24God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;2 Corinthians 12:2I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.2 Chronicles 32:15Now therefore let not Hezekiah deceive you, nor persuade you on this manner, neither yet believe him: for no god of any nation or kingdom was able to deliver his people out of mine hand, and out of the hand of my fathers: how much less shall your God deliver you out of mine hand?
Historical Context
Solomon's dedicatory prayer (c. 960 BCE) acknowledged both the temple's glory and limitation. This theological sophistication prepared Israel to understand that even when temple stood, God remained transcendent, and when destroyed, He remained accessible.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the incarnation - God dwelling in human flesh - exceed even the temple's glory?
- Where do you need to experience God's presence dwelling 'with you' in your earthly circumstances?
Analysis & Commentary
Solomon's prayer echoes his earlier statement (2:6) with expanded emphasis: 'But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth? behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house which I have built!' The progression - heaven can't contain God, much less an earthly temple - highlights the incarnation's miracle. 'Dwell with men' (shakan im-adam) is the verb root for Shekinah (dwelling presence). God's transcendence makes His immanent dwelling pure grace. This reaches ultimate fulfillment when the Word 'dwelt among us' (John 1:14 - same root in Greek, skenoo - tabernacle). The temple pointed to Christ, who perfectly mediates God's presence.