2 Chronicles 6:18
New International Version
“But will God really dwell on earth with humans? The heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built!

New Living Translation
“But will God really live on earth among people? Why, even the highest heavens cannot contain you. How much less this Temple I have built!

English Standard Version
“But will God indeed dwell with man on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you, how much less this house that I have built!

Berean Standard Bible
But will God indeed dwell with man upon the earth? Even heaven, the highest heaven, cannot contain You, much less this temple I have built.

King James Bible
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!

New King James Version
“But will God indeed dwell with men on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain You. How much less this temple which I have built!

New American Standard Bible
“But will God really dwell with mankind on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain You; how much less this house which I have built!

NASB 1995
“But will God indeed dwell with mankind on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain You; how much less this house which I have built.

NASB 1977
“But will God indeed dwell with mankind on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain Thee; how much less this house which I have built.

Legacy Standard Bible
“But will God truly dwell with mankind on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain You; how much less this house which I have built.

Amplified Bible
“But will God actually dwell with mankind on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain You; how much less this house which I have built!

Christian Standard Bible
But will God indeed live on earth with humans? Even heaven, the highest heaven, cannot contain you, much less this temple I have built.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But will God indeed live on earth with man? Even heaven, the highest heaven, cannot contain You, much less this temple I have built.

American Standard Version
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 builded!

Contemporary English Version
There's not enough room in all of heaven for you, LORD God. How could you possibly live on earth in this temple I have built?

English Revised Version
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 builded!

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"Does God really live on earth with people? If heaven itself, the highest heaven, cannot hold you, then how can this temple that I have built?

Good News Translation
"But can you, O God, really live on earth among men and women? Not even all of heaven is large enough to hold you, so how can this Temple that I have built be large enough?

International Standard Version
and yet, will God truly reside on earth with human beings? Look! Neither the sky nor the highest heaven can contain you! How much less this Temple that I have built!

Majority Standard Bible
But will God indeed dwell with man upon the earth? Even heaven, the highest heaven, cannot contain You, much less this temple I have built.

NET Bible
"God does not really live with humankind on the earth! Look, if the sky and the highest heaven cannot contain you, how much less this temple I have built!

New Heart English Bible
"But will God indeed dwell with humankind on the earth? Look, heaven and the highest heaven can't contain you; how much less this house which I have built.

Webster's Bible Translation
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!

World English Bible
“But will God indeed dwell with men on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens can’t contain you; how much less this house which I have built!
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
For is it true [that] God dwells with man on the earth? Behold, the heavens, and the heavens of the heavens, do not contain You, how much less this house that I have built?

Young's Literal Translation
(for is it true? -- God dwelleth with man on the earth! Lo, the heavens, and the heavens of the heavens, do not contain Thee, how much less this house that I have built?)

Smith's Literal Translation
For indeed will God dwell with man upon the earth? Behold, the heavens and the heavens of the heavens will not contain thee; much less this house which I built.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Is it credible then that God should dwell with men on the earth? If heaven and the heavens of heavens do not contain thee, how much less this house, which I have built?

Catholic Public Domain Version
How then is it to be believe that God would dwell with men upon the earth? If heaven and the heavens of the heavens do not contain you, how much less this house that I have built?

New American Bible
“Is God indeed to dwell with human beings on earth? If the heavens and the highest heavens cannot contain you, how much less this house which I have built!

New Revised Standard Version
“But will God indeed reside with mortals on earth? Even heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you, how much less this house that I have built!
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For in truth the LORD has made his dwelling place with his people Israel on the earth. Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house which I have built!

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Because in faith LORD JEHOVAH made his Shechinah glory to dwell with his people Israel on the Earth. Behold Heaven and the Heaven of Heavens do not contain you, does now this house that I have built?
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
But will God in very truth dwell with men on the earth? behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain Thee; how much less this house which I have builded!

Brenton Septuagint Translation
For will God indeed dwell with men upon the earth? if the heaven and the heaven of heavens will not suffice thee, what then is this house which I have built?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Solomon's Prayer of Dedication
17And now, O LORD, God of Israel, please confirm what You promised to Your servant David. 18But will God indeed dwell with man upon the earth? Even heaven, the highest heaven, cannot contain You, much less this temple I have built. 19Yet 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.…

Cross References
1 Kings 8:27
But will God indeed dwell upon the earth? The heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain You, much less this temple I have built.

Isaiah 66:1-2
This is what the LORD says: “Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. What kind of house will you build for Me? Or where will My place of repose be? / Has not My hand made all these things? And so they came into being,” declares the LORD. “This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word.

Acts 7:48-50
However, the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands. As the prophet says: / ‘Heaven is My throne and the earth is My footstool. What kind of house will you build for Me, says the Lord, or where will My place of repose be? / Has not My hand made all these things?’

Acts 17:24-25
The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples made by human hands. / Nor is He served by human hands, as if He needed anything, because He Himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.

Psalm 113:5-6
Who is like the LORD our God, the One enthroned on high? / He humbles Himself to behold the heavens and the earth.

Psalm 139:7-10
Where can I go to escape Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? / If I ascend to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, You are there. / If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle by the farthest sea, ...

Jeremiah 23:23-24
“Am I only a God nearby,” declares the LORD, “and not a God far away?” / “Can a man hide in secret places where I cannot see him?” declares the LORD. “Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?” declares the LORD.

Matthew 5:34-35
But I tell you not to swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; / or by the earth, for it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.

John 4:21-24
“Believe Me, woman,” Jesus replied, “a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. / You worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. / But a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such as these to worship Him. ...

Ephesians 3:17-19
so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Then you, being rooted and grounded in love, / will have power, together with all the saints, to comprehend the length and width and height and depth / of the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

1 Timothy 6:16
He alone is immortal and dwells in unapproachable light. No one has ever seen Him, nor can anyone see Him. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen.

Exodus 40:34-35
Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. / Moses was unable to enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.

1 Kings 8:10-11
And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, the cloud filled the house of the LORD / so that the priests could not stand there to minister because of the cloud. For the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD.

Isaiah 57:15
For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in a high and holy place, and with the oppressed and humble in spirit, to restore the spirit of the lowly and revive the heart of the contrite.

Psalm 11:4
The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD is on His heavenly throne. His eyes are watching closely; they examine the sons of men.


Treasury of Scripture

But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth? behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain you; how much less this house which I have built!

But will

Exodus 29:45,46
And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God…

1 Kings 8:27
But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?

Psalm 68:18
Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them.

2 Chronicles 2:6
But 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?

Psalm 139:7-10
Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? …

Jeremiah 23:24
Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.

how much

2 Chronicles 32:15
Now 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?

Job 4:19
How much less in them that dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation is in the dust, which are crushed before the moth?

Job 9:14
How much less shall I answer him, and choose out my words to reason with him?

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2 Chronicles 6
1. Solomon, having blessed the people, blessed God
12. Solomon's prayer in the consecration of the temple, upon the bronze platform.














But will God indeed dwell
The phrase "dwell" in Hebrew is "שָׁכַן" (shakan), which conveys the idea of settling down or residing. This word is foundational in understanding the concept of God's presence among His people, as seen in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. The question posed by Solomon reflects a deep theological truth: the transcendence of God. Despite His omnipresence, God chooses to manifest His presence in specific ways and places, highlighting His immanence and desire for relationship with humanity.

with man on the earth?
The phrase "with man" emphasizes the relational aspect of God's nature. From the beginning, in the Garden of Eden, God walked with Adam and Eve, illustrating His desire for fellowship with humanity. The earth, created by God, is the stage for this divine-human interaction. This question underscores the mystery and grace of God choosing to engage with His creation, despite the vastness of His being.

Even the heavens, the highest heavens
The "heavens" and "highest heavens" refer to the vast expanse of the universe, which in ancient Near Eastern cosmology, was seen as layers or realms above the earth. The Hebrew word for heavens is "שָׁמַיִם" (shamayim), indicating the sky, the abode of celestial bodies, and the dwelling place of God. This phrase emphasizes God's incomprehensible greatness and the inadequacy of any physical space to contain Him, pointing to His infinite nature.

cannot contain You
The word "contain" in Hebrew is "כָּלָא" (kala), meaning to hold or restrain. This highlights the futility of attempting to confine God within human constructs or understanding. God's essence transcends all creation, affirming His sovereignty and omnipotence. This truth calls believers to a posture of humility and reverence, recognizing that while God is near, He is also beyond full human comprehension.

much less this temple I have built
The "temple" refers to the magnificent structure Solomon constructed in Jerusalem, intended as a dwelling place for God's name. Despite its grandeur, Solomon acknowledges its insufficiency to house the Almighty. This humility is a reminder that while places of worship are significant, they are but symbols of a greater reality. The true temple is found in the hearts of believers, where God's Spirit dwells, as later revealed in the New Testament. Solomon's statement invites reflection on the nature of worship and the importance of a heart devoted to God over physical edifices.

(18) But will God in very deed.--Or, what? will God, &c.--The LXX. imitates the Hebrew ??? ?? ?????? ??????????; Vuig., "ergone credibile est ut habitet Deus?"

With men.--Not in Kings. Syriac, "with his people, Israel;" Arabic, "with his people." (Comp. Revelation 21:3.)

Verse 18. - Dwell with men (Psalm 132:14). Heaven and the heaven of heavens. Solomon's conception of the infinite God comes plainly to view here (2 Chronicles 2:6; Deuteronomy 10:14; Psalm 139:5-12; Psalm 148:4; Isaiah 66:1; Acts 7:4-9; Acts 17:24).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But
כִּ֚י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

will God
אֱלֹהִ֛ים (’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

indeed
הַֽאֻמְנָ֔ם (ha·’um·nām)
Conjunction
Strong's 552: Verily, truly, indeed

dwell
יֵשֵׁ֧ב (yê·šêḇ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

with
אֶת־ (’eṯ-)
Preposition
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

man
הָאָדָ֖ם (hā·’ā·ḏām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being

upon
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the earth?
הָאָ֑רֶץ (hā·’ā·reṣ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

Even
הִ֠נֵּה (hin·nêh)
Interjection
Strong's 2009: Lo! behold!

heaven,
שָׁמַ֜יִם (šā·ma·yim)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8064: Heaven, sky

the highest heaven,
וּשְׁמֵ֤י (ū·šə·mê)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 8064: Heaven, sky

cannot
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

contain You,
יְכַלְכְּל֔וּךָ (yə·ḵal·kə·lū·ḵā)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | second person masculine singular
Strong's 3557: To keep in, to measure, to maintain

much less
אַ֕ף (’ap̄)
Conjunction
Strong's 637: Meaning accession, yea, adversatively though

this
הַזֶּ֖ה (haz·zeh)
Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

temple
הַבַּ֥יִת (hab·ba·yiṯ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1004: A house

I have built.
בָּנִֽיתִי׃ (bā·nî·ṯî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 1129: To build


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OT History: 2 Chronicles 6:18 But will God indeed dwell with men (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr)
2 Chronicles 6:17
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