Bible Strands
2 Chronicles 19:7
And now, may the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.”
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Jehoshaphat addresses the judges he appointed in the fortified cities of Judah, immediately following his instruction in verse 6 that they render verdicts for the LORD rather than for human authorities.
The words — יְהִ֥י (ye.Hi) operates as a jussive verb meaning “let it be,” directly governing פַֽחַד־ (fa.chad-) to produce the literal phrase “may the dread of the LORD be upon you.”
The thread — This declaration of divine impartiality echoes Deuteronomy 32:4, Genesis 18:25, and Romans 2:11, which all affirm that God’s judgment lacks injustice, favoritism, or corruption.
Why it lands — The text commands judicial officers to exercise extreme caution in their duties because their ultimate Judge operates without bias or corruptible motives.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Wherefore now let the fear of the Lord be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the Lord our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.
Cross-references
- Deuteronomy 32:4 He is the Rock, His work is perfect; all His ways are just. A God of faithfulness without injustice, righteous and upright is He.
- Genesis 18:25 Far be it from You to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike. Far be it from You! Will not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?”
- Romans 2:11 For God does not show favoritism.
- Deuteronomy 10:17 For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awesome God, showing no partiality and accepting no bribe.
- Exodus 23:8 Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous.
- Romans 9:14 What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Certainly not!
- Colossians 3:25 Whoever does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.
- Deuteronomy 16:18 You are to appoint judges and officials for your tribes in every town that the LORD your God is giving you. They are to judge the people with righteous judgment.
- Job 34:19 who is not partial to princes and does not favor rich over poor? For they are all the work of His hands.
- Isaiah 1:23 Your rulers are rebels, friends of thieves. They all love bribes and chasing after rewards. They do not defend the fatherless, and the plea of the widow never comes before them.