Bible Strands
2 Chronicles 6:18
But will God indeed dwell with man upon the earth? The heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain You, much less this temple I have built.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Solomon addresses the Lord during the dedication of the temple he has constructed. He speaks at the moment of consecration, positioning the building within the broader context of God's covenant promise to David.
The words — The Hebrew יֵשֵׁ֧ב (ye.Shev) translates literally as "will he dwell," paired with אֱלֹהִ֛ים ('E.lo.Him) for "God." These terms anchor the verse's rhetorical question regarding divine habitation on earth.
The thread — The contrast between uncontainable heaven and human construction appears in 2 Chronicles 2:6 and Isaiah 66:1. Psalm 139:7 similarly emphasizes the inescapable scope of God's presence.
Why it lands — The text states that the highest heavens cannot contain God, rendering the built temple comparatively insignificant. It asks the reader to acknowledge divine transcendence before approaching God in prayer.
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
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!
Cross-references
- 2 Chronicles 2:6 But who is able to build a house for Him, since the heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain Him? Who then am I, that I should build a house for Him, except as a place to burn sacrifices before Him?
- Isaiah 66:1 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?
- Psalms 139:7 Where can I go to escape Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence?
- 2 Chronicles 32:15 So now, do not let Hezekiah deceive you, and do not let him mislead you like this. Do not believe him, for no god of any nation or kingdom has been able to deliver his people from my hand or from the hand of my fathers. How much less will your God deliver you from my hand!”
- Psalms 113:5 Who is like the LORD our God, the One enthroned on high?
- Acts 7:48 However, the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands. As the prophet says:
- Acts 17:24 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.
- 2 Corinthians 12:2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of it I do not know, but God knows.
- Exodus 29:45 Then I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God.
- 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.