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."

Bible > 2 Chronicles > Chapter 19 > Verse 7

◄ 2 Chronicles 19:7 ►

New International Version
Now let the fear of the LORD be on you. Judge carefully, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.”

New Living Translation
Fear the LORD and judge with integrity, for the LORD our God does not tolerate perverted justice, partiality, or the taking of bribes.”

English Standard Version
Now then, let the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for there is no injustice with the LORD our God, or partiality or taking bribes.”

Berean Standard Bible
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.”

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Now therefore, let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take care and do it, for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, no partiality, nor taking of bribes.”

New American Standard Bible
Now then, let the fear of the LORD be upon you; be careful about what you do, for the LORD our God will have no part in injustice or partiality, or in the taking of a bribe.”

NASB 1995
“Now then let the fear of the LORD be upon you; be very careful what you do, for the LORD our God will have no part in unrighteousness or partiality or the taking of a bribe.”

NASB 1977
“Now then let the fear of the LORD be upon you; be very careful what you do, for the LORD our God will have no part in unrighteousness, or partiality, or the taking of a bribe.”

Legacy Standard Bible
So now then let the dread of Yahweh be upon you; be careful what you do, because with Yahweh our God there is no unrighteousness or partiality or the taking of a bribe.”

Amplified Bible
So now let the fear (reverent awe) of the LORD be on you [to keep you from making unjust decisions]; be careful in what you do, for there is no injustice with the LORD our God, or partiality, or acceptance of a bribe.”

Christian Standard Bible
And now, may the terror of the LORD be on you. Watch what you do, for there is no injustice or partiality or taking bribes with the LORD our God.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
And now, may the terror of the LORD be on you. Watch what you do, for there is no injustice or partiality or taking bribes with the LORD our God.”

American Standard Version
Now therefore let the fear of Jehovah be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with Jehovah our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of bribes.

Contemporary English Version
So do your work in honor of him and know that he won't allow you to be unfair to anyone or to take bribes.

English Revised Version
Now therefore 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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
May you have the fear of the LORD in you. Be careful about what you do. The LORD our God is never unjust. He is impartial and never takes bribes."

Good News Translation
Honor the LORD and act carefully, because the LORD our God does not tolerate fraud or partiality or the taking of bribes."

International Standard Version
So let the fear of the Lord rest upon you, be on your guard, and act carefully, because with the LORD our God there is neither injustice, nor partiality, nor bribery."

Majority Standard Bible
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.?

NET Bible
Respect the LORD and make careful decisions, for the LORD our God disapproves of injustice, partiality, and bribery."

New Heart English Bible
Now therefore let the fear of the LORD be on you. Take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of bribes."

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
Now therefore let the fear of Yahweh be on you. Take heed and do it; for there is no iniquity with Yahweh our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of bribes.”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and now, let fear of YHWH be on you, observe and do, for there is not perverseness with our God YHWH, and favoring by appearance, and taking of a bribe.”

Young's Literal Translation
and now, let fear of Jehovah be upon you, observe and do, for there is not with Jehovah our God perverseness, and acceptance of faces, and taking of a bribe.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And now the fear of Jehovah shall be upon you: watch ye and do: for not iniquity with Jehovah our God, and lifting up of faces, and taking a gift.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Let the fear of the Lord be with you, and do all things with diligence: for there is no iniquity with the Lord our God, nor respect of persons, nor desire of gifts.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Let the fear of the Lord be with you, and do all things with diligence. For there is no iniquity with the Lord our God, nor respect of persons, nor desire for gifts.”

New American Bible
And now, let the fear of the LORD be upon you. Act carefully, for with the LORD, our God, there is no injustice, no partiality, no bribe-taking.”

New Revised Standard Version
Now, let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take care what you do, for there is no perversion of justice with the LORD our God, or partiality, or taking of bribes.”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Therefore be courageous and judge righteously, so that the LORD may be with you for ever; take heed and do it; for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God nor respect of persons nor taking of bribes.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And take care and do, because before LORD JEHOVAH our God there is no evil or favoritism or accepting of a bribe.”

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
Now therefore 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 bribes.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And now let the fear of the Lord be upon you, and be wary, and do your duty: for there is no unrighteousness with the Lord our God, neither is it for him to respect persons, nor take bribes.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Jehoshaphat's Reforms
…6Then he said to the judges, “Consider carefully what you do, for you are not judging for man, but for the LORD, who is with you when you render judgment. 7And 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.” 8Moreover, Jehoshaphat appointed in Jerusalem some of the Levites, priests, and heads of the Israelite families to judge on behalf of the LORD and to settle disputes. And they lived in Jerusalem.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

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.

Proverbs 24:23
These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judgment is not good.

James 2:1
My brothers, as you hold out your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, do not show favoritism.

Romans 2:11
For God does not show favoritism.

Acts 10:34
Then Peter began to speak: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism,

1 Peter 1:17
Since you call on a Father who judges each one’s work impartially, conduct yourselves in reverent fear during your stay as foreigners.

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.

Colossians 3:25
Whoever does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.

Ephesians 6:9
And masters, do the same for your slaves. Give up your use of threats, because you know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him.

Leviticus 19:15
You must not pervert justice; you must not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich; you are to judge your neighbor fairly.

Malachi 2:9
“So I in turn have made you despised and humiliated before all the people, because you have not kept My ways, but have shown partiality in matters of the law.”

1 Timothy 5:21
I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels to maintain these principles without bias, and to do nothing out of partiality.

Exodus 23:2-3
You shall not follow the crowd in wrongdoing. When you testify in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd. / And do not show favoritism to a poor man in his lawsuit.

Deuteronomy 1:17
Show no partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be intimidated by anyone, for judgment belongs to God. And bring to me any case too difficult for you, and I will hear it.”

Isaiah 33:15-16
He who walks righteously and speaks with sincerity, who refuses gain from extortion, whose hand never takes a bribe, who stops his ears against murderous plots and shuts his eyes tightly against evil— / he will dwell on the heights; the mountain fortress will be his refuge; his food will be provided and his water assured.

Treasury of Scripture

Why now let the fear of the LORD be on you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.

let the

Genesis 42:18
And Joseph said unto them the third day, This do, and live; for I fear God:

Exodus 18:21,22,25,26
Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: …

Nehemiah 5:15
But the former governors that had been before me were chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God.

no iniquity

Genesis 18:25
That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?

Deuteronomy 32:4
He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.

Romans 3:5,6
But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man) …

respect of persons

Deuteronomy 10:17,18
For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward: …

Job 34:19
How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all are the work of his hands.

Matthew 22:16
And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.

taking of gifts

Exodus 23:8
And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.

Deuteronomy 16:18,19
Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment…

Isaiah 1:23
Thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them.

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2 Chronicles 19

1. Jehoshaphat, reproved by Jehu, visits his kingdom
5. His instructions to the judges
8. to the priests and Levites

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

And now, may the fear of the LORD be upon you.
The "fear of the LORD" is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, often associated with wisdom and obedience (Proverbs 9:10). In this context, it emphasizes reverence and awe towards God, which should guide the actions of the judges Jehoshaphat appointed. This fear is not about terror but about respect and acknowledgment of God's authority and holiness. It reflects the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where obedience leads to blessing (Deuteronomy 10:12-13). The phrase also connects to the broader biblical narrative where the fear of the LORD is foundational for righteous living (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

Be careful what you do,
This phrase underscores the importance of diligence and integrity in leadership and judgment. It reflects the biblical principle that leaders are accountable to God for their actions (James 3:1). The historical context involves Jehoshaphat's reforms to ensure justice and righteousness in Judah, emphasizing that leaders must act with caution and discernment. This call to careful action is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are urged to live wisely and make the most of every opportunity (Ephesians 5:15-16).

for with the LORD our God there is no injustice
This statement affirms God's perfect justice, a central attribute of His character (Deuteronomy 32:4). It reassures that God's judgments are always right and fair, contrasting with human systems that can be flawed. The historical context of Israel's legal system, based on divine law, highlights the expectation that human judges should reflect God's justice. This phrase also points to the ultimate justice fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who embodies God's righteousness (Romans 3:25-26).

or partiality
Partiality, or favoritism, is condemned throughout Scripture as contrary to God's nature (James 2:1-9). In the cultural context of ancient Israel, where social hierarchies were prevalent, this command underscores the need for impartial justice. It reflects the biblical principle that all people are equal before God, a theme that resonates in the New Testament with the teaching that there is no Jew or Gentile in Christ (Galatians 3:28).

or bribery.
Bribery corrupts justice and is explicitly prohibited in the Mosaic Law (Exodus 23:8). It undermines the integrity of leaders and the trust of the community. In the ancient Near Eastern context, where bribery was common, this command sets Israel apart as a nation governed by divine standards. The prohibition of bribery aligns with the broader biblical narrative that calls for honesty and integrity, as seen in the teachings of Jesus, who condemned the Pharisees for their hypocrisy and corruption (Matthew 23:23).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jehoshaphat
The king of Judah who initiated reforms to bring the people back to the worship of the LORD. He appointed judges throughout the land and charged them to judge righteously.

2. Judges of Judah
Appointed by Jehoshaphat to administer justice in the cities of Judah. They were instructed to judge with the fear of the LORD and without partiality.

3. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, where Jehoshaphat reigned and implemented his judicial reforms.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The God of Israel, who is characterized by justice, impartiality, and righteousness.

5. Judicial Reforms
The event where Jehoshaphat appointed judges and instructed them to judge according to God's standards, emphasizing justice and the fear of the LORD.

Teaching Points

The Fear of the LORD as a Guiding Principle
The fear of the LORD should be the foundation of all our actions, especially in positions of authority and judgment. It ensures that our decisions align with God's righteousness.

Impartiality in Judgment
As believers, we are called to reflect God's character by being impartial and just in our dealings with others. This applies not only in formal judicial settings but in everyday interactions.

Avoidance of Corruption
Bribery and corruption are contrary to God's nature. We must guard against these in our personal and professional lives, maintaining integrity and honesty.

Accountability to God
Recognizing that we are accountable to God for our actions encourages us to act justly and righteously, knowing that He sees and judges all.

Role of Leaders in Promoting Justice
Leaders have a responsibility to promote justice and righteousness, setting an example for others to follow. This includes creating systems that reflect God's standards.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(7) Wherefore.--And.

The fear of the Lord.--A dread, or awe, of Jehovah. (See 2Chronicles 17:10.)

Take heed and do (a hendiadys, i.e., act heedfully. deal warily).

Iniquity--i.e., want of equity, unfairness, injustice i'avlah). To the marginal references add the prohibition, Deuteronomy 16:19. They who judge for Jehovah (2Chronicles 19:6) are bound to judge like Jehovah.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

And now,
וְעַתָּ֕ה (wə·‘at·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 6258: At this time

may the fear
פַֽחַד־ (p̄a·ḥaḏ-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6343: A, alarm

of the LORD
יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

be
יְהִ֥י (yə·hî)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

upon you.
עֲלֵיכֶ֑ם (‘ă·lê·ḵem)
Preposition | second person masculine plural
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

Be careful
שִׁמְר֣וּ (šim·rū)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to

what you do,
וַעֲשׂ֔וּ (wa·‘ă·śū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 6213: To do, make

for
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

with
עִם־ (‘im-)
Preposition
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

the LORD
יְהוָ֣ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

our God
אֱלֹהֵ֗ינוּ (’ĕ·lō·hê·nū)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

there is no
אֵ֞ין (’ên)
Adverb
Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle

injustice,
עַוְלָ֛ה (‘aw·lāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5766: Injustice, unrighteousness

partiality,
וּמַשֹּׂ֥א (ū·maś·śō)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4856: Partiality

or bribery.”
וּמִקַּח־ (ū·miq·qaḥ-)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4727: A taking, receiving

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OT History: 2 Chronicles 19:7 Now therefore let the fear of Yahweh (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr)