2 Chronicles 6:30
New International Version
then hear from heaven, your dwelling place. Forgive, and deal with everyone according to all they do, since you know their hearts (for you alone know the human heart),

New Living Translation
then hear from heaven where you live, and forgive. Give your people what their actions deserve, for you alone know each human heart.

English Standard Version
then hear from heaven your dwelling place and forgive and render to each whose heart you know, according to all his ways, for you, you only, know the hearts of the children of mankind,

Berean Standard Bible
be heard by You from heaven, Your dwelling place. And may You forgive and repay each man according to all his ways, since You know his heart—for You alone know the hearts of men—

King James Bible
Then hear thou from heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and render unto every man according unto all his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou only knowest the hearts of the children of men:)

New King James Version
then hear from heaven Your dwelling place, and forgive, and give to everyone according to all his ways, whose heart You know (for You alone know the hearts of the sons of men),

New American Standard Bible
then hear from heaven, Your dwelling place, and forgive, and render to each according to all his ways, whose heart You know—for You alone know the hearts of the sons of mankind—

NASB 1995
then hear from heaven Your dwelling place, and forgive, and render to each according to all his ways, whose heart You know for You alone know the hearts of the sons of men,

NASB 1977
then hear Thou from heaven Thy dwelling place, and forgive, and render to each according to all his ways, whose heart Thou knowest for Thou alone dost know the hearts of the sons of men,

Legacy Standard Bible
then listen from heaven Your dwelling place, and forgive, and give to each according to all his ways, whose heart You know, for You alone know the hearts of the sons of men,

Amplified Bible
then hear from heaven, Your dwelling place, and forgive, and render to each in accordance with all his ways, whose heart You know; for You alone know the hearts of the sons of men,

Christian Standard Bible
may you hear in heaven, your dwelling place, and may you forgive and give to everyone according to all their ways, since you know each heart, for you alone know the human heart,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
may You hear in heaven, Your dwelling place, and may You forgive and repay the man according to all his ways, since You know his heart, for You alone know the human heart,

American Standard Version
then hear thou from heaven thy dwelling-place and forgive, and render unto every man according to all his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou, even thou only, knowest the hearts of the children of men);

Contemporary English Version
You know what is in everyone's heart. So from your home in heaven answer their prayers, according to what they do and what is in their hearts.

English Revised Version
then hear thou from heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and render unto every man according to all his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou, even thou only, knowest the hearts of the children of men;)

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Hear [them] in heaven, where you live. Forgive [them], and give each person the proper reply. (You know what is in their hearts, because you alone know what is in people's hearts.)

Good News Translation
hear their prayer. Listen to them in your home in heaven and forgive them. You alone know the thoughts of the human heart. Deal with each of us as we deserve,

International Standard Version
then hear from heaven, the place where you reside, and forgive, repaying each person according to all of his ways, since you know their hearts—for you alone know the hearts of human beings—

NET Bible
then listen from your heavenly dwelling place, forgive their sin, and act favorably toward each one based on your evaluation of their motives. (Indeed you are the only one who can correctly evaluate the motives of all people.)

New Heart English Bible
then hear from heaven, your dwelling place and forgive, and render to every man according to all his ways, whose heart you know; (for you, even you only, know the hearts of the children of humankind;)

Webster's Bible Translation
Then hear thou from heaven thy dwelling-place, and forgive, and render to every man according to all his ways, whose heart thou knowest (for thou only knowest the hearts of the children of men:)
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
be heard by You from heaven, Your dwelling place. And may You forgive and repay each man according to all his ways, since You know his heart—for You alone know the hearts of men—

World English Bible
then hear from heaven your dwelling place and forgive, and render to every man according to all his ways, whose heart you know (for you, even you only, know the hearts of the children of men),
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
then You hear from the heavens, the settled place of Your dwelling, and have forgiven, and have given to each according to all his ways (because You know his heart, for You alone have known the heart of the sons of men),

Young's Literal Translation
then Thou dost hear from the heavens, the settled place of Thy dwelling, and hast forgiven, and hast given to each according to all his ways (because Thou knowest his heart, for Thou -- Thou only -- hast known the heart of the sons of men),

Smith's Literal Translation
And wilt thou hear from the heavens the place of thy dwelling, and forgive, and give to each according to his ways, winch thou wilt know his heart? for thou alone knewest the heart of the sons of men.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Hear thou from heaven, from thy high dwelling place, and forgive, and render to every one according to his ways, which thou knowest him to have in his heart: (for thou only knowest the hearts of the children of men:)

Catholic Public Domain Version
you will heed him from heaven, indeed from your sublime habitation, and you will forgive, and you will repay each one according to his ways, which you know him to hold in his heart. For you alone know the hearts of the sons of men.

New American Bible
listen from heaven, the place of your enthronement, and forgive. Render to each and all according to their ways, you who know every heart; for it is you alone who know the heart of every human being.

New Revised Standard Version
may you hear from heaven, your dwelling place, forgive, and render to all whose heart you know, according to all their ways, for only you know the human heart.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then hear thou from heaven their prayer and forgive their sins, and render to every man according to all his ways, whose heart thou knowest (for thou only knowest the hearts of all the children of men),

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And you will listen to the voice of their prayer from Heaven and you will forgive their debts and you will pay a man according to all his ways, because you know his heart, for you know, you alone, the heart of all of the children of men;
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
then hear Thou from heaven Thy dwelling-place, and forgive, and render unto every man according to all his ways, whose heart Thou knowest--for Thou, even Thou only, knowest the hearts of the children of men--

Brenton Septuagint Translation
then shalt thou hear from heaven, out of thy prepared dwelling-place, and shalt be merciful, and shalt recompense to the man according to his ways, as thou shalt know his heart to be; for thou alone knowest the heart of the children of men:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Solomon's Prayer of Dedication
29then may whatever prayer or petition Your people Israel make—each knowing his own afflictions and spreading out his hands toward this temple— 30be heard by You from heaven, Your dwelling place. And may You forgive and repay each man according to all his ways, since You know his heart— for You alone know the hearts of men— 31so that they may fear You and walk in Your ways all the days they live in the land that You gave to our fathers.…

Cross References
1 Kings 8:39
be heard by You from heaven, Your dwelling place. And may You forgive and act, and repay each man according to all his ways, since You know his heart—for You alone know the hearts of all men—

Jeremiah 17:10
I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve.

Psalm 139:1-4
For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. O LORD, You have searched me and known me. / You know when I sit and when I rise; You understand my thoughts from afar. / You search out my path and my lying down; You are aware of all my ways. ...

Hebrews 4:12-13
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart. / Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

Proverbs 15:11
Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the LORD—how much more the hearts of men!

Psalm 44:21
would not God have discovered, since He knows the secrets of the heart?

Acts 1:24
And they prayed, “Lord, You know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two You have chosen

Romans 8:27
And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

1 Samuel 16:7
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.”

Revelation 2:23
Then I will strike her children dead, and all the churches will know that I am the One who searches minds and hearts, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.

Psalm 7:9
Put an end to the evil of the wicked, but establish the righteous, O righteous God who searches hearts and minds.

Jeremiah 11:20
O LORD of Hosts, who judges righteously, who examines the heart and mind, let me see Your vengeance upon them, for to You I have committed my cause.

1 John 3:20
Even if our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts, and He knows all things.

Job 31:4
Does He not see my ways and count my every step?

Matthew 6:8
Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.


Treasury of Scripture

Then hear you from heaven your dwelling place, and forgive, and render to every man according to all his ways, whose heart you know; (for you only know the hearts of the children of men:)

render

Psalm 18:20-26
The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me…

Psalm 62:12
Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.

Jeremiah 17:10
I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

thou only

1 Kings 8:39
Then hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and do, and give to every man according to his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou, even thou only, knowest the hearts of all the children of men;)

1 Chronicles 28:9
And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.

1 Chronicles 29:17
I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.

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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.














be heard by You from heaven, Your dwelling place.
This phrase emphasizes the belief that God resides in heaven, a central tenet in biblical theology. Heaven is depicted as God's throne (Isaiah 66:1) and His dwelling place, signifying His sovereignty and holiness. The request for God to hear from heaven underscores the understanding of God's omnipresence and His ability to listen to prayers from His divine realm. This reflects the ancient Near Eastern view of temples as earthly representations of divine abodes, with Solomon's temple in Jerusalem serving as a focal point for Israel's worship and prayer. The phrase also connects to the Lord's Prayer in the New Testament, where Jesus teaches His disciples to address God as "Our Father in heaven" (Matthew 6:9).

And may You forgive and repay each man according to all his ways,
This part of the verse highlights the dual aspects of God's justice and mercy. Forgiveness is a central theme in the Bible, with God often portrayed as willing to forgive those who repent (Psalm 86:5). The request for God to "repay each man according to all his ways" reflects the biblical principle of divine retribution, where individuals are rewarded or punished based on their actions (Proverbs 24:12). This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where Paul writes about God rendering to each person according to their deeds (Romans 2:6). The balance of forgiveness and justice is a recurring theme, illustrating God's righteous character.

since You know his heart—for You alone know the hearts of men—
This phrase acknowledges God's omniscience, particularly His ability to discern the true intentions and thoughts of individuals. The heart, in biblical terms, often represents the center of one's being, including emotions, will, and intellect. God's unique ability to know the heart is a theme found throughout Scripture, such as in 1 Samuel 16:7, where God tells Samuel that He looks at the heart rather than outward appearances. This divine insight is crucial for just judgment, as only God can fully understand human motives and intentions. The phrase also foreshadows the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ, who is described as knowing the hearts of all people (John 2:24-25), further affirming His divine nature.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
The king of Israel who built the temple in Jerusalem and is offering a prayer of dedication to God in this chapter.

2. God
The omniscient and omnipresent deity who is being addressed in Solomon's prayer, recognized as the one who knows the hearts of all people.

3. The Temple in Jerusalem
The central place of worship for the Israelites, symbolizing God's presence among His people.

4. The Israelites
The people of God who are the primary audience of Solomon's prayer, seeking God's favor and forgiveness.

5. Heaven
Described as God's dwelling place, from where He hears and responds to the prayers of His people.
Teaching Points
God's Omniscience
God alone knows the hearts of all people. This truth should lead us to live transparently before Him, knowing that nothing is hidden from His sight.

The Importance of the Heart
Our actions are important, but God looks at the heart. We should focus on cultivating a heart that is pure and aligned with God's will.

Prayer and Forgiveness
Solomon's prayer reminds us of the importance of seeking God's forgiveness. We should regularly confess our sins and seek His grace.

Divine Justice
God repays each person according to their deeds. This should encourage us to live righteously and trust in God's just nature.

The Role of the Temple
While the physical temple was central to Israelite worship, we are now the temple of the Holy Spirit. Our lives should reflect God's presence.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 6:30?

2. How does 2 Chronicles 6:30 emphasize God's ability to know human hearts?

3. What does "hear from heaven" reveal about God's omnipresence and responsiveness?

4. How can we apply God's heart-searching ability to our daily prayer life?

5. Connect 2 Chronicles 6:30 with Hebrews 4:12 on God's discernment of thoughts.

6. How should God's knowledge of our hearts influence our actions and decisions?

7. How does 2 Chronicles 6:30 reflect God's omniscience and ability to judge hearts?

8. What historical context surrounds Solomon's prayer in 2 Chronicles 6:30?

9. How does 2 Chronicles 6:30 align with the theme of divine justice in the Bible?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Chronicles 6?

11. How do paradoxes in theology (e.g., omnipotence vs. free will) make logical sense?

12. In light of repeated historical failures to permanently keep the covenant (Deuteronomy 30:15-20), does this passage accurately reflect real-world outcomes for Israel?

13. 2 Chronicles 6:1-2: If God is said to dwell in 'thick darkness,' how does this align with other passages presenting God as light?

14. What does the tabernacle of David refer to?
What Does 2 Chronicles 6:30 Mean
Be heard by You from heaven, Your dwelling place

Solomon’s first request is that the Lord will actually listen. Although the newly dedicated temple is magnificent, Solomon knows God’s true throne is in heaven (Psalm 11:4; Isaiah 66:1).

• The phrase points to God’s transcendence—He is above creation yet chooses to hear His people (1 Kings 8:30).

• It also stresses that prayer is never limited by geography; wherever the worshiper stands, the petition rises to the heavenly throne room (Hebrews 4:16).

• Because God hears, believers approach Him with confidence that every plea, no matter how personal, reaches His ear.


And may You forgive

Hearing is followed by mercy. Solomon assumes that those who come will be carrying guilt; therefore, forgiveness is essential (Exodus 34:6-7; Psalm 32:1-2).

• Forgiveness is not automatic; it is requested, highlighting the need for repentance (Proverbs 28:13).

• The sacrificial system pictured the ultimate atonement that Christ would provide, making full pardon possible (Ephesians 1:7; 1 John 1:9).

• The verse reassures worshipers that God’s desire is to cleanse, not condemn, when they confess and seek His grace.


And repay each man according to all his ways

God’s mercy never cancels His justice (Jeremiah 17:10; Romans 2:6).

• “Repay” underscores accountability. Every action, whether faith-filled obedience or stubborn rebellion, matters.

• This balance—mercy for the repentant, recompense for the unrepentant—guards against cheap grace and presumption (Galatians 6:7-8; Revelation 22:12).

• For believers, the call is to walk consistently in godly ways, knowing that God rewards faithfulness both now and eternally (Matthew 25:21).


Since You know his heart—for You alone know the hearts of men

Only God sees beneath the surface (1 Samuel 16:7; Psalm 139:1-4).

• Human judges evaluate outward behavior, but the Lord discerns motives, intentions, and affections (Hebrews 4:13).

• His omniscience guarantees that His responses—whether forgiveness or repayment—are perfectly tailored and absolutely fair (Proverbs 21:2).

• This truth invites honest self-examination; we cannot fool the One who knows us better than we know ourselves (1 John 3:20).


summary

2 Chronicles 6:30 reveals a God who listens from heaven, offers genuine forgiveness, administers righteous justice, and does all of it with full knowledge of every human heart. The verse calls believers to pray confidently, repent sincerely, live responsibly, and rest securely in the Lord’s perfect understanding and unfailing grace.

(30) Every man.--The man. Distributive use of the article.

Whose heart thou knowest.--Because thou knowest his heart. So Syriac and Arabic. The Vulg., "which thou knowest him to have in his heart" (as if eth meant with, here).

The children of men.--All has dropped out. So some MSS., Syriac, Arabic, and Kings.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
be heard
תִּשְׁמַ֨ע (tiš·ma‘)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

by You
וְ֠אַתָּה (wə·’at·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

from
מִן־ (min-)
Preposition
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

heaven,
הַשָּׁמַ֜יִם (haš·šā·ma·yim)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8064: Heaven, sky

Your dwelling
שִׁבְתֶּ֙ךָ֙ (šiḇ·te·ḵā)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

place.
מְכ֤וֹן (mə·ḵō·wn)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4349: A fixture, a basis, a place, as an abode

And may You forgive
וְסָ֣לַחְתָּ֔ (wə·sā·laḥ·tā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5545: To forgive, pardon

and repay
וְנָתַתָּ֤ה (wə·nā·ṯat·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

each man
לָאִישׁ֙ (lā·’îš)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

according to all
כְּכָל־ (kə·ḵāl-)
Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

his ways,
דְּרָכָ֔יו (də·rā·ḵāw)
Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

since
אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

You know
תֵּדַ֖ע (tê·ḏa‘)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3045: To know

his heart—
לְבָב֑וֹ (lə·ḇā·ḇōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3824: Inner man, mind, will, heart

for
כִּ֤י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

You
אַתָּה֙ (’at·tāh)
Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

alone
לְבַדְּךָ֣ (lə·ḇad·də·ḵā)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 905: Separation, a part of the body, branch of a, tree, bar for, carrying, chief of

know
יָדַ֔עְתָּ (yā·ḏa‘·tā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3045: To know

the hearts
לְבַ֖ב (lə·ḇaḇ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3824: Inner man, mind, will, heart

of men—
הָאָדָֽם׃ (hā·’ā·ḏām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being


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OT History: 2 Chronicles 6:30 Then hear from heaven your dwelling place (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr)
2 Chronicles 6:29
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