2 Chronicles 26:21

KJV

And Uzziah the king was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house, [being] a leper; for he was cut off from the house of the LORD: and Jotham his son [was] over the king's house, judging the people of the land.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Uzziah {H5818} the king {H4428} was a leper {H6879} unto the day {H3117} of his death {H4194}, and dwelt in {H3427} a several {H2669}{H2669} house {H1004}, being a leper {H6879}; for he was cut off {H1504} from the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}: and Jotham {H3147} his son {H1121} was over the king's {H4428} house {H1004}, judging {H8199} the people {H5971} of the land {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

'Uziyahu the king had tzara'at until his dying day; he lived in a separate house because he had tzara'at, and was not allowed into the house of ADONAI. Meanwhile, Yotam the king's son ran the king's household and was regent over the people of the land.

Berean Standard Bible

So King Uzziah was a leper until the day of his death. He lived in isolation, leprous and cut off from the house of the LORD, while his son Jotham had charge of the royal palace to govern the people of the land.

American Standard Version

And Uzziah the king was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a separate house, being a leper; for he was cut off from the house of Jehovah: and Jotham his son was over the king’s house, judging the people of the land.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 26:21 provides a poignant conclusion to King Uzziah's reign, detailing the severe and lasting consequences of his prideful transgression against God. Having presumptuously usurped the sacred priestly function by burning incense in the temple, Uzziah was divinely struck with leprosy, a judgment that rendered him ritually unclean and physically isolated. This verse highlights his permanent exclusion from the "house of the LORD" and public life, necessitating the transfer of administrative authority to his son Jotham, thereby ensuring the continuity of governance despite the king's profound personal and spiritual downfall.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the somber culmination of King Uzziah's narrative in [2 Chronicles 26](/2_chronicles/26 "2 Chronicles 26 - The Reign of Uzziah"), immediately following the detailed account of his initial prosperity and eventual catastrophic act of sacrilege. The preceding verses ([2 Chronicles 26:1-15](/2_chronicles/26-1-15 "2 Chronicles 26:1-15 - Uzziah's Early Reign and Success")) laud Uzziah's military successes, extensive building projects, and agricultural innovations, attributing his flourishing reign to his diligent seeking of God. However, [2 Chronicles 26:16-20](/2_chronicles/26-16-20 "2 Chronicles 26:16-20 - Uzziah's Pride and Leprosy") dramatically pivots, describing how his strength led to arrogance, prompting him to enter the Temple to burn incense—a sacred role reserved exclusively for the Levitical priests. The confrontation with Azariah the priest and eighty other courageous priests underscores the gravity of Uzziah's transgression. God's immediate judgment of leprosy, appearing on his forehead, is the direct consequence of his defiance. Verse 21, therefore, provides the lasting reality of this divine punishment, setting the stage for his death in the subsequent verse and the full assumption of the throne by Jotham.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the roles of kingship and priesthood were divinely ordained and strictly separated. The Mosaic Law explicitly delineated these offices, with the priesthood belonging exclusively to the tribe of Levi and specifically to the lineage of Aaron, as mandated in passages like [Numbers 3:10](/numbers/3-10 "Numbers 3:10 - Priestly Authority"). Any attempt to usurp priestly duties was considered a grave offense against God's established order, as powerfully illustrated by the judgment against Korah and his company in [Numbers 16](/numbers/16 "Numbers 16 - Korah's Rebellion"). Leprosy, in the Old Testament, was not merely a physical disease but carried profound ritual impurity, rendering an individual unclean and necessitating strict isolation from the community and especially from the Temple, as detailed in [Leviticus 13](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13 - Laws Concerning Skin Diseases"). To be a leper meant being "cut off" from public worship, social interaction, and the very presence of God in the sanctuary. For a king, this was the ultimate humiliation and disqualification, effectively ending his active rule and public life. The "several house" (Hebrew: _beit ha-chofshit_) refers to a separate, isolated dwelling, often interpreted as a "house of freedom" or "house of release" in the sense of being released from royal duties and confined due to ritual impurity.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully reinforces several overarching themes found throughout Chronicles and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **divine judgment for pride and disobedience**, demonstrating that even powerful monarchs are accountable to God's law and that presumption leads to severe consequences, echoing the proverb that "[pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride and Destruction"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **holiness and the sanctity of God's ordained order**, emphasizing the inviolability of the priestly office and the Temple, and the dire consequences for those who violate sacred boundaries. Uzziah's exclusion from the "house of the LORD" powerfully symbolizes his spiritual separation due to sin. Thirdly, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **continuity of governance**, as Jotham seamlessly assumes the administrative duties, ensuring stability for the kingdom of Judah despite the king's personal tragedy. This demonstrates God's sovereignty over the Davidic line, even amidst human failure.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Leper (Hebrew, _tsâraʻ'_):** From the primitive root H6879, meaning "to scourge" or "to be stricken with leprosy." In the context of the KJV "leper," it refers to an individual afflicted with _tzara'at_, a severe skin condition described extensively in [Leviticus 13-14](/leviticus/13-14 "Leviticus 13-14 - Laws Concerning Skin Diseases"). More than a mere medical diagnosis, _tzara'at_ carried profound ritual impurity, symbolizing sin and separation from God and community. For Uzziah, being struck with _tzara'at_ was a direct, visible, and permanent sign of divine judgment for his sacrilege, rendering him unfit for public life and worship.

* **Several (Hebrew, _chophshûwth'_):** From H2669, meaning "prostration by sickness" or "several" (in the sense of separate). This word, used in conjunction with "house" (H1004, _bayith_), forms the phrase "several house" (_beit ha-chofshit_). This denotes a separate, isolated dwelling, literally a "house of freedom" or "house of release." In this context, it signifies a place where Uzziah was "released" from his royal duties and quarantined due to his ritual impurity. It was a place of confinement and social ostracism, emphasizing his complete severance from the vibrant life of the court and the Temple.

* **Cut off (Hebrew, _gâzar'_):** From the primitive root H1504, meaning "to cut down or off," and figuratively, "to destroy, divide, exclude, or decide." This passive verb powerfully conveys Uzziah's forced exclusion. It implies a definitive and irreversible severance, not only from the physical "house of the LORD" (the Temple, H1004 and H3068) but also from the spiritual privileges and communal participation associated with it. This "cutting off" was a direct consequence of his sin, mirroring the legal penalties for ritual impurity and spiritual rebellion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Uzziah the king was a leper unto the day of his death":** This clause establishes the permanence and severity of God's judgment. Uzziah's leprosy was not a temporary affliction but a lifelong condition, serving as a constant, visible reminder of his pride and disobedience. It signifies the irreversible nature of the consequences of defying God's explicit commands and violating sacred boundaries.

* **"and dwelt in a several house, [being] a leper":** This elaborates on the practical implications of his condition. Due to the ritual impurity associated with leprosy, Uzziah was compelled to live in isolation, separated from the general populace and the royal court. This physical segregation underscored his defilement and his inability to participate in communal life or sacred rituals, a profound humiliation for a reigning monarch.

* **"for he was cut off from the house of the LORD":** This provides the theological rationale for Uzziah's isolation. His leprosy, as a divine judgment for his sacrilege, rendered him ritually unclean and spiritually alienated. Being "cut off" from the Temple, the very center of Israelite worship and God's manifest presence, was the ultimate spiritual punishment, signifying his disqualification from priestly functions and even from approaching God's sanctuary.

* **"and Jotham his son [was] over the king's house, judging the people of the land":** This final clause highlights the continuity of the Davidic monarchy despite Uzziah's incapacitation. Jotham, Uzziah's son, assumed the practical responsibilities of the king, administering the kingdom and judging the people. This ensured stability and demonstrated God's faithfulness to His covenant with David, even when individual kings faltered in their obedience.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler masterfully employs several literary devices in this concise verse to convey its profound message. **Irony** is strikingly evident in Uzziah's fate: a king renowned for building and strengthening Judah ([2 Chronicles 26:6-15](/2_chronicles/26-6-15 "2 Chronicles 26:6-15 - Uzziah's Military and Building Achievements")) is ultimately confined to a "several house," isolated and weakened by divine judgment. His pursuit of strength and power led directly to his greatest weakness and confinement. **Symbolism** is pervasive, with leprosy not merely a disease but a potent symbol of sin's defilement and its separating power, both from community and from God's holy presence. The "several house" and being "cut off from the house of the LORD" powerfully symbolize Uzziah's spiritual estrangement and exclusion from the covenant community's worship life. Furthermore, **juxtaposition** is used to highlight the stark contrast between Uzziah's tragic isolation and Jotham's active, responsible governance, underscoring the resilience of God's plan for the Davidic dynasty even amidst human failure and sin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates the Old Testament principle that God's holiness demands respect for His established order, and that prideful presumption, especially concerning sacred roles, incurs severe divine judgment. Uzziah's leprosy and subsequent isolation serve as a stark reminder that no human authority, regardless of its earthly power or past achievements, is above God's law or His ordained boundaries. The "cutting off" from the house of the LORD underscores the defiling nature of sin and its capacity to separate individuals from the very source of spiritual life and communal worship. This narrative reinforces the distinct roles of king and priest, a separation crucial to Israel's theological framework, preventing the concentration of absolute spiritual and political power in one human figure and emphasizing the supreme authority of God alone.

* [Leviticus 13:45-46](/leviticus/13-45-46 "Leviticus 13:45-46 - Laws for Lepers' Isolation")
* [Numbers 16:39-40](/numbers/16-39-40 "Numbers 16:39-40 - Warning from Korah's Censers")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Before Destruction")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Uzziah's story in 2 Chronicles 26:21 offers a timeless and sobering lesson for all, particularly for those in positions of leadership or influence within the church or society. It serves as a profound reminder that spiritual success and material prosperity, if not tempered by genuine humility and a deep reverence for God's boundaries, can become the very instruments of one's downfall. Uzziah's pride led him to overstep his God-given authority, resulting in a lifelong curse and exclusion from the sacred space he sought to violate. For us today, this narrative compels us to examine our own hearts for any seeds of arrogance or presumption, urging us to operate within the spheres of influence God has entrusted to us, rather than grasping for roles or recognition that are not ours. It calls us to cultivate a spirit of humility, recognizing that all gifts, talents, and opportunities come from God, and that true strength lies in submission to His will and His Word. The lasting consequences of Uzziah's sin also remind us that disobedience can have profound and enduring impacts, affecting not only our personal relationship with God but also our capacity to serve Him and participate fully in the life of His community.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to operate out of pride or presumption, rather than humility and submission to God's will?**
* **How does Uzziah's exclusion from the "house of the LORD" challenge my understanding of the sanctity of God's presence and the seriousness of sin?**
* **What boundaries has God established in my life or in the church that I need to respect more diligently?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper sense of humility, recognizing that all my abilities and successes are gifts from God?**

### FAQ
**What was Uzziah's specific sin that led to him being a leper?**

Answer: Uzziah's specific sin was his prideful attempt to burn incense on the altar of incense in the Temple, a sacred duty reserved exclusively for the Levitical priests. This act is detailed in [2 Chronicles 26:16-19](/2_chronicles/26-16-19 "2 Chronicles 26:16-19 - Uzziah's Transgression and Leprosy"). Despite being confronted by Azariah the priest and eighty other courageous priests, Uzziah became enraged and proceeded with his sacrilegious act. For this direct usurpation of God's ordained priestly function, God immediately struck him with leprosy.

**What does "dwelt in a several house" mean for a king?**

Answer: The phrase "dwelt in a several house" means that King Uzziah was forced to live in a separate, isolated dwelling, away from the royal palace and the general populace. The Hebrew phrase (_beit ha-chofshit_) can be translated as "house of freedom" or "house of release," implying that he was released from his royal duties and confined due to his ritual impurity as a leper. This was in accordance with the Mosaic Law, which mandated the strict isolation of lepers to prevent the spread of impurity (see [Leviticus 13:46](/leviticus/13-46 "Leviticus 13:46 - Law for the Leper")). For a king, this meant a complete end to his public life, active rule, and participation in Temple worship, a profound humiliation and disqualification.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Uzziah's tragic story, marked by pride, sacrilege, and lifelong separation, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who stands in perfect contrast to the fallen king. While Uzziah, in his arrogance, sought to usurp the priestly role and was "cut off" from the house of the LORD due to his sin, Jesus Christ is the true and legitimate High Priest, not of the Aaronic order, but of the superior and eternal order of Melchizedek ([Hebrews 7:11-28](/hebrews/7-11-28 "Hebrews 7:11-28 - Jesus, a High Priest Like Melchizedek")). Unlike Uzziah, whose leprosy symbolized his defilement and separation, Jesus willingly embraced the defiled, touching and healing lepers, thereby reversing the curse of separation and bringing outcasts back into community with God ([Matthew 8:1-4](/matthew/8-1-4 "Matthew 8:1-4 - Jesus Heals a Leper")). Furthermore, while Uzziah was cut off from the Temple because of his sin, Jesus, the sinless Son of God, was "cut off from the land of the living" ([Isaiah 53:8](/isaiah/53-8 "Isaiah 53:8 - Prophecy of the Suffering Servant")) through His crucifixion, taking upon Himself the impurity and separation of humanity's sin, so that we might be brought near to God ([Ephesians 2:13](/ephesians/2-13 "Ephesians 2:13 - Brought Near by Christ's Blood")). Uzziah's pride led to his downfall; Jesus's profound humility, even to the point of death on a cross, led to His exaltation and our salvation ([Philippians 2:5-11](/philippians/2-5-11 "Philippians 2:5-11 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation")). Thus, Uzziah's judgment highlights the holiness of God and the severe consequences of sin, while Christ's sacrifice demonstrates God's ultimate grace and provision for cleansing and restoration, offering access to God's presence that Uzziah tragically lost.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Leviticus 13:46

All the days wherein the plague [shall be] in him he shall be defiled; he [is] unclean: he shall dwell alone; without the camp [shall] his habitation [be].

Numbers 5:2

Command the children of Israel, that they put out of the camp every leper, and every one that hath an issue, and whosoever is defiled by the dead:

Numbers 5:3

Both male and female shall ye put out, without the camp shall ye put them; that they defile not their camps, in the midst whereof I dwell.

2 Kings 7:3

¶ And there were four leprous men at the entering in of the gate: and they said one to another, Why sit we here until we die?

Numbers 12:15

And Miriam was shut out from the camp seven days: and the people journeyed not till Miriam was brought in [again].

2 Kings 15:5

And the LORD smote the king, so that he was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house. And Jotham the king's son [was] over the house, judging the people of the land.

2 Kings 15:7

So Azariah slept with his fathers; and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David: and Jotham his son reigned in his stead.