2 Chronicles 6:18

KJV

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!

KJV (with Strong's)

But will God {H430} in very deed {H552} dwell {H3427} with men {H120} on the earth {H776}? behold, heaven {H8064} and the heaven {H8064} of heavens {H8064} cannot contain {H3557} thee; how much less this house {H1004} which I have built {H1129}!

Complete Jewish Bible

"But can God actually live with human beings on the earth? Why, heaven itself, even the heaven of heavens, cannot contain you; so how much less this house I have built?

Berean Standard Bible

But will God indeed dwell with man upon the earth? Even heaven, the highest heaven, cannot contain You, much less this temple I have built.

American Standard 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 builded!

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 6:18 encapsulates the profound theological paradox at the heart of King Solomon's dedicatory prayer for the newly completed Temple in Jerusalem. With a spirit of awe and humble reverence, Solomon grapples with the astonishing truth that the infinite, transcendent God, whom "heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain," would graciously condescend to "dwell with men on the earth" within a finite structure built by human hands. This verse eloquently articulates the tension between God's boundless majesty and His intimate desire for presence among His people, serving as a powerful testament to divine immanence amidst ultimate transcendence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within Solomon's extensive prayer of dedication for the Temple, recorded in [2 Chronicles 6](/2_chronicles/6 "2 Chronicles 6 - Solomon's Prayer of Dedication"). Following the Ark of the Covenant's placement in the Most Holy Place and the glorious descent of God's presence as a cloud ([2 Chronicles 5:7-14](/2_chronicles/5-7-14 "2 Chronicles 5:7-14 - The Ark in the Temple and God's Glory Fills the House")), Solomon stands before the altar and addresses the assembly. His prayer, which spans from [2 Chronicles 6:12 to 42](/2_chronicles/6-12-42 "2 Chronicles 6:12-42 - Solomon's Dedicatory Prayer"), is a theological masterpiece. It acknowledges God's faithfulness to His covenant with David ([2 Chronicles 6:4](/2_chronicles/6-4 "2 Chronicles 6:4 - God's Fulfillment of Promises to David")), petitions for future blessings and forgiveness, and crucially, reflects on the nature of God's presence. Verse 18, with its rhetorical question, interrupts the flow of petition to underscore the sheer wonder of God's condescension, setting the stage for the subsequent prayers for a covenant-keeping God to hear from His dwelling place in heaven.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Temple was a monumental undertaking, fulfilling a desire first expressed by King David ([2 Samuel 7:1-3](/2_samuel/7-1-3 "2 Samuel 7:1-3 - David's Desire to Build a Temple")). It represented the culmination of generations of Israelite longing for a permanent dwelling place for God's presence, moving beyond the portable Tabernacle. The Temple in Jerusalem was not merely a grand architectural feat but the theological center of Israelite life, symbolizing God's covenant relationship with His people and serving as the primary site for national worship and sacrifice. In the ancient Near East, temples were often conceived as the literal dwelling places of deities, but Solomon's prayer transcends this common understanding. His rhetorical question in [2 Chronicles 6:18](/2_chronicles/6-18 "2 Chronicles 6:18 - God's Dwelling") implicitly challenges the notion that any human-made structure could truly "contain" the divine, even while acknowledging God's gracious choice to manifest His presence there. This reflects a sophisticated theological understanding of God's unique nature, distinct from pagan deities.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Chronicles and biblical theology as a whole. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Transcendence and Immanence**, presenting the tension between God's absolute otherness and His gracious nearness. God is so vast that "heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain" Him, yet He chooses to "dwell with men on the earth." This paradox is foundational to understanding God's relationship with humanity. Secondly, it emphasizes **God's Uncontainable Nature**, asserting that the Creator of the cosmos cannot be confined by any physical structure, no matter how magnificent. This theme is echoed elsewhere, such as in [Isaiah 66:1](/isaiah/66-1 "Isaiah 66:1 - Heaven is My Throne, Earth My Footstool"), where God declares, "Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me?" Finally, the verse underscores **Humility in Worship**, as Solomon's rhetorical question is born not of doubt but of profound reverence and wonder at God's incredible condescension. It sets a precedent for approaching God with awe, recognizing His infinite majesty while marveling at His willingness to draw near to His creation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** This plural noun, often translated as "God," refers to the supreme God, used here with the article to denote the one true God of Israel. Its use in this context underscores the unique nature and ultimate authority of the divine being Solomon addresses, emphasizing that it is *this* transcendent, singular God who is being questioned about His dwelling.
* **Dwell (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** From the primitive root meaning "to sit down," _yâshab_ broadly implies "to dwell, to remain, to inhabit, to settle." When applied to God, it signifies His gracious act of establishing a specific, manifest presence among His people. Solomon's rhetorical question highlights the astounding nature of the infinite God choosing to "settle" or "abide" in a finite, earthly space, making Himself accessible for communion and worship.
* **Heaven and the heaven of heavens (Hebrew, _shâmayim ushmey hashâmayim'_):** This is a superlative expression, a merism formed by repeating the word _shâmayim_ (heaven/sky), signifying the entirety of the cosmos—the uttermost reaches of the universe, encompassing all created space beyond the earthly realm. It powerfully conveys God's infinite nature, His omnipresence, and His absolute sovereignty over all creation, emphasizing that He transcends all spatial boundaries.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth?":** This is a profound rhetorical question, expressing Solomon's deep wonder and humility rather than genuine doubt. The phrase "in very deed" (Hebrew: _ʼumnâm_, meaning "truly, indeed") intensifies the astonishment at the seemingly impossible paradox: an infinite, transcendent God choosing to make His presence known and accessible among finite, earthly beings. It highlights the incredible condescension of the divine.
* **"behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee;":** This clause asserts God's absolute transcendence and uncontainable nature. Using a superlative expression for the vastness of the cosmos, it declares that even the entirety of created space is insufficient to encompass the Creator. This statement establishes the premise for the subsequent logical conclusion, emphasizing God's infinite majesty and boundless being.
* **"how much less this house which I have built!":** This is an argument "a fortiori" (from the stronger to the weaker). If the boundless heavens, representing the totality of creation, cannot contain God, then how much more inadequate is a finite, human-made structure like the Temple, however grand? This rhetorical move underscores the immense gap between God's infinite nature and humanity's limited capacity, thereby magnifying the grace inherent in God's voluntary choice to dwell among His people in the Temple.

#### Literary Devices
Solomon's prayer in [2 Chronicles 6:18](/2_chronicles/6-18 "2 Chronicles 6:18 - God's Dwelling") is rich with literary artistry, enhancing its theological impact. The most prominent device is the **Rhetorical Question**, "But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth?" This question is not posed to elicit information but to express profound awe, wonder, and humility in the face of divine mystery, highlighting the incredible condescension of God. Following this, Solomon employs **Hyperbole** and **Merism** with the phrase "heaven and the heaven of heavens," which signifies the entire created universe, emphasizing the boundless and uncontainable nature of God. This exaggerated expression serves to underscore God's infinite transcendence. The verse then concludes with an **Argument a Fortiori**, moving from the greater to the lesser: "behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house which I have built!" This logical progression powerfully illustrates the vast disparity between God's infinite being and the finite Temple, thereby magnifying the miracle of His chosen immanence. Underlying these devices is the central **Paradox** of God's transcendence and immanence—His uncontainable nature yet His willingness to dwell with humanity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 6:18 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of God's presence. It articulates the essential tension between God's absolute transcendence—His infinite, uncontainable majesty that surpasses all creation—and His gracious immanence—His willingness to draw near, to make Himself known, and to "dwell" among His people. This paradox is central to biblical revelation, revealing a God who is both utterly beyond us and intimately with us. Solomon's prayer recognizes that the Temple is not a prison for God, but a designated place where He has chosen to manifest His presence for the benefit of His covenant people, to hear their prayers, and to extend His grace. It teaches that while God is not confined by space, He graciously condescends to meet humanity in specific, appointed ways, fostering a relationship built on His initiative and our humble response.

* [Isaiah 66:1](/isaiah/66-1 "Isaiah 66:1 - Heaven is My Throne, Earth My Footstool")
* [Acts 7:48-49](/acts/7-48-49 "Acts 7:48-49 - The Most High Does Not Dwell in Temples Made with Hands")
* [John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - True Worshipers Worship in Spirit and Truth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's profound question in 2 Chronicles 6:18 continues to resonate deeply with believers today, inviting us to contemplate the incredible mystery of God's presence. It reminds us that while we gather in physical churches or dedicated spaces for worship, God's omnipresence means He is not confined to these buildings. Our worship is not about bringing God into a space, but about recognizing His already-present majesty and humbly responding to His invitation to draw near. This verse challenges us to cultivate a posture of awe and reverence, acknowledging God's infinite greatness, while simultaneously embracing the astonishing truth that this same God desires a personal, intimate relationship with us. It encourages us to seek God not just in grand cathedrals, but in the quiet moments of our lives, in the mundane, and in the midst of our daily routines, knowing that the "heaven of heavens cannot contain" Him, yet He chooses to dwell within and among His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's uncontainable nature (transcendence) impact your view of worship in a physical church building?**
* **In what ways do you experience God "dwelling with men on the earth" in your daily life?**
* **How does Solomon's humility in this prayer inform your own approach to prayer and communion with God?**
* **What does it mean for you personally that God, though infinite, chooses to be immanent and accessible?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean God doesn't literally dwell in the Temple?**

Answer: No, not exactly. Solomon's question "But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth?" is a rhetorical one, expressing awe and humility, not doubt. It acknowledges the paradox: while God's infinite nature means He cannot be physically contained by any structure, He graciously chooses to manifest His presence in a specific way within the Temple. The Temple was indeed the designated place where God's glory dwelt, where He met with His people, heard their prayers, and received their sacrifices. The point is not that God *couldn't* be there, but that it's an astounding act of condescension that the uncontainable God *would* be there. This understanding aligns with the glory of the Lord filling the Temple in [2 Chronicles 7:1-3](/2_chronicles/7-1-3 "2 Chronicles 7:1-3 - God's Glory Fills the Temple"), signifying His acceptance of the house as His dwelling place among His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Solomon's rhetorical question in [2 Chronicles 6:18](/2_chronicles/6-18 "2 Chronicles 6:18 - God's Dwelling") finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. While the Temple served as a symbolic dwelling place for God's manifest presence, it was always a temporary and incomplete representation. The New Testament reveals that in Jesus, the infinite God truly and fully "dwelt with men on the earth." [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") declares, "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." The Greek word translated "dwelt" (ἐσκήνωσεν, _eskēnōsen_) literally means "tabernacled," evoking the imagery of God's presence among Israel in the wilderness and later in the Temple. Jesus Himself is the true and greater Temple, as He proclaimed in [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Destroy This Temple, and in Three Days I Will Raise It Up"), referring to the temple of His body. Furthermore, through Christ's atoning work and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, God now dwells not in buildings, but within believers individually ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")) and collectively as the Church, which is described as God's spiritual house and a dwelling place for God by the Spirit ([Ephesians 2:22](/ephesians/2-22 "Ephesians 2:22 - A Dwelling Place for God by the Spirit")). This trajectory culminates in the new heavens and new earth, where the ultimate fulfillment of God's dwelling with humanity is realized, as [Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God's Dwelling Place is with Man") proclaims, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God." Thus, Christ is the bridge, the ultimate reality of God truly dwelling with humanity, surpassing all earthly temples.

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

2 Chronicles 2:6

But who is able to build him an house, seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain him? who [am] I then, that I should build him an house, save only to burn sacrifice before him?

Isaiah 66:1

¶ Thus saith the LORD, The heaven [is] my throne, and the earth [is] my footstool: where [is] the house that ye build unto me? and where [is] the place of my rest?

Psalms 139:7

¶ Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?

Psalms 139:10

Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.

2 Chronicles 32:15

Now therefore let not Hezekiah deceive you, nor persuade you on this manner, neither yet believe him: for no god of any nation or kingdom was able to deliver his people out of mine hand, and out of the hand of my fathers: how much less shall your God deliver you out of mine hand?

Psalms 113:5

Who [is] like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high,

Psalms 113:6

Who humbleth [himself] to behold [the things that are] in heaven, and in the earth!