2 Chronicles 6:2

KJV

But I have built an house of habitation for thee, and a place for thy dwelling for ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

But I have built {H1129} an house {H1004} of habitation {H2073} for thee, and a place {H4349} for thy dwelling {H3427} for ever {H5769}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But I have built you a magnificent house, a place where you can live forever."

Berean Standard Bible

and I have built You an exalted house, a place for You to dwell forever.”

American Standard Version

But I have built thee a house of habitation, and a place for thee to dwell in for ever.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In King Solomon, at the dedication of the magnificent First Temple in Jerusalem, declares to the Lord, "But I have built an house of habitation for thee, and a place for thy dwelling for ever." This profound statement encapsulates the culmination of centuries of divine promise and human endeavor, signifying God's unique decision to establish a fixed, tangible presence among His chosen people, Israel, thereby fulfilling the longing for a permanent center of worship and national identity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Solomon's grand prayer of dedication for the newly completed Temple, a pivotal moment in Israel's history. The preceding verses (2 Chronicles 6:1) record Solomon's initial declaration of God's presence in the "thick darkness," setting the stage for the Temple as a place where God's glory would dwell. Following this verse, Solomon continues his extensive prayer, acknowledging God's faithfulness to David's covenant (2 Chronicles 6:10), articulating the paradox of an infinite God dwelling in a finite structure (2 Chronicles 6:18), and interceding for the people of Israel in various future scenarios of sin, repentance, and need (2 Chronicles 6:22-42). The entire chapter serves as a theological cornerstone, emphasizing God's covenantal relationship with His people and the Temple's role as the focal point of that relationship. This prayer is paralleled in [1 Kings 8](/1_kings/8 "1 Kings 8 - Solomon's Prayer of Dedication"), reinforcing its significance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the First Temple, taking seven years (1 Kings 6:38), was a monumental undertaking that solidified the Israelite monarchy under Solomon and marked a new era for the nation. Prior to this, God's presence was primarily associated with the portable Tabernacle, a tent of meeting that accompanied Israel through their wilderness wanderings and early settlement. The Temple's construction symbolized Israel's transition from a nomadic past to a settled, powerful kingdom, reflecting their national stability and devotion. Culturally, temples were common in the ancient Near East as dwelling places for deities, but the Solomonic Temple was unique in its dedication to the one true God, Yahweh, and its role in a covenantal relationship, not merely as a magical conduit. It was built on Mount Moriah, a site with deep historical significance, traditionally identified with Abraham's near-sacrifice of Isaac (Genesis 22:2) and David's purchase of the threshing floor (2 Samuel 24:18-25; 1 Chronicles 21:18-22:1).
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Presence and Immanence**, highlighting God's desire to dwell among His people, a concept central from the Tabernacle in [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - Command to Build the Tabernacle") through the Temple. Secondly, it speaks to the **Fulfillment of God's Promises**, specifically the covenant made with David concerning a lasting dynasty and a "house" for God's name (2 Samuel 7:13; 1 Chronicles 17:12). Solomon's declaration is the tangible realization of this promise. Thirdly, it touches upon the **Paradox of God's Transcendence and Immanence**, where an infinite God chooses to manifest His presence in a finite structure, a tension Solomon himself acknowledges later in his prayer (2 Chronicles 6:18). Finally, the phrase "for ever" introduces the theme of **God's Enduring Faithfulness and Covenant**, implying a perpetual relationship, even though the physical structure itself would eventually face destruction.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **House (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** This common Hebrew word for "house" or "temple" is used here to denote a physical structure, a dwelling place. However, in the biblical context, "house" can also refer to a lineage or dynasty (as in God's promise to David to build him a "house" in [2 Samuel 7:11](/2_samuel/7-11 "2 Samuel 7:11 - God's Promise to David")), or even the people of Israel themselves. Here, it primarily signifies the sacred edifice Solomon has constructed, emphasizing its purpose as a dedicated space for God's presence.
* **Habitation (Hebrew, _zebul'_):** This term is less common and carries a more elevated connotation than _bayith_. It refers to a "lofty dwelling," "exalted habitation," or "princely abode." Its use here elevates the Temple beyond a mere building, portraying it as a majestic and fitting residence for the divine King. The word implies a settled, permanent, and glorious dwelling, contrasting with the temporary nature of the Tabernacle. It suggests a place of honor and established presence.
* **For ever (Hebrew, _‘olam'_):** This word signifies "perpetuity," "eternity," "long duration," or "for all time." While the physical Temple was not literally eternal (it was destroyed centuries later), its use here speaks to the *intended* permanence of God's dwelling among His people and the *enduring nature* of the covenant relationship it symbolizes. It points to God's eternal faithfulness and His commitment to His people through the lineage of David, rather than the indestructibility of the stone and timber. It implies that God's decision to dwell there was not temporary but a foundational, enduring aspect of His relationship with Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But I have built an house of habitation for thee":** Solomon declares his accomplishment, attributing the building of the Temple ("house of habitation") directly to his own efforts ("I have built"). This is not a boast, but an acknowledgment of fulfilling the divine mandate given to his father, David. The "house of habitation" emphasizes a permanent, settled dwelling place for God, in contrast to the portable Tabernacle. It signifies the culmination of a long-held desire for a fixed sanctuary where God's presence could be uniquely manifested among His people.
* **"and a place for thy dwelling for ever":** This clause reiterates and amplifies the previous one, using a synonymous parallelism. "A place for thy dwelling" reinforces the idea of a dedicated, physical space for God's presence. The phrase "for ever" is crucial; it does not imply the literal indestructibility of the building, but rather the enduring nature of God's commitment to dwell among His people, and the perpetuity of the covenant relationship symbolized by the Temple. It speaks to the eternal faithfulness of God and the lasting significance of the Temple as the center of Israel's worship and national life, a permanent fixture in their spiritual landscape.

#### Literary Devices
Solomon's declaration employs several significant literary devices. **Parallelism** is evident in the two clauses: "an house of habitation for thee" and "a place for thy dwelling for ever." These phrases essentially convey the same core idea—a permanent dwelling for God—but with slightly different nuances, reinforcing the message and adding emphasis. The use of "house of habitation" (Hebrew _bayith zebul_) is a form of **Merism** or **Hendiadys**, combining two related nouns to express a single, more comprehensive concept of a grand, established dwelling. Furthermore, the entire act of building the Temple and Solomon's declaration are deeply **Symbolic**. The physical structure of the Temple symbolizes God's covenant presence, His faithfulness, and His desire for intimacy with His people. The phrase "for ever" also contains a degree of **Hyperbole**, as the physical structure was not literally eternal, but it powerfully conveys the intended permanence of God's covenantal commitment and the spiritual reality the Temple represented.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates the theological truth of God's desire for immanence—His willingness to dwell among His people. While God is transcendent and cannot be contained by any structure, He graciously chooses to manifest His presence in specific ways and places to relate to humanity. The Temple, as a "house of habitation" and "place for thy dwelling for ever," serves as the physical embodiment of God's covenant faithfulness to Israel, providing a tangible center for worship, sacrifice, and the reception of divine revelation. It underscores the concept that God initiates and sustains the relationship, providing the means for His people to draw near. This divine condescension, where the infinite God makes Himself accessible, is a recurring theme throughout biblical history, from the Garden of Eden to the Incarnation.

* [Exodus 29:45-46](/exodus/29-45-46 "Exodus 29:45-46 - God's Promise to Dwell Among Israel")
* [Psalm 132:13-14](/psalm/132-13-14 "Psalm 132:13-14 - God's Chosen Dwelling Place")
* [Isaiah 57:15](/isaiah/57-15 "Isaiah 57:15 - God's Dwelling with the Contrite")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's declaration in 2 Chronicles 6:2 reminds us that God desires a dedicated space in our lives and communities. Just as the Temple was a physical manifestation of God's presence among ancient Israel, believers today are called to be spiritual "houses of habitation" for God. This means cultivating a life of worship, obedience, and intimacy where the Holy Spirit is welcomed to dwell and operate. It challenges us to consider what "places" in our lives—our hearts, our homes, our churches, our daily routines—we have truly consecrated for God's dwelling "for ever." This isn't about building physical structures, but about intentionally creating environments, both inner and communal, where God's presence is honored, sought, and allowed to transform. It calls for a commitment to making our lives a consistent and enduring dwelling place for the Spirit, reflecting God's own enduring faithfulness to us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I, as a believer, serve as a "house of habitation" for God today?**
* **What practical steps can I take to more intentionally create "a place for thy dwelling for ever" in my personal life and in my community of faith?**
* **How does understanding God's desire for a permanent dwelling place influence my view of His faithfulness and my own commitment to Him?**

### FAQ
**What does "for ever" mean in this context, given that the Temple was later destroyed?**

Answer: The phrase "for ever" (Hebrew: _‘olam_) in this context does not imply the literal indestructibility of the physical Temple building itself. Rather, it signifies the enduring nature of God's covenantal commitment and His decision to establish a perpetual, fixed presence among His people through the Temple. It speaks to the lasting significance of the Temple as the central place of worship and the symbol of God's faithfulness to His covenant with David, promising a perpetual dynasty and a permanent place for His name. While the first Temple was indeed destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC, the spiritual reality and the theological principle of God desiring to dwell with His people endured, finding new expression in the second Temple, and ultimately, in Christ and the Church. It emphasizes the *permanence of God's intention* and the *enduring nature of the covenant*, not the materials of the building.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The declaration of Solomon building a "house of habitation" and "a place for thy dwelling for ever" finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Temple was a physical structure designed to house God's presence, it was always a shadow pointing to a greater reality. Jesus himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking of the temple of His body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Speaks of His Body as the Temple")). In Christ, God's presence is no longer confined to a building made with hands, but dwells fully in a human person, the incarnate Son of God (Colossians 2:9). He is the true and eternal "house of habitation" where God dwells among humanity, making reconciliation possible. Furthermore, through Christ, believers are united with Him and indwelt by the Holy Spirit, becoming living "temples of the Holy Spirit" ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Believers as Temples of the Holy Spirit")) and collectively, the Church, is built into a spiritual "dwelling place for God by the Spirit" ([Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21-22 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - The Church as God's Dwelling Place")). Thus, the temporary physical dwelling of the Old Covenant gives way to the permanent, spiritual dwelling of God in Christ and His people, fulfilling the promise of an everlasting presence that transcends physical structures and endures "for ever."

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 2:4

Behold, I build an house to the name of the LORD my God, to dedicate [it] to him, [and] to burn before him sweet incense, and for the continual shewbread, and for the burnt offerings morning and evening, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts of the LORD our God. This [is an ordinance] for ever to Israel.

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?

John 4:21

Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.

John 4:23

But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

1 Kings 8:13

I have surely built thee an house to dwell in, a settled place for thee to abide in for ever.

2 Samuel 7:13

He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever.

1 Chronicles 17:12

He shall build me an house, and I will stablish his throne for ever.