2 Chronicles 6:23

KJV

Then hear thou from heaven, and do, and judge thy servants, by requiting the wicked, by recompensing his way upon his own head; and by justifying the righteous, by giving him according to his righteousness.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then hear {H8085} thou from heaven {H8064}, and do {H6213}, and judge {H8199} thy servants {H5650}, by requiting {H7725} the wicked {H7563}, by recompensing {H5414} his way {H1870} upon his own head {H7218}; and by justifying {H6663} the righteous {H6662}, by giving {H5414} him according to his righteousness {H6666}.

Complete Jewish Bible

then hear from heaven, act and judge your servants, paying back the wicked, so that his way of life devolves on his own head, and vindicating the one who is right, giving him what his righteousness deserves.

Berean Standard Bible

then may You hear from heaven and act. May You judge Your servants, condemning the wicked man by bringing down on his own head what he has done, and justifying the righteous man by rewarding him according to his righteousness.

American Standard Version

then hear thou from heaven, and do, and judge thy servants, requiting the wicked, to bring his way upon his own head; and justifying the righteous, to give him according to his righteousness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Solomon's dedicatory prayer for the newly completed Temple in Jerusalem includes a fervent appeal for divine justice. In 2 Chronicles 6:23, he petitions God to intervene in disputes among His people, specifically asking Him to act as the ultimate, omniscient Judge. Solomon implores God to justly requite the wicked by bringing their deeds back upon their own heads, while simultaneously vindicating and rewarding the righteous according to their integrity, thereby upholding the moral order within Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of King Solomon's extensive dedicatory prayer 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 and the manifestation of God's glory (vv. 10-11), Solomon blesses the assembly (vv. 12-13) and then launches into a profound prayer (vv. 14-42). His prayer covers various scenarios where Israel might face distress or moral dilemmas, including war (vv. 24-25), famine (vv. 26-27), plague (vv. 28-31), foreign supplication (vv. 32-33), and exile (vv. 34-39). Verse 23 specifically addresses internal legal or moral conflicts where one individual wrongs another, appealing to God as the ultimate arbiter who discerns truth beyond human perception, setting a precedent for divine intervention in matters of justice among His covenant people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's prayer takes place at the zenith of the united monarchy, following the successful completion of the Temple, a monumental achievement that symbolized God's dwelling among His people. In ancient Israel, justice was a cornerstone of the covenant, often administered by elders at the city gate or by appointed judges. However, human courts were fallible. Solomon's appeal to God to "hear from heaven" reflects the understanding that God's justice is perfect and transcends human limitations. The concept of "recompensing his way upon his own head" was a common legal and ethical principle in the ancient Near East, signifying that consequences for actions, whether good or bad, would ultimately return to the perpetrator. The Temple itself, while a physical structure, was understood as a place where God's presence was uniquely manifested, making it a natural focal point for appeals for divine intervention and justice.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of [2 Chronicles 6](/2-chronicles/6 "2 Chronicles 6 - Solomon's Prayer of Dedication") is God's covenant faithfulness and His willingness to hear the prayers of His people, even from a physical dwelling place. Within this, verse 23 highlights the critical theme of **Divine Justice**. Solomon recognizes that God is the ultimate Judge, capable of discerning the true state of hearts and meting out perfect justice, a truth echoed in [Psalm 9:8](/psalm/9-8 "Psalm 9:8 - God Judges the World in Righteousness"). This verse also emphasizes **Retribution and Vindication**, articulating the principle that the wicked will face consequences for their deeds ("recompensing his way upon his own head"), while the righteous will be upheld and rewarded according to their integrity. This reflects a fundamental biblical truth about God's character as both just and righteous. Furthermore, the plea implicitly underscores **God's Omniscience**, acknowledging that only God truly "judges thy servants" by discerning who is wicked and who is righteous, as He alone [looks at the heart, not outward appearance](/1-samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Judge (שָׁפַט, _shaphat'_):** This Hebrew verb signifies not merely making a legal decision, but actively administering justice, governing, and executing judgment. In the context of God, it implies His sovereign authority to discern truth, arbitrate disputes, and enforce righteousness within His creation. It encompasses both the condemnation of the guilty and the vindication of the innocent, establishing order and equity.
* **Justifying (צָדַק, _tzadaq'_):** Derived from the root meaning "to be righteous" or "to be just," this verb, in the Hiphil stem (causative), means "to declare righteous," "to pronounce just," or "to vindicate." It is not about making someone righteous who was not, but about affirming or demonstrating the righteousness of the one who is truly upright. In this verse, it speaks to God's act of upholding the integrity and innocence of the wronged party, providing them with the appropriate blessing or outcome that aligns with their uprightness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then hear thou from heaven, and do, and judge thy servants,"**: This opening clause is a direct, urgent appeal to God's transcendent authority and active involvement. "Hear from heaven" underscores God's dwelling place and His omnipresent awareness. "And do" is a plea for divine action, not just passive hearing. "Judge thy servants" specifies the recipients of this judgment – the people of Israel, who are in covenant relationship with God, implying an internal dispute or moral failing among them that requires divine arbitration.
* **"by requiting the wicked, by recompensing his way upon his own head;"**: This elaborates on how God is to "do" and "judge." "Requiting the wicked" means to condemn or punish the one who has acted wickedly. The idiom "recompensing his way upon his own head" is a powerful image signifying direct, personal retribution. It emphasizes that the consequences of one's harmful actions will inevitably fall back upon the perpetrator, a principle of divine justice where deeds meet their just desserts.
* **"and by justifying the righteous, by giving him according to his righteousness."**: This second part of the clause presents the complementary aspect of divine justice. "Justifying the righteous" means to declare or demonstrate the innocence and uprightness of the wronged party. "Giving him according to his righteousness" ensures that the righteous person receives the appropriate blessing, vindication, or outcome that aligns with their integrity and blamelessness in the situation. This highlights God's commitment to upholding and rewarding those who walk in His ways.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices. **Parallelism** is evident in the two balanced clauses: "requiting the wicked... recompensing his way" and "justifying the righteous... giving him according to his righteousness." This antithetical parallelism sharply contrasts the fate of the wicked with that of the righteous, underscoring the impartiality and comprehensive nature of God's justice. The phrase "recompensing his way upon his own head" is a vivid **idiom**, a common expression in ancient Near Eastern legal and moral discourse, powerfully conveying the concept of direct, inescapable consequences. Furthermore, Solomon's prayer itself is an example of **anthropomorphism**, attributing human actions like "hearing" and "doing" to God, making the divine accessible and relatable to the human petitioners while maintaining His transcendence ("from heaven"). This combination of devices makes the plea for justice both clear and profoundly impactful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 6:23 powerfully articulates the foundational biblical truth of God's unwavering commitment to justice and righteousness. It reveals a God who is not distant or indifferent to human affairs, but actively involved in discerning truth and upholding moral order among His people. This divine attribute provides comfort for the oppressed and a solemn warning for those who perpetrate injustice, affirming that no deed, good or evil, goes unnoticed by the Almighty. The verse establishes a clear expectation of divine recompense, where actions have consequences, and God ensures that the wicked face their due while the righteous receive vindication and reward, reflecting His perfect character as the ultimate arbiter of all things.

* [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - God's Perfect Justice")
* [Psalm 7:11](/psalm/7-11 "Psalm 7:11 - God is a Just Judge")
* [Romans 2:6](/romans/2-6 "Romans 2:6 - God Will Repay Each Person According to What They Have Done")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse serves as a profound anchor for believers navigating a world often marked by injustice and inequity. When we witness wrongdoing seemingly unpunished, or when we ourselves suffer unjustly, 2 Chronicles 6:23 reminds us that God is the ultimate, omniscient Judge. We can find solace and strength in knowing that He sees all, knows all, and will, in His perfect timing and manner, bring about true justice. This truth encourages us to persevere in righteousness, even when it is costly, trusting that our integrity will not go unnoticed or unrewarded by the divine judge. Conversely, the verse serves as a powerful warning: there are inescapable consequences for wickedness. One cannot evade God's scrutiny, and the path of unrighteousness ultimately leads to a reckoning. Therefore, we are called to live with integrity, knowing that our actions are weighed by a perfectly just God, and to bring our petitions for justice and discernment before Him, acknowledging His sovereignty and ability to intervene in human affairs.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth of God's ultimate justice in 2 Chronicles 6:23 impact your perspective when you experience or witness injustice in the world today?**
* **In what ways does this verse encourage you to persevere in living righteously, even when it seems unrewarded or difficult?**
* **What practical steps can you take to trust God's timing and method for justice rather than seeking personal retribution?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean God will immediately punish every wicked act and reward every righteous act in this life?**

Answer: While 2 Chronicles 6:23 certainly establishes the principle of divine justice and recompense, it does not guarantee immediate or always visible retribution or reward in this earthly life. The Bible often speaks of God's justice unfolding over time, sometimes in the present, but ultimately and fully in the eschatological future. Solomon's prayer is a plea for God to intervene, acknowledging that human justice is imperfect. The "recompensing" and "justifying" can refer to a variety of divine actions, including spiritual consequences, the eventual vindication of reputation, or ultimate judgment in the age to come. Passages like [Psalm 73](/psalm/73 "The Prosperity of the Wicked") and [Ecclesiastes 8:14](/ecclesiastes/8-14 "Ecclesiastes 8:14 - The Righteous Suffer, the Wicked Prosper") grapple with the apparent prosperity of the wicked and suffering of the righteous, reminding us that God's full justice is often a long game, culminating in His final judgment where every deed will be brought to light, as promised in [Revelation 20:12](/revelation/20-12 "Revelation 20:12 - The Great White Throne Judgment").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Chronicles 6:23, with its plea for divine justice, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Solomon appealed to God to judge between the wicked and the righteous, humanity's deepest need was not merely for a judge, but for a redeemer who could address the root of wickedness—sin itself. Jesus Christ embodies the perfect righteousness that Solomon prayed God would "justify" and "give according to." He is the [righteous one](/1-john/2-1 "1 John 2:1 - Jesus Christ, the Righteous One") who, though innocent, bore the "recompense" of humanity's sin upon His own head, fulfilling the principle of substitutionary atonement (see [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2-corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through His sacrifice, Christ became the means by which God can "justify the righteous"—not by their own inherent righteousness, but by imputing Christ's perfect righteousness to all who believe (as explained in [Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")). Furthermore, Jesus is the [appointed Judge of the living and the dead](/acts/10-42 "Acts 10:42 - Jesus, Appointed Judge"), who will ultimately and perfectly execute the divine justice Solomon longed for, ensuring that every wicked deed is recompensed and every righteous act is vindicated, not by human merit, but through the grace and truth revealed in Him.

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

Romans 2:9

Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;

Romans 2:10

But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:

Isaiah 3:10

Say ye to the righteous, that [it shall be] well [with him]: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.

Isaiah 3:11

Woe unto the wicked! [it shall be] ill [with him]: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.

Ezekiel 18:20

The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.

Proverbs 17:15

¶ He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both [are] abomination to the LORD.

Jeremiah 51:56

Because the spoiler is come upon her, [even] upon Babylon, and her mighty men are taken, every one of their bows is broken: for the LORD God of recompences shall surely requite.