2 Chronicles 6:36

KJV

If they sin against thee, (for [there is] no man which sinneth not,) and thou be angry with them, and deliver them over before [their] enemies, and they carry them away captives unto a land far off or near;

KJV (with Strong's)

If they sin {H2398} against thee,(for there is no man {H120} which sinneth {H2398} not,) and thou be angry {H599} with them, and deliver {H5414} them over before {H6440} their enemies {H341}, and they carry them away {H7617} captives {H7617} unto a land {H776} far off {H7350} or near {H7138};

Complete Jewish Bible

"If they sin against you - for there is no one who doesn't sin - and you are angry with them and hand them over to the enemy, so that they carry them off captive to a land far away or nearby;

Berean Standard Bible

When they sin against You—for there is no one who does not sin—and You become angry with them and deliver them to an enemy who takes them as captives to a land far or near,

American Standard Version

If they sin against thee (for there is no man that sinneth not), and thou be angry with them, and deliver them to the enemy, so that they carry them away captive unto a land far off or near;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 6:36 captures a profound moment in King Solomon's dedicatory prayer for the newly constructed Temple in Jerusalem. With remarkable foresight and theological depth, Solomon acknowledges the inherent and universal sinfulness of humanity, anticipating the inevitable occasions when the people of Israel would stray from God's covenant. This verse specifically articulates the dire consequences of such disobedience, predicting divine anger leading to national defeat, subjugation by enemies, and the eventual carrying away of the people into captivity, whether to distant or nearby lands. It serves as a stark reminder of the covenantal warnings and the just repercussions of rebellion against God, while simultaneously setting the stage for a plea for future repentance and divine mercy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal part of Solomon's extensive prayer of dedication for the Temple, recorded in both [2 Chronicles 6](/2_chronicles/6 "2 Chronicles 6 - Solomon's Prayer of Dedication") and [1 Kings 8](/1_kings/8 "1 Kings 8 - Solomon Dedicates the Temple"). Following the completion of the magnificent Temple, Solomon stands before the altar, extending his hands toward heaven, and offers a comprehensive prayer that spans various potential scenarios of national distress. The prayer moves from general pleas for God's presence and attentiveness to specific contingencies, including war ([2 Chronicles 6:24-25](/2_chronicles/6-24 "2 Chronicles 6:24-25 - Prayer in Defeat")), famine or pestilence ([2 Chronicles 6:26-28](/2_chronicles/6-26 "2 Chronicles 6:26-28 - Prayer in Drought or Plague")), and significantly, the possibility of exile. Verse 36 specifically addresses the root cause of many of these calamities: sin. It forms part of a larger section ([2 Chronicles 6:34-39](/2_chronicles/6-34 "2 Chronicles 6:34-39 - Prayer for Exiles")) where Solomon envisions a future generation in captivity, praying for God's mercy upon their repentance. This verse is crucial as it grounds the subsequent pleas for restoration in the unvarnished reality of human failure.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's prayer is offered at the zenith of Israel's power and glory, shortly after the completion of the Temple, a symbol of God's dwelling among His people. This period, roughly 960-930 BC, was one of unprecedented peace and prosperity for Israel. However, the prayer itself is steeped in the covenantal framework established centuries earlier at Mount Sinai, particularly the blessings and curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). The concept of divine anger and national judgment, including defeat and exile, was a well-understood consequence of covenant disobedience in the ancient Near East, though Israel's covenant with Yahweh was unique in its moral and theological demands. Solomon's foresight, speaking of captivity to "a land far off or near," remarkably anticipates the Assyrian and Babylonian exiles that would occur centuries later, demonstrating a profound understanding of God's character and the potential trajectory of Israel's history if they failed to uphold their covenant obligations. The Temple, though built, did not negate the need for ongoing faithfulness.
* **Key Themes:** The central themes in [2 Chronicles 6](/2_chronicles/6 "2 Chronicles 6 - Solomon's Prayer") and the broader book that 2 Chronicles 6:36 contributes to are multifaceted. First, it underscores the **universal reality of human sinfulness**, a foundational biblical truth echoed across Scripture, from the fall in [Genesis 3](/genesis/3 "Genesis 3 - The Fall of Humanity") to the declarations in [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned") and [1 John 1:8](/1_john/1-8 "1 John 1:8 - Acknowledging Sin"). Solomon's parenthetical statement is a stark theological admission. Second, the verse highlights the **consequences of disobedience** to God's covenant, specifically divine judgment manifested as national defeat and exile. This reinforces the conditional nature of God's blessings upon Israel. Third, it emphasizes the theme of **divine justice and mercy**. While justice demands judgment for sin, the subsequent verses in Solomon's prayer ([2 Chronicles 6:37-39](/2_chronicles/6-37 "2 Chronicles 6:37-39 - Prayer for Repentant Exiles")) pivot to a plea for God's mercy upon repentance, setting up the famous promise of [2 Chronicles 7:14](/2_chronicles/7-14 "2 Chronicles 7:14 - God's Promise of Healing"). Thus, 2 Chronicles 6:36 is not a statement of hopelessness but a realistic assessment that frames the subsequent hope for restoration through repentance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sin (Hebrew, _ḥāṭā'_):** The Hebrew verb חָטָא (*ḥāṭā'*) fundamentally means "to miss the mark," "to go astray," "to err," or "to fall short." In a theological context, it signifies a deviation from God's revealed will, standard, or law. It encompasses both intentional rebellion and unintentional transgression, highlighting humanity's inherent inability to perfectly align with divine righteousness. Solomon's use of this word, especially in the parenthetical "there is no man which sinneth not," emphasizes the pervasive and universal nature of this human failing, not as an excuse, but as a recognition of a deeply rooted condition that necessitates divine grace and intervention.
* **Captives (Hebrew, _shĕviy_):** The Hebrew noun שְׁבִי (*shĕviy*) refers to "captivity," "exile," or "those taken captive." It denotes a state of being forcibly removed from one's homeland and subjected to foreign rule, often as a consequence of military defeat. In the context of the Old Testament, particularly the prophetic books, "captivity" or "exile" becomes a potent symbol of divine judgment and the breaking of the covenant relationship due to Israel's idolatry and disobedience. Solomon's prayer anticipates this grim reality, acknowledging that such a fate, whether "far off or near," would be a direct result of God's anger and judgment against His people's sin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If they sin against thee,"**: This opening clause establishes the condition for the subsequent divine action. It posits a hypothetical, yet tragically inevitable, scenario where the covenant people of Israel would violate their sacred obligations to Yahweh. The "sin" here is not merely a moral lapse but a breach of the covenant relationship, a turning away from the one true God.
* **"(for [there is] no man which sinneth not,)"**: This parenthetical statement is a profound theological interjection. It serves as a universal declaration of human depravity and fallibility, acknowledging that sin is an inherent part of the human condition, affecting all individuals without exception. It underscores the necessity of divine grace and forgiveness, as no human can perfectly uphold God's standards. This truth provides the theological basis for the inevitability of the preceding "if."
* **"and thou be angry with them,"**: This clause describes God's righteous response to sin. Divine anger is not a capricious human emotion but a holy and just reaction to unrighteousness and rebellion against His perfect character and commands. It signifies God's active displeasure and determination to uphold His moral order and covenant integrity.
* **"and deliver them over before [their] enemies,"**: This describes the immediate consequence of God's anger: His withdrawal of protection, leading to vulnerability. To "deliver them over" implies God's active permission or even orchestration of their defeat, allowing their adversaries to gain the upper hand. This is a direct reversal of the covenant blessings, where God promised to defeat Israel's enemies.
* **"and they carry them away captives unto a land far off or near;"**: This final clause details the ultimate outcome of the defeat: forced displacement and exile. The phrase "far off or near" is a **merism**, encompassing all possible destinations, emphasizing the totality and inescapability of the judgment. This vividly foreshadows the historical exiles that would later befall both the Northern and Southern Kingdoms, serving as a powerful prophetic warning within Solomon's prayer.

#### Literary Devices
2 Chronicles 6:36 employs several significant literary devices that enhance its theological and prophetic impact. The most prominent is the **Parenthetical Statement** ("for there is no man which sinneth not,"), which functions as a profound theological aside, interjecting a universal truth about human sinfulness directly into the conditional prayer. This device emphasizes the inevitability of the preceding "if they sin" clause, grounding the prayer in a realistic assessment of humanity. The verse also relies on **Conditional Clauses** ("If they sin... and thou be angry... and deliver them... and they carry them..."), which establish a clear cause-and-effect relationship between human action (sin) and divine consequence (anger, defeat, captivity), reflecting the covenantal structure of blessings and curses. Furthermore, the prayer exhibits remarkable **Prophetic Foreshadowing**, as Solomon articulates a scenario (national defeat and exile) that would not fully materialize for centuries, particularly with the Babylonian exile. This demonstrates either divine inspiration or an incredibly astute understanding of the conditional nature of Israel's covenant. Finally, the phrase "far off or near" is a classic example of **Merism**, a rhetorical device where two contrasting parts are used to represent a whole or totality, indicating that no matter the distance, the judgment of captivity would be comprehensive and inescapable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 6:36 is a powerful theological statement on the nature of sin, divine justice, and the consequences of covenant infidelity. Solomon's profound acknowledgment of universal human sinfulness ("there is no man which sinneth not") is a cornerstone biblical truth, affirming that all humanity falls short of God's perfect standard. This inherent brokenness inevitably leads to a breach in relationship with a holy God, resulting in His righteous anger and disciplinary judgment. The specific judgment of being delivered into the hands of enemies and carried into captivity directly reflects the covenant curses outlined in the Torah, emphasizing that God's promises are conditional upon obedience. Yet, this verse also sets the stage for the overarching theme of God's redemptive mercy, as the subsequent parts of Solomon's prayer plead for God to hear and forgive His people upon their repentance, even from exile. It highlights the tension between God's unwavering justice and His compassionate desire for His people's restoration.

* [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned and Fall Short of God's Glory")
* [1 John 1:8](/1_john/1-8 "1 John 1:8 - If We Claim to Be Without Sin, We Deceive Ourselves")
* [Deuteronomy 28:47-48](/deuteronomy/28-47 "Deuteronomy 28:47-48 - Consequences of Disobedience and Exile")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's prayer in 2 Chronicles 6:36, though spoken millennia ago in a specific historical context, resonates with timeless truths for individuals and communities today. It serves as a sober reminder of the pervasive reality of sin within the human heart. We are all prone to "miss the mark," to stray from God's perfect will, and to prioritize our own desires over His commands. This verse calls us to profound humility, acknowledging our inherent fallibility and dependence on God's grace. It also underscores the principle that actions have consequences; disobedience, whether personal or corporate, can lead to difficult and painful outcomes, reflecting God's holy displeasure. However, the verse is not meant to instill despair but to provide a realistic foundation for genuine repentance. By recognizing our sin, we are better positioned to seek God's forgiveness and turn back to Him. This passage encourages us to cultivate a posture of humility, self-examination, and a readiness to confess our failings, trusting in God's steadfast love and His willingness to restore those who genuinely repent.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Solomon's acknowledgment of universal sinfulness challenge my own perception of my spiritual state?**
* **In what ways might I be "missing the mark" or "straying" from God's will in my life today?**
* **What "consequences" of disobedience have I experienced, and how have they shaped my understanding of God's justice?**
* **How does the prophetic nature of Solomon's prayer encourage me to consider the long-term implications of my choices, both personally and corporately?**
* **Knowing that God's anger is a just response to sin, how does this truth motivate me to seek reconciliation and live in obedience?**

### FAQ

**Why does Solomon include a parenthetical statement about universal sinfulness in his prayer?**

Answer: Solomon's parenthetical statement, "(for [there is] no man which sinneth not,)" is a profound theological insight that serves several crucial purposes. First, it acknowledges a universal truth about the human condition, recognizing that sin is an inherent part of fallen humanity, affecting everyone without exception. This isn't an excuse for sin, but a realistic assessment that grounds the prayer in genuine human experience. Second, it highlights the inevitability of the "if they sin" condition, making the subsequent pleas for mercy all the more necessary and poignant. Solomon understands that despite the covenant and the Temple, the people will inevitably fall short. Third, it sets the stage for God's grace and forgiveness. By recognizing the pervasive nature of sin, the prayer implicitly emphasizes the need for God's compassion and willingness to restore those who repent, even from a state of deserved judgment. This theological realism undergirds the hope found in later passages like [2 Chronicles 7:14](/2_chronicles/7-14 "2 Chronicles 7:14 - God's Promise to Heal the Land Upon Repentance").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Chronicles 6:36, with its stark recognition of universal sinfulness and the dire consequences of divine anger and captivity, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Solomon's parenthetical admission that "there is no man which sinneth not" powerfully anticipates the New Testament's declaration that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). While Solomon, as a king and intercessor, could only plead for future mercy, Jesus embodies perfect sinlessness, being "without sin" ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest")) and becoming "sin for us" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). The "anger" of God against sin, so clearly articulated by Solomon, was fully poured out upon Christ on the cross, as He bore the judgment that humanity deserved, becoming the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Furthermore, the "captivity" that Solomon feared for his people, a consequence of sin, finds its spiritual counterpart in the bondage of sin and death from which Christ liberates us. Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Jesus offers true freedom from the dominion of sin ([Romans 6:6](/romans/6-6 "Romans 6:6 - Freed from Sin's Dominion")) and the ultimate reconciliation with God, providing a perfect and eternal intercession that far surpasses Solomon's prayer ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Always Lives to Intercede")). Thus, what Solomon prophetically feared and prayed against, Christ definitively overcame, offering a path to forgiveness and restoration that is not contingent on human perfection but on divine grace.

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

James 3:2

For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same [is] a perfect man, [and] able also to bridle the whole body.

1 John 1:8

¶ If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

1 John 1:10

If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

Ecclesiastes 7:20

For [there is] not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.

Psalms 143:2

And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.

Psalms 130:3

If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?

Job 15:14

What [is] man, that he should be clean? and [he which is] born of a woman, that he should be righteous?