Features Pricing Bible Library Churches About Sign in Begin

2 Chronicles 18:20

Then there came out a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will entice him. And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith?

2 Chronicles 18:20 · King James Version

Meaning

In this verse, we see a dialogue between a spirit and the LORD, where the spirit expresses his intention to entice someone. This interaction reflects the idea of spiritual warfare and the ongoing battle between good and evil. The spirit's desire to entice someone suggests a temptation or a test of faith. The fact that the spirit stood before the LORD indicates that even spiritual beings must ultimately answer to God and seek his permission before carrying out their actions. The response of the LORD, asking the spirit how he plans to entice the individual, demonstrates God's awareness and control over all things, including the schemes of spiritual entities. This verse serves as a reminder of the spiritual forces at work in the world and the importance of remaining steadfast in faith to resist temptation and stay true to God's will.

Theological Overview

When examining the theological interpretation of the verse, "Then there came out a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will entice him. And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith?", we see a fascinating interaction between a spirit and the Lord. This particular verse sheds light on the spiritual realm and the concept of temptation. The spirit's desire to entice someone reflects the ongoing spiritual battles that exist beyond the physical world. The response of the Lord, questioning how the spirit plans to carry out this enticement, highlights the divine awareness and authority over all spiritual activities. This exchange emphasizes the importance of spiritual discernment and the need to rely on the guidance and protection of the Lord in the face of temptation and spiritual warfare.

2 Chronicles 18:20 in other translations

American Standard Version

And there came forth a spirit, and stood before Jehovah, and said, I will entice him. And Jehovah said unto him, Wherewith?

World English Bible

A spirit came out, stood before Yahweh, and said, ‘I will entice him.’ “Yahweh said to him, ‘How?’

Douay-Rheims

There came forth a spirit, and stood before the Lord, and said: I will deceive him. And the Lord said to him: By what means wilt thou deceive him?

Geneva Bible (1599)

Then there came forth a spirit and stoode before the Lord, and said, I will perswade him. And the Lord said vnto him, Wherein?