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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?

2 Chronicles 2:6 · King James Version

Meaning

The verse highlights the idea that God is beyond human comprehension and cannot be contained within any physical structure, not even the vast expanse of the heavens. The speaker acknowledges the immense magnitude of God's presence and questions their own significance in comparison. In realizing how small and insignificant they are in the grand scheme of things, the speaker questions the notion of building a house for God, as if it could ever truly house or contain the divine. Instead, the act of building a house is seen as a way to offer sacrifices and worship before God, recognizing His great power and holiness. It serves as a reminder of humanity's place in the universe and the humility required in approaching the divine.

Theological Overview

The verse highlights the grandeur and majesty of God, emphasizing His transcendence and the limitations of human comprehension when it comes to understanding the nature of God. Theological interpretations of this verse often focus on God's infinite nature and the inadequacy of human structures to contain or confine Him. The notion that even the vast expanse of the heavens cannot contain God underscores His omnipresence and omnipotence. The speaker's humility is evident as they question their own worthiness in light of God's greatness. The act of building a house for God is seen as a symbolic gesture rather than a literal attempt to confine Him. Instead, it is about offering sacrifices and worship to honor God. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of approaching God with reverence and humility, recognizing His greatness and our finite human nature.

2 Chronicles 2:6 in other translations

American Standard Version

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

World English Bible

But who is able to build him a house, since heaven and the heaven of heavens can’t contain him? who am I then, that I should build him a house, except just to burn incense before him?

Douay-Rheims

Who then can be able to build him a worthy house? if heaven, and the heavens of heavens cannot contain him: who am I that I should be able to build him a house? but to this end only, that incense may be burnt before him.

Geneva Bible (1599)

Who is he then that can be able to buylde him an house, when the heauen, and the heauen of heauens can not conteine him? who am I then that I should buylde him an house? but I do it to burne incense before him.