New International Version For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war.” New Living Translation The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. What a fool you have been! From now on you will be at war.” English Standard Version For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him. You have done foolishly in this, for from now on you will have wars.” Berean Standard Bible For the eyes of the LORD roam to and fro over all the earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him. You have acted foolishly in this matter. From now on, therefore, you will be at war.” Berean Literal Bible For YHWH—His eyes go to and fro in all the earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is perfect to Him. You have acted foolishly regarding this; therefore from now on there will be wars with you.” King James Bible For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars. New King James Version For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. In this you have done foolishly; therefore from now on you shall have wars.” New American Standard Bible For the eyes of the LORD roam throughout the earth, so that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His. You have acted foolishly in this. Indeed, from now on you will have wars.” NASB 1995 “For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His. You have acted foolishly in this. Indeed, from now on you will surely have wars.” NASB 1977 “For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His. You have acted foolishly in this. Indeed, from now on you will surely have wars.” Legacy Standard Bible For the eyes of Yahweh move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is wholly devoted to Him. You have acted foolishly in this. Indeed, from now on you will surely have wars.” Amplified Bible For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth so that He may support those whose heart is completely His. You have acted foolishly in this; therefore, from now on you will have wars.” Berean Annotated Bible For the eyes of the LORD {YHWH} roam to and fro over all the earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him. You have acted foolishly in this matter. From now on, therefore, you will be at war.” Christian Standard Bible For the eyes of the LORD roam throughout the earth to show himself strong for those who are wholeheartedly devoted to him. You have been foolish in this matter. Therefore, you will have wars from now on.” Holman Christian Standard Bible For the eyes of Yahweh roam throughout the earth to show Himself strong for those whose hearts are completely His. You have been foolish in this matter. Therefore, you will have wars from now on.” American Standard Version For the eyes of Jehovah run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly; for from henceforth thou shalt have wars. Contemporary English Version The LORD is constantly watching everyone, and he gives strength to those who faithfully obey him. But you have done a foolish thing, and your kingdom will never be at peace again. English Revised Version For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly; for from henceforth thou shalt have wars. GOD'S WORD® Translation The LORD's eyes scan the whole world to find those whose hearts are committed to him and to strengthen them. You acted foolishly in this matter. So from now on, you will have to fight wars." Good News Translation The LORD keeps close watch over the whole world, to give strength to those whose hearts are loyal to him. You have acted foolishly, and so from now on you will always be at war." International Standard Version The LORD's eyes keep on roaming throughout the earth, looking for those whose hearts completely belong to him, so that he may strongly support them. But because you have acted foolishly in this, from now on you will have wars." NET Bible Certainly the LORD watches the whole earth carefully and is ready to strengthen those who are devoted to him. You have acted foolishly in this matter; from now on you will have war. New Heart English Bible For the eyes of the LORD run back and forth throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein you have done foolishly; for from now on you shall have wars." Webster's Bible Translation For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect towards him. In this thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleFor the eyes of the LORD roam to and fro over all the earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him. You have acted foolishly in this matter. From now on, therefore, you will be at war.” World English Bible For Yahweh’s eyes run back and forth throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. You have done foolishly in this; for from now on you will have wars.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionfor YHWH—His eyes go to and fro in all the earth, to show Himself strong [for] a people whose heart [is] perfect toward Him; you have been foolish concerning this, because from now on there are wars with you.” Berean Literal Bible For YHWH—His eyes go to and fro in all the earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is perfect to Him. You have acted foolishly regarding this; therefore from now on there will be wars with you.” Young's Literal Translation for Jehovah -- His eyes go to and fro in all the earth, to show Himself strong for a people whose heart is perfect towards Him; thou hast been foolish concerning this, because -- henceforth there are with thee wars.' Smith's Literal Translation For Jehovah, his eyes run to and fro in all the earth to strengthen himself with the perfected heart of them to him. Thou wert foolish for this that from now there is wars with thee. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor the eyes of the Lord behold all the earth, and give strength to those who with a perfect heart trust in him. Wherefore thou hast done foolishly, and for this cause from this time wars shall arise against thee. Catholic Public Domain Version For the eyes of the Lord contemplate the entire earth, and offer fortitude to those who believe in him with a perfect heart. And so, you acted foolishly. And so, because of this, from the present time wars shall rise up against you.” New American Bible The eyes of the LORD roam over the whole earth, to encourage those who are devoted to him wholeheartedly. You have acted foolishly in this matter, for from now on you will have wars.” New Revised Standard Version For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the entire earth, to strengthen those whose heart is true to him. You have done foolishly in this; for from now on you will have wars.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth; therefore, be strong, and let your heart be perfect towards his worship, and understand all his wonders; for the LORD your God will fight for you. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Because the eyes of LORD JEHOVAH gaze in all the Earth, and be strengthened and your heart shall be perfect for his awe, and understand all his wonders, because LORD JEHOVAH your God does battle for you!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is whole toward Him. Herein thou hast done foolishly; for from henceforth thou shalt have wars.' Brenton Septuagint Translation For the eyes of the Lord look upon all the earth, to strengthen every heart that is perfect toward him. In this thou hast done foolishly; henceforth there shall be war with thee. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Hanani's Message to Asa…8Were not the Cushites and Libyans a vast army with many chariots and horsemen? Yet because you relied on the LORD, He delivered them into your hand. 9For the eyes of the LORD roam to and fro over all the earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him. You have acted foolishly in this matter. From now on, therefore, you will be at war.” 10Asa was angry with the seer and became so enraged over this matter that he put the man in prison. And at the same time Asa oppressed some of the people.… Cross References For the eyes of the LORD roam to and fro over all the earth, Zechariah 4:10 For who has despised the day of small things? But these seven eyes of the LORD, which scan the whole earth, will rejoice when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel.” Proverbs 15:3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, observing the evil and the good. Job 34:21 For His eyes are on the ways of a man, and He sees his every step. to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him. 1 Chronicles 28:9 As for you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve Him wholeheartedly and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands the intent of every thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever. Psalm 33:18-19 Surely the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in His loving devotion / to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. 1 Chronicles 5:20 And because they cried out to God in battle, they were helped against their enemies, and the Hagrites and all their allies were delivered into their hands. Because they put their trust in God, He answered their prayers. You have acted foolishly in this matter. 1 Samuel 13:13 “You have acted foolishly,” Samuel declared. “You have not kept the command that the LORD your God gave you; if you had, the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. 1 Samuel 26:21 Then Saul replied, “I have sinned. Come back, David my son. I will never harm you again, because today you considered my life precious. I have played the fool and have committed a grave error!” Proverbs 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel. From now on, therefore, you will be at war.” 1 Kings 15:16 Now there was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel throughout their days. 1 Kings 15:32 And there was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel throughout their days. Ecclesiastes 3:8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. 1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.” Jeremiah 17:10 I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve. Psalm 34:15 The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their cry. 1 Kings 8:39 be heard by You from heaven, Your dwelling place. And may You forgive and act, and repay each man according to all his ways, since You know his heart—for You alone know the hearts of all men— Treasury of Scripture For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein you have done foolishly: therefore from now on you shall have wars. the eyes 2 Chronicles 6:20 That thine eyes may be open upon this house day and night, upon the place whereof thou hast said that thou wouldest put thy name there; to hearken unto the prayer which thy servant prayeth toward this place. Job 34:21 For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings. Psalm 34:15 The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. to shew himself, etc. 2 Chronicles 15:17 But the high places were not taken away out of Israel: nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his days. 2 Kings 20:3 I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore. Psalm 37:37 Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace. Herein 1 Samuel 13:13 And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever. 2 Samuel 12:7-12 And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul; … 1 Chronicles 21:8 And David said unto God, I have sinned greatly, because I have done this thing: but now, I beseech thee, do away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly. henceforth 1 Kings 15:32 And there was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel all their days. Jump to Previous Behalf Earth Eyes Foolishly Forth Fro Heart Henceforth Herein Perfect Run Show Strong Throughout Towards Wars WholeJump to Next Behalf Earth Eyes Foolishly Forth Fro Heart Henceforth Herein Perfect Run Show Strong Throughout Towards Wars Whole2 Chronicles 16 1. Asa, by the aid of the Syrians, diverts Baasha from building Ramah7. Being reproved thereof by Hanani, he puts him in prison 11. Among his other acts in his disease he seeks not to God, but to the physicians 13. His death and burial For the eyes of the LORD roam to and fro over all the earth, God sees every nation, ruler, and circumstance. His watchful care is active, and no act of faith, rebellion, or human plan is hidden from Him. Zec 4:10 For who has despised the day of small things?… to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him. God is ready to uphold those who rely on Him wholeheartedly. Asa had once sought the Lord in a military crisis and received deliverance, but he later trusted an alliance with Ben-hadad of Syria rather than the God who had proven faithful. 1Ch 28:9 As for you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father… You have acted foolishly in this matter. Hanani confronted Asa for depending on political strategy instead of seeking the Lord. Asa gained temporary relief from Baasha of Israel, but his reliance on Syria allowed a greater enemy to escape his reach. 1Sa 13:13 “You have acted foolishly,” Samuel declared.… From now on, therefore, you will be at war.” Asa’s failure brought lasting conflict during the remainder of his reign. The peace he had known was replaced by warfare, showing the consequences of turning from dependence on the Lord. 1Ki 15:16 Now there was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel… Persons / Places / Events 1. AsaKing of Judah who initially trusted in God but later relied on human alliances. 2. Hanani the Seer A prophet who rebuked King Asa for relying on the king of Aram instead of God. 3. Judah The southern kingdom of Israel, ruled by Asa during this time. 4. Aram A neighboring kingdom with which Asa formed an alliance, demonstrating a lack of trust in God. 5. The LORD The God of Israel, whose omniscience and omnipresence are emphasized in this verse. Teaching Points God's Omniscience and OmnipresenceGod is fully aware of all that happens on earth. His eyes "roam to and fro," indicating His active involvement and awareness of our lives. The Importance of a Devoted Heart God seeks those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him. Our commitment to God should be wholehearted, not divided by worldly alliances or dependencies. Consequences of Misplaced Trust Asa's reliance on human alliances rather than God led to negative consequences. Trusting in anything other than God can lead to spiritual and practical failures. God's Strength on Our Behalf When we are fully devoted to God, He promises to show Himself strong on our behalf. This is a call to trust in His power and provision. Repentance and Realignment When we recognize our failures, like Asa, we are called to repent and realign our hearts with God's will, seeking His strength and guidance. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 16:9?2. How does 2 Chronicles 16:9 encourage us to rely on God's strength daily? 3. What does "fully committed" mean in the context of 2 Chronicles 16:9? 4. How can we ensure our hearts are "fully committed" to God today? 5. What other scriptures emphasize God's support for those devoted to Him? 6. How can we apply 2 Chronicles 16:9 in our personal spiritual growth? 7. How does 2 Chronicles 16:9 demonstrate God's omniscience and omnipresence? 8. What does 2 Chronicles 16:9 reveal about God's support for the faithful? 9. How does 2 Chronicles 16:9 challenge believers to live righteously? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Chronicles 16? (9) For the eyes of the Lord.--Literally, For Jehovah, his eyes run, &c. Run to and fro (comp. Job 1:7; Job 2:2). In Zechariah 4:10 we find this very phrase: "The eyes of Jehovah, they run to and fro in all the earth." (Comp. also Jeremiah 5:1.) The Lord is ceaselessly watchful for occasions of helping the faithful. "He that keepeth Israel neither slumbereth nor sleep-eth." In the behalf of.--With, i.e., on the side of. The phrase "to shew oneself strong with," i.e., strongly to support, occurred in 1Chronicles 11:10. (For the Heb. construction, which omits the relative, see 1Chronicles 15:12). Out of the twenty-seven occurrences of the form hithchazzaq, "to show oneself strong," fifteen are found in the Chronicle. . . . Verse 9. - Thou shalt have wars. Although this language at first seems to be intended for very specific application to Asa, yet as we do not read of individual wars occurring after this in his own time, it is quite within a just interpretation of it if we read it as referring to the inevitable experience of the kingdom. Its head and king had just thrown away the opportunity of blocking out one ever-threatening enemy. What more natural consequence than that wars should rush in the rather as a flood, in the after-times? 2 Chronicles 16:9 reveals a God who watches the whole earth, eager to display His limitless power for believers whose hearts are undivided. Asa’s story warns that even past victories do not exempt us from the need for present trust. Choosing human solutions over divine help is folly that leads to turmoil. Wholehearted devotion invites God’s strong arm; divided allegiance invites war. The verse calls us to trust fully, live transparently, and experience the strength God delights to give.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Forכִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction the eyes עֵינָ֞יו (‘ê·nāw) Noun - cdc | third person masculine singular Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain of the LORD יְהוָ֗ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel roam מְשֹׁטְט֤וֹת (mə·šō·ṭə·ṭō·wṯ) Verb - Piel - Participle - feminine plural Strong's 7751: To push forth, to lash, to row, to travel throughout בְּכָל־ (bə·ḵāl) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every the earth הָאָ֙רֶץ֙ (hā·’ā·reṣ) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 776: Earth, land to show Himself strong לְ֠הִתְחַזֵּק (lə·hiṯ·ḥaz·zêq) Preposition-l | Verb - Hitpael - Infinitive construct Strong's 2388: To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer on behalf of [those] עִם־ (‘im-) Preposition Strong's 5973: With, equally with whose heart לְבָבָ֥ם (lə·ḇā·ḇām) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 3824: Inner man, mind, will, heart is fully devoted שָׁלֵ֛ם (šā·lêm) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 8003: Complete, safe, at peace to Him. אֵלָ֖יו (’ê·lāw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to You have acted foolishly נִסְכַּ֣לְתָּ (nis·kal·tā) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 5528: To be foolish or a fool in עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against this matter. זֹ֑את (zōṯ) Pronoun - feminine singular Strong's 2063: Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that, From now on, מֵעַ֔תָּה (mê·‘at·tāh) Preposition-m | Adverb Strong's 6258: At this time therefore, כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction you will be at יֵ֥שׁ (yêš) Adverb Strong's 3426: Being, substance, existence, is war.” מִלְחָמֽוֹת׃ (mil·ḥā·mō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural Strong's 4421: A battle, war Additonal Resources 2 Chronicles 16:9 Blue Letter Bible2 Chronicles 16:9 Bible Gateway 2 Chronicles 16:9 Bible.com 2 Chronicles 16:9 NIV |
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