New International VersionWhen Azariah the chief priest and all the other priests looked at him, they saw that he had leprosy on his forehead, so they hurried him out. Indeed, he himself was eager to leave, because the LORD had afflicted him.
New Living TranslationWhen Azariah the high priest and all the other priests saw the leprosy, they rushed him out. And the king himself was eager to get out because the LORD had struck him.
English Standard VersionAnd Azariah the chief priest and all the priests looked at him, and behold, he was leprous in his forehead! And they rushed him out quickly, and he himself hurried to go out, because the LORD had struck him.
Berean Standard BibleWhen Azariah the chief priest and all the priests turned to him and saw his leprous forehead, they rushed him out. Indeed, he himself hurried to get out, because the LORD had afflicted him.
King James BibleAnd Azariah the chief priest, and all the priests, looked upon him, and, behold, he was leprous in his forehead, and they thrust him out from thence; yea, himself hasted also to go out, because the LORD had smitten him.
New King James VersionAnd Azariah the chief priest and all the priests looked at him, and there, on his forehead, he was leprous; so they thrust him out of that place. Indeed he also hurried to get out, because the LORD had struck him.
New American Standard BibleAzariah the chief priest and all the priests looked at him, and behold, he was leprous on his forehead; and they quickly removed him from there, and he himself also hurried to get out because the LORD had stricken him.
NASB 1995Azariah the chief priest and all the priests looked at him, and behold, he was leprous on his forehead; and they hurried him out of there, and he himself also hastened to get out because the LORD had smitten him.
NASB 1977And Azariah the chief priest and all the priests looked at him, and behold, he was leprous on his forehead; and they hurried him out of there, and he himself also hastened to get out because the LORD had smitten him.
Legacy Standard BibleAnd Azariah the chief priest and all the priests looked at him, and behold, he was leprous on his forehead; and they hurried him out of there, and he himself also hastened to get out because Yahweh had smitten him.
Amplified BibleAs Azariah the chief priest and all the priests looked toward him, behold, he was leprous on his forehead; and they hurried him out of there, and he also hurried to get out because the LORD had stricken him.
Christian Standard BibleThen Azariah the chief priest and all the priests turned to him and saw that he was diseased on his forehead. They rushed him out of there. He himself also hurried to get out because the LORD had afflicted him.
Holman Christian Standard BibleThen Azariah the chief priest and all the priests turned to him and saw that he was diseased on his forehead. They rushed him out of there. He himself also hurried to get out because the LORD had afflicted him.
American Standard VersionAnd Azariah the chief priest, and all the priests, looked upon him, and, behold, he was leprous in his forehead, and they thrust him out quickly from thence; yea, himself hasted also to go out, because Jehovah had smitten him.
Contemporary English VersionAzariah and the other priests saw it and immediately told him to leave the temple. Uzziah realized that the LORD had punished him, so he hurried to get outside.
English Revised VersionAnd Azariah the chief priest, and all the priests, looked upon him, and, behold, he was leprous in his forehead, and they thrust him out quickly from thence; yea, himself hasted also to go out, because the LORD had smitten him.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationWhen the chief priest Azariah and all the priests turned toward him, a skin disease was on his forehead. They rushed him away. Uzziah was in a hurry to get out because the LORD had inflicted him [with the disease].
Good News TranslationAzariah and the other priests stared at the king's forehead in horror and then forced him to leave the Temple. He hurried to get out, because the LORD had punished him.
International Standard VersionSo Azariah the chief priest and all the priests stared at Uzziah, who was infected with leprosy in his forehead! They all rushed at him and hurried him out of the Temple. Uzziah was in a hurry to get out anyway, because the LORD had struck him.
NET BibleWhen Azariah the high priest and the other priests looked at him, there was a skin disease on his forehead. They hurried him out of there; even the king himself wanted to leave quickly because the LORD had afflicted him.
New Heart English BibleAzariah the chief priest, and all the priests, looked on him, and look, he was leprous in his forehead, and they thrust him out quickly from there; yes, himself hurried also to go out, because the LORD had struck him.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd Azariah the chief priest, and all the priests looked upon him, and behold, he was leprous in his forehead, and they thrust him out from thence; yea, himself hasted also to go out, because the LORD had smitten him. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhen Azariah the chief priest and all the priests turned to him and saw his leprous forehead, they rushed him out. Indeed, he himself hurried to get out, because the LORD had afflicted him.
World English BibleAzariah the chief priest and all the priests looked at him, and behold, he was leprous in his forehead; and they thrust him out quickly from there. Indeed, he himself also hurried to go out, because Yahweh had struck him. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Azariah the head priest looks toward him, and all the priests, and behold, he [is] leprous in his forehead, and they hurry him there, and also he himself has hurried to go out, for YHWH has plagued him.
Young's Literal Translation And Azariah the head priest looketh unto him, and all the priests, and lo, he is leprous in his forehead, and they hasten him thence, and also he himself hath hastened to go out, for Jehovah hath plagued him.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd Azariah the head priest will turn to him, and all the priests, and behold, he was smitten in his forehead, and they will drive him out from thence; and he also hastened to go forth, for Jehovah struck him. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Azarias the high priest, and all the rest of the priests looked upon him, and saw the leprosy in his forehead, and they made haste to thrust him out. Yea himself also being frightened, hasted to go out, because he had quickly felt the stroke of the Lord.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd when the high priest Azariah, and all the rest of the priests, had gazed upon him, they saw the leprosy on his forehead, and they hurried to expel him. Then too, he himself, becoming terrified, rushed to depart, because immediately he had become aware of the wound of the Lord.
New American BibleAzariah the chief priest and all the other priests examined him, and when they saw that his forehead was leprous, they rushed him out. He let himself be expelled, for the LORD had afflicted him.
New Revised Standard VersionWhen the chief priest Azariah, and all the priests, looked at him, he was leprous in his forehead. They hurried him out, and he himself hurried to get out, because the LORD had struck him. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Azariah the chief priest, and all the priests, turned toward him, and, behold, he hastened to go out because he knew that the LORD had smitten him.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd Uzziah the Priest and all the Priests turned to him, and they saw that he was hurrying to go out because he knew that LORD JEHOVAH had stricken him. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Azariah the chief priest, and all the priests, looked upon him, and, behold, he was leprous in his forehead, and they thrust him out quickly from thence; yea, himself made haste also to go out, because the LORD had smitten him.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd Azarias the chief priest, and the other priests, turned to look at him, and, behold, he was leprous in his forehead; and they got him hastily out thence, for he also hasted to go out, because the Lord had rebuked him.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Uzziah Reigns in Judah… 19Uzziah, with a censer in his hand to offer incense, was enraged. But while he raged against the priests in their presence in the house of the LORD before the altar of incense, leprosy broke out on his forehead. 20When Azariahthe chiefpriestand allthe prieststurnedto himand sawhisleprousforehead,they rushed himout.Indeed,he himselfhurriedto get out,becausethe LORDhad afflicted him.21So King Uzziah was a leper until the day of his death. He lived in isolation, leprous and cut off from the house of the LORD, while his son Jotham had charge of the royal palace to govern the people of the land.…
Cross References Leviticus 13:46As long as he has the infection, he remains unclean. He must live alone in a place outside the camp.
Numbers 12:10-15As the cloud lifted from above the Tent, suddenly Miriam became leprous, white as snow. Aaron turned toward her, saw that she was leprous, / and said to Moses, “My lord, please do not hold against us this sin we have so foolishly committed. / Please do not let her be like a stillborn infant whose flesh is half consumed when he comes out of his mother’s womb.” ...
2 Kings 15:5And the LORD afflicted the king with leprosy until the day he died, so that he lived in a separate house while his son Jotham had charge of the palace and governed the people of the land.
2 Chronicles 16:12In the thirty-ninth year of his reign, Asa became diseased in his feet, and his disease became increasingly severe. Yet even in his illness he did not seek the LORD, but only the physicians.
2 Chronicles 21:18-19After all this, the LORD afflicted Jehoram with an incurable disease of the bowels. / This continued day after day until two full years had passed. Finally, his intestines came out because of his disease, and he died in severe pain. And his people did not make a fire in his honor as they had done for his fathers.
Isaiah 1:6From the sole of your foot to the top of your head, there is no soundness—only wounds and welts and festering sores neither cleansed nor bandaged nor soothed with oil.
Isaiah 6:5Then I said: “Woe is me, for I am ruined, because I am a man of unclean lips dwelling among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts.”
Isaiah 53:4Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted.
Matthew 8:2-4Suddenly a leper came and knelt before Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” / Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. / Then Jesus instructed him, “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift prescribed by Moses, as a testimony to them.”
Mark 1:40-45Then a leper came to Jesus, begging on his knees: “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” / Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” / And immediately the leprosy left him, and the man was cleansed. ...
Luke 5:12-16While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell facedown and begged Him, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” / Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him. / “Do not tell anyone,” Jesus instructed him. “But go, show yourself to the priest and present the offering Moses prescribed for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” ...
Luke 17:12-19As He entered one of the villages, He was met by ten lepers. They stood at a distance / and raised their voices, shouting, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” / When Jesus saw them, He said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they were on their way, they were cleansed. ...
John 9:1-3Now as Jesus was passing by, He saw a man blind from birth, / and His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” / Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God would be displayed in him.
Acts 10:34-35Then Peter began to speak: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism, / but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right.
Romans 1:18-32The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness. / For what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. / For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood from His workmanship, so that men are without excuse. ...
Treasury of Scripture And Azariah the chief priest, and all the priests, looked on him, and, behold, he was leprous in his forehead, and they thrust him out from there; yes, himself hurried also to go out, because the LORD had smitten him. hated also Esther 6:12 And Mordecai came again to the king's gate. But Haman hasted to his house mourning, and having his head covered. the Lord Leviticus 14:34 When ye be come into the land of Canaan, which I give to you for a possession, and I put the plague of leprosy in a house of the land of your possession; Deuteronomy 28:22,35 The LORD shall smite thee with a consumption, and with a fever, and with an inflammation, and with an extreme burning, and with the sword, and with blasting, and with mildew; and they shall pursue thee until thou perish… Jump to Previous AzariahChiefForeheadHasteHastedHurriedLeprousPriestPriestsQuicklySmittenStruckThenceThrustJump to Next AzariahChiefForeheadHasteHastedHurriedLeprousPriestPriestsQuicklySmittenStruckThenceThrust2 Chronicles 26 1.Uzziah succeeding, and reigning well in the days of Zechariah, prospers16.Waxing proud, he invades the priest's office, and is smitten with leprosy22.He dies, and Jotham succeeds himWhen Azariah the chief priest and all the priests turned to him and saw his leprous foreheadAzariah, the chief priest, represents the spiritual leadership of Israel, responsible for maintaining the sanctity of the temple. The presence of multiple priests indicates the seriousness of the situation. Leprosy, a severe skin disease, was considered a sign of divine judgment and impurity, rendering a person ceremonially unclean ( Leviticus 13:45-46). The forehead, being a prominent and visible part of the body, symbolizes the public nature of Uzziah's sin and its consequences. This event underscores the importance of holiness and obedience to God's commands, especially for those in leadership. they rushed him out
The priests' immediate action to remove Uzziah from the temple highlights the urgency and gravity of maintaining the temple's purity. The temple was the dwelling place of God's presence, and any defilement was intolerable. This reflects the broader biblical principle that sin separates humanity from God (Isaiah 59:2). The priests' response also demonstrates their commitment to uphold the law, as outlined in the Torah, which required the exclusion of the unclean from the community (Numbers 5:2-3). Indeed, he himself hurried to get out
Uzziah's own haste to leave the temple indicates his awareness of the severity of his condition and the divine judgment upon him. This moment of realization can be seen as a turning point, where Uzziah acknowledges his transgression against God's holiness. It serves as a reminder of the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). Uzziah's reaction also parallels the broader biblical theme of repentance and the need for individuals to recognize their sinfulness before a holy God. because the LORD had afflicted him
The affliction of leprosy is explicitly attributed to the LORD, emphasizing God's sovereignty and justice. This divine intervention serves as a warning against pride and presumption, as Uzziah had unlawfully entered the temple to burn incense, a role reserved for the priests (2 Chronicles 26:16-19). The affliction is a direct consequence of Uzziah's disobedience, illustrating the biblical principle that God disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:6). This event foreshadows the ultimate judgment and redemption found in Jesus Christ, who bore the afflictions of humanity to restore the broken relationship between God and man (Isaiah 53:4-5). Persons / Places / Events 1. Azariah the Chief PriestAzariah was the leading priest during King Uzziah's reign. He played a crucial role in confronting Uzziah when he unlawfully entered the temple to burn incense. 2. King UzziahAlso known as Azariah, he was the king of Judah who became proud and attempted to perform priestly duties, which led to his downfall and affliction with leprosy. 3. The PriestsThe priests, under Azariah's leadership, stood firm in their duty to uphold the sanctity of the temple and the proper roles assigned by God. 4. The TempleThe central place of worship in Jerusalem, where Uzziah unlawfully attempted to burn incense, violating the separation of kingly and priestly duties. 5. LeprosyA skin disease that symbolized impurity and divine judgment in the Old Testament, marking Uzziah's transgression and God's immediate response. Teaching Points Respect for God-Ordained RolesGod has established specific roles and responsibilities within His kingdom. Uzziah's downfall serves as a warning against pride and the presumption of authority not given by God. The Consequences of PridePride leads to downfall. Uzziah's prideful act of burning incense, a duty reserved for priests, resulted in his affliction with leprosy. We must guard our hearts against pride and seek humility. The Importance of AccountabilityAzariah and the priests exemplify the importance of holding one another accountable to God's standards. In our communities, we should encourage and correct each other in love. God's Immediate JudgmentGod's response to Uzziah's sin was immediate, reminding us that God is holy and just. We should live with a reverent fear of the Lord, understanding that our actions have consequences. Repentance and RestorationAlthough Uzziah was eager to leave the temple, indicating a recognition of his wrongdoing, the account encourages us to seek genuine repentance and restoration with God when we sin. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 26:20?
2.How does Uzziah's punishment in 2 Chronicles 26:20 demonstrate God's holiness and justice?
3.What can we learn about pride's consequences from Uzziah's experience in this verse?
4.How does Uzziah's story connect with Proverbs 16:18 about pride and downfall?
5.In what ways can we guard against pride in our own spiritual lives?
6.How can church leaders today avoid Uzziah's mistakes and remain humble before God?
7.Why did God strike King Uzziah with leprosy in 2 Chronicles 26:20?
8.How does Uzziah's punishment reflect God's justice and mercy?
9.What lessons can be learned from Uzziah's pride in 2 Chronicles 26:20?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Chronicles 26?
11.Who was Azariah in the Bible?
12.(2 Chronicles 7:2) Is there any external testimony or archaeological proof that the glory of the Lord physically filled the temple to the point priests could not enter?
13.2 Kings 15:5 states God struck Azariah with leprosy with little explanation--why is the cause, detailed in 2 Chronicles 26, absent here?
14.In 2 Chronicles 26:16-20, is there any medical or historical basis to explain Uzziah's sudden outbreak of leprosy as divine punishment?What Does 2 Chronicles 26:20 Mean When Azariah the chief priest and all the priests turned to him• The scene follows Uzziah’s brazen attempt to burn incense, a duty reserved for priests (2 Chron 26:16–18;Numbers 18:7). • Azariah and his fellow priests act as spiritual watchmen, much like Phinehas did in stopping Israel’s sin (Numbers 25:7-8). Their turning toward the king signals both shock and resolve to uphold God’s standards.
And saw his leprous forehead• Leprosy appearing instantly on Uzziah’s forehead is a public, unmistakable sign of God’s judgment, reminiscent of Miriam’s sudden leprosy (Numbers 12:10). • The priests, trained byLeviticus 13:1-46, immediately recognize the condition and its implications for temple purity (Leviticus 13:45-46).
They rushed him out• Acting onLeviticus 13’s requirements, the priests waste no time. Allowing ceremonial uncleanness in the sanctuary would defile it (2 Chron 29:5-16). • Their swift action parallels the expulsion of Nadab and Abihu after their unauthorized fire (Leviticus 10:4-5), underscoring that even leaders are subject to God’s holiness.
Indeed, he himself hurried to get out• Once afflicted, Uzziah’s own conscience awakens. Like Jonah fleeing God’s presence (Jonah 1:3) or Peter leaving the courtyard in grief (Matthew 26:75), he realizes the gravity of his sin. • His haste confirms inward acknowledgment of guilt, fulfillingProverbs 18:12, “Before his downfall a man’s heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.”
Because the LORD had afflicted him• The text leaves no doubt about the source of the judgment; it is divine, not accidental (Deuteronomy 28:27). • God disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:6), and the chronicler highlights that the LORD Himself intervened to preserve the sanctity of worship and warn future kings.
summary2 Chronicles 26:20 shows the immediate, visible judgment of God on King Uzziah for overstepping priestly boundaries. The priests’ quick response, Uzziah’s own flight, and the clear statement that “the LORD had afflicted him” all emphasize God’s unwavering holiness and the necessity of respecting His ordained order. (20) Looked upon him.-- Turned towards him.They thrust him out.--Hibhil--scared, hurried him out. (Comp.Esther 6:14, "they made haste.") LXX.,??????????? ????? ???????. Hasted.--Literally,thrust himself. The Hebrew is a late word occurring thrice in Esther, and not elsewhere. The Lord had smitten him.--2Kings 14:5. Verse 20. - They thrust him out. This hiph. conjugation of kal בָּהַל does not point to the force adopted, but to the trembling anxiety with which, for horror's sake of such a monstrous catastrophe, as a leper by the altar and with a censer in his hand, etc., the priests urged him out. Evidently, from the next clause, no great force in the ordinary sense was needed. Yea, himself hasted. The Hebrew verb is niph. conjugation of דָחַפ. It is interesting to note that this root occurs only here and three times in Esther, viz. 3:15; 6:12; 8:14. Uzziah can scarcely have been ignorant that he had been daring the utmost penalty of the Law ( Numbers 16:31, 35; Numbers 18:7).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew When Azariahעֲזַרְיָהוּ֩(‘ă·zar·yā·hū)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5838:Azariah -- 'Yah has helped', the name of a number of Israelitesthe chiefהָרֹ֜אשׁ(hā·rōš)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7218:The headpriestכֹהֵ֨ן(ḵō·hên)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3548:Priestand allוְכָל־(wə·ḵāl)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythe priestsהַכֹּהֲנִ֗ים(hak·kō·hă·nîm)Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3548:Priestturnedוַיִּ֣פֶן(way·yi·p̄en)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6437:To turn, to face, appear, lookto himאֵלָ֡יו(’ê·lāw)Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, toand sawוְהִנֵּה־(wə·hin·nêh-)Conjunctive waw | Interjection
Strong's 2009:Lo! behold!hisה֤וּא(hū)Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931:He, self, the same, this, that, as, areleprousמְצֹרָע֙(mə·ṣō·rā‘)Verb - Pual - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 6879:To be struck with leprosy, to be leprousforehead,בְּמִצְח֔וֹ(bə·miṣ·ḥōw)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4696:Brow, foreheadthey rushed himוַיַּבְהִל֖וּהוּ(way·yaḇ·hi·lū·hū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural | third person masculine singular
Strong's 926:To tremble inwardly, be, alarmed, agitated, to hasten anxiouslyout.מִשָּׁ֑ם(miš·šām)Preposition-m | Adverb
Strong's 8033:There, then, thitherIndeed,וְגַם־(wə·ḡam-)Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 1571:Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, andhe himselfהוּא֙(hū)Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931:He, self, the same, this, that, as, arehurriedנִדְחַ֣ף(niḏ·ḥap̄)Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1765:To drive, hastento get out,לָצֵ֔את(lā·ṣêṯ)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3318:To go, bring, out, direct and proximbecauseכִּ֥י(kî)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionthe LORDיְהוָֽה׃(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelhad afflicted him.נִגְּע֖וֹ(nig·gə·‘ōw)Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5060:To touch, lay the hand upon, to reach, violently, to strike
Links 2 Chronicles 26:20 NIV2 Chronicles 26:20 NLT2 Chronicles 26:20 ESV2 Chronicles 26:20 NASB2 Chronicles 26:20 KJV
2 Chronicles 26:20 BibleApps.com2 Chronicles 26:20 Biblia Paralela2 Chronicles 26:20 Chinese Bible2 Chronicles 26:20 French Bible2 Chronicles 26:20 Catholic Bible
OT History: 2 Chronicles 26:20 Azariah the chief priest and all (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr) |
