New International Versionand if they have a change of heart in the land where they are held captive, and repent and plead with you in the land of their captivity and say, ‘We have sinned, we have done wrong and acted wickedly’
New Living TranslationBut in that land of exile, they might turn to you in repentance and pray, ‘We have sinned, done evil, and acted wickedly.’
English Standard Versionyet if they turn their heart in the land to which they have been carried captive, and repent and plead with you in the land of their captivity, saying, ‘We have sinned and have acted perversely and wickedly,’
Berean Standard Bibleand when they come to their senses in the land to which they were taken, and they repent and plead with You in the land of their captors, saying, ‘We have sinned and done wrong; we have acted wickedly,’
King James BibleYet if they bethink themselves in the land whither they are carried captive, and turn and pray unto thee in the land of their captivity, saying, We have sinned, we have done amiss, and have dealt wickedly;
New King James Versionyet when they come to themselves in the land where they were carried captive, and repent, and make supplication to You in the land of their captivity, saying, ‘We have sinned, we have done wrong, and have committed wickedness’;
New American Standard Bibleif they take it to heart in the land where they are taken captive, and repent and plead to You in the land of their captivity, saying, ‘We have sinned, we have done wrong and have acted wickedly’;
NASB 1995if they take thought in the land where they are taken captive, and repent and make supplication to You in the land of their captivity, saying, ‘We have sinned, we have committed iniquity and have acted wickedly’
NASB 1977if they take thought in the land where they are taken captive, and repent and make supplication to Thee in the land of their captivity, saying, ‘We have sinned, we have committed iniquity, and have acted wickedly’;
Legacy Standard Bibleand if they cause these things to return to their heart in the land where they have been taken captive, and return and make supplication to You in the land of their captivity, saying, ‘We have sinned, we have committed iniquity and have acted wickedly’;
Amplified Bibleif they take it to heart in the land where they have been taken captive, and repent and pray to You in the land of their captivity, saying, ‘We have sinned, we have done wrong and have acted wickedly’;
Christian Standard Bibleand when they come to their senses in the land where they were deported and repent and petition you in their captors’ land, saying, “We have sinned and done wrong; we have been wicked,”
Holman Christian Standard Bibleand when they come to their senses in the land where they were deported and repent and petition You in their captors’ land, saying: “We have sinned and done wrong; we have been wicked,”
American Standard Versionyet if they shall bethink themselves in the land whither they are carried captive, and turn again, and make supplication unto thee in the land of their captivity, saying, We have sinned, we have done perversely, and have dealt wickedly;
English Revised Versionyet if they shall bethink themselves, in the land whither they are carried captive, and turn again, and make supplication unto thee in the land of their captivity, saying, We have sinned, we have done perversely, and have dealt wickedly;
GOD'S WORD® TranslationIf they come to their senses, are sorry for what they've done, and plead with you in the land where they are captives, saying, 'We have sinned. We have done wrong. We have been wicked,'
Good News Translationlisten to your people's prayers. If there in that land they repent and pray to you, confessing how sinful and wicked they have been, hear their prayers, O LORD.
International Standard Versionif they turn their hearts back to you in the land where they have been taken captive, repent, and pray to you—even if they do so in the land where they have been taken captive—confessing, 'We have sinned, we have committed abominations, and practiced wickedness,'
NET BibleWhen your people come to their senses in the land where they are held prisoner, they will repent and beg for your mercy in the land of their imprisonment, admitting, 'We have sinned and gone astray, we have done evil!'
New Heart English Bibleyet if they shall repent themselves in the land where they are carried captive, and repent and make petition to you in the land of their captivity, saying, 'We have sinned, we have done perversely, and have dealt wickedly;'
Webster's Bible TranslationYet if they bethink themselves in the land whither they are carried captive, and turn and pray to thee in the land of their captivity, saying, We have sinned, we have done amiss, and have dealt wickedly; Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bibleand when they come to their senses in the land to which they were taken, and they repent and plead with You in the land of their captors, saying, ‘We have sinned and done wrong; we have acted wickedly,’
World English Bibleyet if they come to their senses in the land where they are carried captive, and turn again, and make supplication to you in the land of their captivity, saying, ‘We have sinned, we have done perversely, and have dealt wickedly;’ Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand they have turned [it] back to their heart in the land to where they have been taken captive, and have turned back and made supplication to You in the land of their captivity, saying, We have sinned, we have done perversely, and have done wickedly;
Young's Literal Translation and they have turned it back unto their heart in the land whither they have been taken captive, and have turned back, and made supplication unto Thee in the land of their captivity, saying, We have sinned, we have done perversely, and have done wickedly;
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd they turned back to their heart in the land which they were carried away captive there, and they turned back and made supplication to thee in the land of their captivity, saying, We sinned, we were perverse, and we did evil; Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd if they be converted in their heart in the land to which they were led / captive, and do penance, and pray to thee in the land of their captivity, saying: We have sinned, we have done wickedly, we have dealt unjustly:
Catholic Public Domain Versionand if, having been converted in their heart in the land to which they had been led as captives, they will do penance, and beseech you in the land of their captivity, saying, ‘We have sinned; we have committed iniquity; we have acted unjustly,’
New American Bibleand they have a change of heart in the land of their captivity and they turn and entreat you in the land of their captors and say, ‘We have sinned and done wrong; we have been wicked,’
New Revised Standard Versionthen if they come to their senses in the land to which they have been taken captive, and repent, and plead with you in the land of their captivity, saying, ‘We have sinned, and have done wrong; we have acted wickedly’; Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleYet if they pray before thee, and repent in the land to which they were carried captive, saying, We have sinned, we have provoked thee to anger and have dealt wickedly;
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd they will pray before you and they will return, and in the cities of their captivity they will say: ‘We have sinned and we have angered and we have done evil.’ OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917yet if they shall bethink themselves in the land whither they are carried captive, and turn, and make supplication unto Thee in the land of their captivity, saying: We have sinned, we have done iniquitously, and have dealt wickedly;
Brenton Septuagint Translationand if they shall repent in their land whither they were carried captive, and shall also turn and make supplication to thee in their captivity, saying, We have sinned, we have transgressed, we have wrought unrighteously;
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Solomon's Prayer of Dedication… 36When 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, 37and when they cometotheir sensesin the landto whichthey were taken,and they repentand pleadwith Youin the landof their captors,saying,‘We have sinnedand done wrong;we have acted wickedly,’38and when they return to You with all their heart and soul in the land of the enemies who took them captive, and when they pray in the direction of the land that You gave to their fathers, the city You have chosen, and the house I have built for Your Name,…
Cross References 1 Kings 8:47and when they come to their senses in the land to which they were taken, and they repent and plead with You in the land of their captors, saying, ‘We have sinned and done wrong; we have acted wickedly,’
Nehemiah 1:9but if you return to Me and keep and practice My commandments, then even if your exiles have been banished to the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for My Name.’
Daniel 9:5-6we have sinned and done wrong. We have acted wickedly and rebelled. We have turned away from Your commandments and ordinances. / We have not listened to Your servants the prophets, who spoke in Your name to our kings, leaders, fathers, and all the people of the land.
Leviticus 26:40-42But if they will confess their iniquity and that of their fathers in the unfaithfulness that they practiced against Me, by which they have also walked in hostility toward Me— / and I acted with hostility toward them and brought them into the land of their enemies—and if their uncircumcised hearts will be humbled and they will make amends for their iniquity, / then I will remember My covenant with Jacob and My covenant with Isaac and My covenant with Abraham, and I will remember the land.
Deuteronomy 30:1-3“When all these things come upon you—the blessings and curses I have set before you—and you call them to mind in all the nations to which the LORD your God has banished you, / and when you and your children return to the LORD your God and obey His voice with all your heart and all your soul according to everything I am giving you today, / then He will restore you from captivity and have compassion on you and gather you from all the nations to which the LORD your God has scattered you.
Jeremiah 29:12-14Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. / You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. / I will be found by you, declares the LORD, and I will restore you from captivity and gather you from all the nations and places to which I have banished you, declares the LORD. I will restore you to the place from which I sent you into exile.”
Ezekiel 18:30-32Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, so that your iniquity will not become your downfall. / Cast away from yourselves all the transgressions you have committed, and fashion for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, O house of Israel? / For I take no pleasure in anyone’s death, declares the Lord GOD. So repent and live!
Hosea 5:15Then I will return to My place until they admit their guilt and seek My face; in their affliction they will earnestly seek Me.”
Joel 2:12-13“Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.” / So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. And He relents from sending disaster.
Isaiah 55:6-7Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. / Let the wicked man forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon.
Psalm 32:5Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not hide my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah
Psalm 51:1-4For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. When Nathan the prophet came to him after his adultery with Bathsheba. Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your loving devotion; according to Your great compassion, blot out my transgressions. / Wash me clean of my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. / For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. ...
Luke 15:17-19Finally he came to his senses and said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have plenty of food, but here I am, starving to death! / I will get up and go back to my father and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. / I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’
Acts 3:19Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away,
1 John 1:9If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Treasury of Scripture Yet if they bethink themselves in the land where they are carried captive, and turn and pray to you in the land of their captivity, saying, We have sinned, we have done amiss, and have dealt wickedly; Yet if Leviticus 26:4-45 Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit… Deuteronomy 4:29,30 But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt findhim, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul… Deuteronomy 30:1-3 And it shall come to pass, when all these things are come upon thee, the blessing and the curse, which I have set before thee, and thou shalt callthem to mind among all the nations, whither the LORD thy God hath driven thee, … Ezra 9:6,7 And said, O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God: for our iniquities are increased overour head, and our trespass is grown up unto the heavens… Nehemiah 1:6 Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father's house have sinned. Nehemiah 9:26-30 Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast thy law behind their backs, and slew thy prophets which testified against them to turn them to thee, and they wrought great provocations… Jump to Previous ActedAmissBethinkCaptiveCaptivityCarriedChangeCommittedDealtHeartHeldIniquitouslyIniquityLayPerverselyPleadRepentSinnedSupplicationThemselvesThoughtTurnWhitherWickedlyWrongJump to Next ActedAmissBethinkCaptiveCaptivityCarriedChangeCommittedDealtHeartHeldIniquitouslyIniquityLayPerverselyPleadRepentSinnedSupplicationThemselvesThoughtTurnWhitherWickedlyWrong2 Chronicles 6 1.Solomon, having blessed the people, blessed God12.Solomon's prayer in the consecration of the temple, upon the bronze platform.and when they come to their senses in the land to which they were takenThis phrase refers to the Israelites' realization of their sinfulness while in exile. The context is Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the temple, anticipating future disobedience and exile. The phrase "come to their senses" implies a moment of clarity and repentance, similar to the prodigal son in Luke 15:17. Historically, the Israelites were taken captive by Assyrians and Babylonians, fulfilling prophecies like those in Deuteronomy 28:36-37. This exile was a result of their covenant unfaithfulness, as warned by prophets like Jeremiah. and they repent and plead with You in the land of their captors
Repentance is a central theme in the Bible, involving a heartfelt turning away from sin and returning to God. This plea for mercy is significant, as it shows a recognition of God's sovereignty even in foreign lands. The act of pleading indicates a deep sense of humility and dependence on God's grace. This mirrors the prayers of Daniel (Daniel 9:4-19) and Nehemiah (Nehemiah 1:4-11), who interceded for their people while in captivity. It highlights the importance of prayer and repentance in restoring the relationship with God. saying, ‘We have sinned and done wrong; we have acted wickedly,’
This confession acknowledges the gravity of their actions, using a threefold expression of sinfulness. Such confessions are seen throughout Scripture, emphasizing the need for honesty before God (Psalm 51:3-4). The language reflects the covenantal understanding of sin as a breach of relationship with God. It echoes the confessions of leaders like Ezra (Ezra 9:6-15) and aligns with the prophetic calls to repentance found in Isaiah and Jeremiah. This acknowledgment is crucial for receiving God's forgiveness and restoration, pointing to the ultimate redemption through Jesus Christ, who bore the sins of humanity. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonThe king of Israel who is offering a prayer of dedication for the newly built temple in Jerusalem. He is interceding on behalf of the people of Israel. 2. IsraelitesThe people of Israel who are the subject of Solomon's prayer. They are envisioned as being in a future state of captivity due to their sins. 3. Land of CaptivityThe foreign land where the Israelites might be taken as captives due to their disobedience to God. 4. RepentanceThe act of turning back to God, acknowledging sin, and seeking His forgiveness, which is central to Solomon's prayer. 5. Temple in JerusalemThe newly constructed temple that Solomon is dedicating, which serves as a focal point for the Israelites' worship and prayers. Teaching Points The Importance of RepentanceTrue repentance involves a heartfelt acknowledgment of sin and a sincere turning back to God. It is not merely feeling sorry but involves a change of heart and direction. God's Readiness to ForgiveGod is always ready to forgive those who genuinely repent and seek His mercy, no matter how far they have strayed. The Role of IntercessionLike Solomon, believers are called to intercede for others, praying for their repentance and restoration to God. Consequences of SinSin has real consequences, including separation from God and potential captivity (spiritual or physical). Recognizing this can lead to a deeper understanding of the need for repentance. Restoration and HopeEven in captivity or difficult circumstances, there is hope for restoration when we turn back to God with a contrite heart. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 6:37?
2.How does 2 Chronicles 6:37 emphasize the importance of repentance in prayer?
3.What does "turn their hearts" reveal about genuine repentance and transformation?
4.How can we apply Solomon's prayer for forgiveness in our daily lives?
5.What scriptural connections exist between 2 Chronicles 6:37 and 1 John 1:9?
6.How can acknowledging sin lead to spiritual restoration in our communities today?
7.What does 2 Chronicles 6:37 teach about repentance and forgiveness?
8.How does 2 Chronicles 6:37 relate to the concept of exile and return?
9.What historical context surrounds 2 Chronicles 6:37?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Chronicles 6?
11.Do angels commit more sins than humans?
12.Who was Manasseh in the Bible?
13.2 Chronicles 6:36-39: The passage implies exiles and restorations happen in response to prayer and repentance; is there non-biblical documentation of these exiles clearly following that pattern?
14.What does the Bible say about self-forgiveness?What Does 2 Chronicles 6:37 Mean and when they come to their senses in the land to which they were taken• The verse begins with a picture of spiritual awakening. Exile has stripped the people of every illusion; now they finally “come to their senses.” CompareLuke 15:17: “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare…’ ” Exile—whether for Israel in2 Kings 17:6 or for Manasseh in2 Chronicles 33:12–13—becomes God’s severe mercy, shaking the heart awake. • This clause underscores personal responsibility. Captivity is real, yet the mind can still turn. God never removes the possibility of repentance, even in judgment (Leviticus 26:40–42). • “The land to which they were taken” highlights God’s sovereignty in both discipline and restoration (Jeremiah 29:14).
and they repent and plead with You in the land of their captors• Repentance is more than remorse; it is an active “turning.” In1 Kings 8:47, the parallel passage, Solomon prays, “and in the land of their captors, they turn back to You.” • Pleading shows dependence. LikeDaniel 9:3–5, they combine fasting, sackcloth, and prayer: “We have sinned and done wrong.” No distance—geographical or spiritual—blocks access to God when the heart humbles itself (Psalm 51:17). • Even in enemy territory, God hears.Jonah 2:1–2 illustrates the same truth from the belly of the fish.
We have sinned and done wrong; we have acted wickedly• The confession is specific and unvarnished, using three verbs that strip away self-justification.Psalm 32:5 mirrors this: “I acknowledged my sin to You and did not hide my iniquity.” • True confession aligns with God’s verdict.Ezra 9:6–7 adopts identical language after the return from exile, showing that Solomon’s prayer became Israel’s liturgy of repentance. • Such honesty opens the door to forgiveness.1 John 1:9 anchors the timeless promise: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
summary2 Chronicles 6:37 teaches that divine discipline aims at restoration. When hardship finally awakens the heart, real repentance follows: a deliberate turning, earnest pleading, and clear confession. Even in the far country, God listens, and genuine contrition becomes the gateway to His faithful forgiveness and renewed blessing. (37) Yet if they bethink themselves.--Compare-margin. If they take it to heart, i.e., repent (Deut. iv- 39). We have sinned, we have done amiss, and have dealt wickedly.--Comp. the same three verbs inPsalm 106:6;Daniel 9:5 (Kings puts the conjunction before the second verb). There is a climax, "we have slipped (or missed the mark), we have done crookedly, we have been godless."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew and when they comeוְהֵשִׁ֙יבוּ֙(wə·hê·šî·ḇū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 7725:To turn back, in, to retreat, againtoאֶל־(’el-)Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, totheir sensesלְבָבָ֔ם(lə·ḇā·ḇām)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3824:Inner man, mind, will, heartin the landבָּאָ֖רֶץ(bā·’ā·reṣ)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776:Earth, landto whichאֲשֶׁ֣ר(’ă·šer)Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thatthey were taken,נִשְׁבּוּ־(niš·bū-)Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 7617:To transport into captivityand they repentוְשָׁ֣בוּ ׀(wə·šā·ḇū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 7725:To turn back, in, to retreat, againand pleadוְהִֽתְחַנְּנ֣וּ(wə·hiṯ·ḥan·nə·nū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 2603:To bend, stoop in kindness to an inferior, to favor, bestow, to implorewith Youאֵלֶ֗יךָ(’ê·le·ḵā)Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, toin the landבְּאֶ֤רֶץ(bə·’e·reṣ)Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 776:Earth, landof their captors,שִׁבְיָם֙(šiḇ·yām)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 7633:Captivity, captivessaying,לֵאמֹ֔ר(lê·mōr)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 559:To utter, say‘We have sinnedחָטָ֥אנוּ(ḥā·ṭā·nū)Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common plural
Strong's 2398:To miss, to sin, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemnand done wrong;הֶעֱוִ֖ינוּ(he·‘ĕ·wî·nū)Verb - Hifil - Perfect - first person common plural
Strong's 5753:To bend, twistwe have acted wickedly,’וְרָשָֽׁעְנוּ׃(wə·rā·šā·‘ə·nū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common plural
Strong's 7561:To be, wrong, to disturb, violate
Links 2 Chronicles 6:37 NIV2 Chronicles 6:37 NLT2 Chronicles 6:37 ESV2 Chronicles 6:37 NASB2 Chronicles 6:37 KJV
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OT History: 2 Chronicles 6:37 Yet if they shall repent themselves (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr) |
