2 Chronicles 6:36
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The most striking thing here is the parenthetical, "for there is no one who does not sin." This isn't just a casual admission; it's the bedrock truth upon which Solomon builds this entire prayer, reminding God (and us!) that sin is universal, not an exception. It underscores God's incredible patience and grace that He'd even establish a covenant with such inherently flawed humanity.
“If they sin against you—for there is no one who does not sin—and you are angry with them and give them to an enemy, so that they are carried away captive to a land far or near,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Solomon is dedicating the magnificent temple he built to God, offering a heartfelt prayer for its future. This passage comes after he's spoken about God's faithfulness and promises. Here, he anticipates that the people will inevitably sin and face consequences, asking for God's mercy and a way back to Him, even in exile.
Solomon's prayer in 2 Chronicles 6 starts with a bold, honest admission about humanity. It's a truth that can feel discouraging, but it's foundational to understanding God's heart.
No Exceptions
Solomon doesn't mince words: 'for there is no one who does not sin.' This isn't a suggestion or a possibility; it's a stated fact about the human condition. It means no one, no matter how spiritual, wise, or dedicated, is exempt from sin. This isn't to excuse sin, but to recognize its pervasive nature in our lives. It’s a stark reminder that our default setting, left to ourselves, is rebellion against God. This universal sinfulness is precisely why we can never earn God's favor through our own efforts. It humbles us and points us to our desperate need for His intervention.
When sin is a universal reality, how does a holy God respond? Solomon's prayer doesn't shy away from the serious consequences of disobedience.
Anger and Exile
The verse continues by describing God's reaction to sin: 'you are angry with them and give them to an enemy, so that they are carried away captive.' This isn't a petty, human anger, but a righteous indignation against rebellion. God's holiness cannot tolerate sin, and His justice demands a consequence. For Israel, this often meant facing defeat by their enemies and being exiled from their promised land. This consequence served as a severe, tangible reminder of their broken covenant and the seriousness of turning away from God. It was a discipline designed to lead them back to repentance.
Understand the original words
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chata' · Hebrew Verb
The failure to conform to the moral law of God in act, attitude, or nature; it involves missing the mark of God's holy standard.
anaph · Hebrew Verb
An intense, righteous displeasure or indignation toward evil and rebellion; in Scripture, it often describes God's holy response to human covenant-breaking.
shebiy · Hebrew Noun
The state of being held by a captor, often used in Scripture as a consequence of national or personal rebellion against God, signifying separation from the place of covenant blessing.
This passage was spoken by Solomon as he dedicated the Temple, prophetically acknowledging the people's future sin and exile. It highlights that even in the face of God's judgment, the possibility of repentance and return remains, a hope deeply rooted in their historical experiences of deportation and eventual return from Babylon.
c. 931 BC
Kingdom Divides
After Solomon's reign, the united kingdom of Israel splits into two: the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah.
722 BC
Fall of the Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire conquers the Northern Kingdom of Israel, scattering its people and ending its existence as a distinct entity.
605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian Empire conquer Judah, taking some of the royal family and skilled citizens captive to Babylon. This marks the beginning of the Babylonian exile.
597 BC
Second Babylonian Deportation
Babylon deports more Judeans, including the prophet Ezekiel, after a revolt against Babylonian rule. Jerusalem's temple is partially looted.
586 BC— this verse
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Babylonians destroy Jerusalem and its magnificent temple, exiling the majority of the remaining population to Babylon. This is the most devastating loss for Judah.
539 BC
Cyrus the Great Conquers Babylon
The Persian Empire, under Cyrus the Great, overthrows the Babylonian Empire, creating a new political reality for the exiles.
538 BC
Edict of Cyrus
Cyrus allows the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their temple, marking the end of the Babylonian exile and the start of the return.
This passage is directly paralleled in Solomon's prayer, emphasizing the universal nature of sin and its consequences.
Ecclesiastes 7:20This verse echoes the sentiment that there is no one righteous who does not sin, highlighting the pervasive reality of human failing.
Romans 3:23The Apostle Paul directly quotes and expands on this truth, stating that all have sinned and fall short of God's glory.
Jeremiah 14:7The prophet Jeremiah laments similar consequences of sin for Israel, including being given over to the sword and captivity, reinforcing the pattern of sin and judgment.
The most striking thing here is the parenthetical, "for there is no one who does not sin." This isn't just a casual admission; it's the bedrock truth upon which Solomon builds this entire prayer, reminding God (and us!) that sin is universal, not an exception. It underscores God's incredible patience and grace that He'd even establish a covenant with such inherently flawed humanity.
Solomon is dedicating the magnificent temple he built to God, offering a heartfelt prayer for its future. This passage comes after he's spoken about God's faithfulness and promises. Here, he anticipates that the people will inevitably sin and face consequences, asking for God's mercy and a way back to Him, even in exile.
Solomon is dedicating the magnificent temple he built to God, offering a heartfelt prayer for its future. This passage comes after he's spoken about God's faithfulness and promises. Here, he anticipates that the people will inevitably sin and face consequences, asking for God's mercy and a way back to Him, even in exile.
"“If they sin against you—for there is no one who does not sin—and you are angry with them and give them to an enemy, so that they are carried away captive to a land far or near," — The most striking thing here is the parenthetical, "for there is no one who does not sin." This isn't just a casual admission; it's the bedrock truth upon which Solomon builds this entire prayer, rem…
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Last reviewed October 2026
