2 Chronicles 26:16
New International Version
But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God, and entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense.

New Living Translation
But when he had become powerful, he also became proud, which led to his downfall. He sinned against the LORD his God by entering the sanctuary of the LORD’s Temple and personally burning incense on the incense altar.

English Standard Version
But when he was strong, he grew proud, to his destruction. For he was unfaithful to the LORD his God and entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense.

Berean Standard Bible
But when Uzziah became powerful, his arrogance led to his own destruction. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God, for he entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense.

King James Bible
But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense.

New King James Version
But when he was strong his heart was lifted up, to his destruction, for he transgressed against the LORD his God by entering the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense.

New American Standard Bible
But when he became strong, his heart was so proud that he acted corruptly, and he was untrue to the LORD his God, for he entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense.

NASB 1995
But when he became strong, his heart was so proud that he acted corruptly, and he was unfaithful to the LORD his God, for he entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense.

NASB 1977
But when he became strong, his heart was so proud that he acted corruptly, and he was unfaithful to the LORD his God, for he entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense.

Legacy Standard Bible
But when he became strong, his heart was so proud that he acted corruptly, and he was unfaithful to Yahweh his God. And he entered the temple of Yahweh to burn incense on the altar of incense.

Amplified Bible
But when Uzziah became strong, he became so proud [of himself and his accomplishments] that he acted corruptly, and he was unfaithful and sinned against the LORD his God, for he went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense.

Christian Standard Bible
But when he became strong, he grew arrogant, and it led to his own destruction. He acted unfaithfully against the LORD his God by going into the LORD’s sanctuary to burn incense on the incense altar.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But when he became strong, he grew arrogant and it led to his own destruction. He acted unfaithfully against the LORD his God by going into the LORD’s sanctuary to burn incense on the incense altar.

American Standard Version
But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up, so that he did corruptly, and he trespassed against Jehovah his God; for he went into the temple of Jehovah to burn incense upon the altar of incense.

Contemporary English Version
Uzziah became proud of his power, and this led to his downfall. One day, Uzziah disobeyed the LORD his God by going into the temple and burning incense as an offering to him.

English Revised Version
But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up so that he did corruptly, and he trespassed against the LORD his God; for he went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But when he became powerful, his pride destroyed him. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God. He went into the LORD's temple to burn incense on the incense altar.

Good News Translation
But when King Uzziah became strong, he grew arrogant, and that led to his downfall. He defied the LORD his God by going into the Temple to burn incense on the altar of incense.

International Standard Version
But after he had become strong, in his arrogance he acted corruptly and became unfaithful to the LORD his God, and he dared to enter the LORD's Temple to burn incense on the incense altar.

Majority Standard Bible
But when Uzziah grew powerful, his arrogance led to his own destruction. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God, for he entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense.

NET Bible
But once he became powerful, his pride destroyed him. He disobeyed the LORD his God. He entered the LORD's temple to offer incense on the incense altar.

New Heart English Bible
But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up, so that he did corruptly, and he trespassed against the LORD his God; for he went into the LORD's temple to burn incense on the altar of incense.

Webster's Bible Translation
But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense.

World English Bible
But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up, so that he did corruptly and he trespassed against Yahweh his God, for he went into Yahweh’s temple to burn incense on the altar of incense.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And at his being strong his heart has been high to destruction, and he trespasses against his God YHWH, and goes into the temple of YHWH to make incense on the altar of incense.

Young's Literal Translation
And at his being strong his heart hath been high unto destruction, and he trespasseth against Jehovah his God, and goeth in unto the temple of Jehovah to make perfume upon the altar of perfume.

Smith's Literal Translation
And in his being strong his heart was lifted up even to destruction: for he will transgress against Jehovah his God, and come in to the temple of Jehovah to burn incense upon the altar of incense.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But when he was made strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction, and he neglected the Lord his God: and going into the temple of the Lord, he had a mind to burn incense upon the altar of incense.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But when he had become strong, his heart was lifted up, even to his own destruction. And he neglected the Lord his God. And entering into the temple of the Lord, he intended to burn incense upon the altar of incense.

New American Bible
But after he had become strong, he became arrogant to his own destruction and acted treacherously with the LORD, his God. He entered the temple of the LORD to make an offering on the altar of incense.

New Revised Standard Version
But when he had become strong he grew proud, to his destruction. For he was false to the LORD his God, and entered the temple of the LORD to make offering on the altar of incense.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But when he became very rich, his pride was lifted up exceedingly, so he transgressed against the LORD his God and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And when he was greatly enriched with riches, his spirit was very exalted in him, and he denied LORD JEHOVAH his God and was entering the temple of LORD JEHOVAH to offer censers of sweet spices.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up so that he did corruptly, and he trespassed against the LORD his God; for he went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction; and he transgressed against the Lord his God, and went into the temple of the Lord to turn incense on the altar of incense.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Uzziah Reigns in Judah
15And in Jerusalem he made skillfully designed devices to shoot arrows and catapult large stones from the towers and corners. So his fame spread far and wide, for he was helped tremendously so that he became powerful. 16But when Uzziah grew powerful, his arrogance led to his own destruction. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God, for he entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense. 17Then Azariah the priest, along with eighty brave priests of the LORD, went in after him.…

Cross References
Proverbs 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

1 Samuel 15:23
For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king.”

Daniel 5:20
But when his heart became arrogant and his spirit was hardened with pride, he was deposed from his royal throne, and his glory was taken from him.

Isaiah 2:11-12
The proud look of man will be humbled, and the loftiness of men brought low; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day. / For the Day of the LORD of Hosts will come against all the proud and lofty, against all that is exalted—it will be humbled—

James 4:6
But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

1 Peter 5:5
Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

Proverbs 18:12
Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.

2 Kings 15:5
And 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 32:25
But because his heart was proud, Hezekiah did not repay the favor shown to him. Therefore wrath came upon him and upon Judah and Jerusalem.

Isaiah 14:13-15
You said in your heart: “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God. I will sit on the mount of assembly, in the far reaches of the north. / I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” / But you will be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the Pit.

Luke 14:11
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Matthew 23:12
For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

1 Timothy 3:6
He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same condemnation as the devil.

Ezekiel 28:2
“Son of man, tell the ruler of Tyre that this is what the Lord GOD says: Your heart is proud, and you have said, ‘I am a god; I sit in the seat of gods in the heart of the sea.’ Yet you are a man and not a god, though you have regarded your heart as that of a god.

Romans 12:3
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you.


Treasury of Scripture

But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense.

when he was

2 Chronicles 25:19
Thou sayest, Lo, thou hast smitten the Edomites; and thine heart lifteth thee up to boast: abide now at home; why shouldest thou meddle to thine hurt, that thou shouldest fall, even thou, and Judah with thee?

2 Chronicles 32:25
But Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit done unto him; for his heart was lifted up: therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem.

Deuteronomy 8:14,17
Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage; …

went into

2 Kings 16:12,13
And when the king was come from Damascus, the king saw the altar: and the king approached to the altar, and offered thereon…

to burn

Numbers 16:1,7,18,35
Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men: …

1 Kings 12:33
So he offered upon the altar which he had made in Bethel the fifteenth day of the eighth month, even in the month which he had devised of his own heart; and ordained a feast unto the children of Israel: and he offered upon the altar, and burnt incense.

1 Kings 13:1-4
And, behold, there came a man of God out of Judah by the word of the LORD unto Bethel: and Jeroboam stood by the altar to burn incense…

Jump to Previous
Acted Altar Burn Burning Causing Corruptly Destruction Entered Evil False. Grew Heart High Incense Lifted Powerful Pride Proud Purpose Strong Temple Transgressed Trespassed Unfaithful Uzziah
Jump to Next
Acted Altar Burn Burning Causing Corruptly Destruction Entered Evil False. Grew Heart High Incense Lifted Powerful Pride Proud Purpose Strong Temple Transgressed Trespassed Unfaithful Uzziah
2 Chronicles 26
1. Uzziah succeeding, and reigning well in the days of Zechariah, prospers
16. Waxing proud, he invades the priest's office, and is smitten with leprosy
22. He dies, and Jotham succeeds him














But when Uzziah grew powerful
The phrase "grew powerful" indicates a transition in Uzziah's life and reign. The Hebrew root for "powerful" is "chazaq," which means to be strong, firm, or resolute. Uzziah's strength was not only in military might but also in his influence and prosperity as a king. Historically, Uzziah's reign was marked by significant achievements, including military victories and infrastructural advancements. However, this power became a double-edged sword, as it often does when not tempered by humility and reliance on God.

his arrogance led to his downfall
The word "arrogance" is derived from the Hebrew "gābah," which conveys a sense of pride or being exalted. In a biblical context, arrogance is often the precursor to a fall, as seen in Proverbs 16:18, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." Uzziah's downfall was not merely a political or military failure but a spiritual one. His arrogance blinded him to his dependence on God, leading to actions that were against divine law.

He was unfaithful to the LORD his God
"Unfaithful" here is translated from the Hebrew "ma'al," which means to act treacherously or to betray. Uzziah's unfaithfulness was a breach of the covenant relationship with God. In the historical context of Israel, faithfulness to God was paramount, and kings were expected to lead by example. Uzziah's actions were a direct violation of the sacred trust placed in him as a leader of God's people.

for he entered the temple of the LORD
The temple was the dwelling place of God's presence, and only the priests, descendants of Aaron, were permitted to perform certain rituals within it. Uzziah's entry into the temple was not just a physical act but a symbolic overstepping of boundaries set by God. This act of presumption was a serious offense, reflecting a disregard for the holiness of God and the established order of worship.

to burn incense on the altar of incense
Burning incense was a priestly duty, symbolizing the prayers of the people rising to God. The altar of incense was located in the Holy Place, and its use was strictly regulated. Uzziah's attempt to burn incense was an act of usurpation, taking upon himself a role that was not his to assume. This reflects a deeper issue of self-exaltation and a misunderstanding of his position before God. Theologically, it serves as a warning against the dangers of pride and the importance of respecting God's ordained structures and roles.

UZZIAH'S PRESUMPTION PUNISHED BY LEPROSY HIS DEATH

(2Chronicles 26:16-23).

This section also is mainly peculiar to the chronicler. 2Kings 15:5-7 correspond to 2Chronicles 26:21-23 only.

(16) But when he was strong.--See 2Chronicles 26:15, "till he was strong," and the same phrase, 2Chronicles 12:1. . . .

Verse 16. - To (his) destruction; Hebrew, עַד־לְחַשְׁחִית, hiph. conjugation infin, of שָׁחַת. This conjugation frequently occurs in the sense of "destroying," but also as well without an accusative as with, in the sense of "doing corruptly" (Genesis 6:12 with accusative; but without Deuteronomy 4:16; Deuteronomy 31:29; Judges 2:19; Isaiah 1:19; and next chapter, ver. 2). He transgressed. The "transgression" of a heart that had waxed wanton through prosperity took that peculiarly aggravated form of sinning against holy things and a holy ceremonial. Although, in the daily service of the second temple, the duty of offering incense attached to one chosen by lot each morning and evening of the inferior priests, yet originally the high priest was solemnly appointed for this office. The following are among the most important references to the matter of the incense and its offering (Exodus 25:6; Exodus 30:1, 7, 8, 34, 37, 38; Leviticus 16:13; Luke 1:21; Numbers 6:24-26; Numbers 16:1-35; Numbers 18:1-7; 1 Kings 4:20).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But when [Uzziah] grew powerful,
וּכְחֶזְקָת֗וֹ (ū·ḵə·ḥez·qā·ṯōw)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-k | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2393: Prevailing power

his arrogance
גָּבַ֤הּ (gā·ḇah)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1361: To soar, be lofty, to be haughty

led to his own destruction.
לְהַשְׁחִ֔ית (lə·haš·ḥîṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7843: Perhaps to go to ruin

He was unfaithful
וַיִּמְעַ֖ל (way·yim·‘al)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4603: To cover up, to act covertly, treacherously

to the LORD
בַּיהוָ֣ה (Yah·weh)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

his God,
אֱלֹהָ֑יו (’ĕ·lō·hāw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

for he entered
וַיָּבֹא֙ (way·yā·ḇō)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

the temple
הֵיכַ֣ל (hê·ḵal)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1964: A large public building, palace, temple

of the LORD
יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

to burn incense
לְהַקְטִ֖יר (lə·haq·ṭîr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6999: To smoke, turn into fragrance by fire

on
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the altar
מִזְבַּ֥ח (miz·baḥ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4196: An altar

of incense.
הַקְּטֹֽרֶת׃ (haq·qə·ṭō·reṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 7004: Smoke, odor of (burning) sacrifice, incense


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OT History: 2 Chronicles 26:16 But when he was strong his heart (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr)
2 Chronicles 26:15
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