King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 19:10 Mean?

2 Chronicles 19:10 in the King James Version says “And what cause soever shall come to you of your brethren that dwell in their cities, between blood and blood, between la... — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And what cause soever shall come to you of your brethren that dwell in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and judgments, ye shall even warn them that they trespass not against the LORD, and so wrath come upon you, and upon your brethren: this do, and ye shall not trespass.

2 Chronicles 19:10 · KJV


Context

8

Moreover in Jerusalem did Jehoshaphat set of the Levites, and of the priests, and of the chief of the fathers of Israel, for the judgment of the LORD, and for controversies, when they returned to Jerusalem.

9

And he charged them, saying, Thus shall ye do in the fear of the LORD, faithfully, and with a perfect heart.

10

And what cause soever shall come to you of your brethren that dwell in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and judgments, ye shall even warn them that they trespass not against the LORD, and so wrath come upon you, and upon your brethren: this do, and ye shall not trespass.

11

And, behold, Amariah the chief priest is over you in all matters of the LORD; and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, for all the king's matters: also the Levites shall be officers before you. Deal courageously, and the LORD shall be with the good. Deal: Heb. Take courage and do


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And what cause soever shall come to you of your brethren that dwell in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and judgments, ye shall even warn them that they trespass not against the LORD, and so wrath come upon you, and upon your brethren: this do, and ye shall not trespass.

This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing Establishing righteous judgment throughout the land. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immediate divine retribution—kings who seek God prosper, while those who forsake Him face judgment. This pattern provides instruction for the post-exilic community on the conditions for God's blessing.

The account demonstrates God's covenant faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. Even in judgment, God preserves a remnant and offers restoration through repentance. The repeated cycle of apostasy, judgment, and restoration reveals both human sinfulness and divine mercy. References to the temple, proper worship, and priestly service emphasize the Chronicler's concern for correct religious observance.

Theologically, these accounts point beyond immediate history to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line. Despite repeated failures, God preserves David's dynasty, anticipating the perfect King who will reign in righteousness. The pattern of judgment for sin and restoration through repentance prefigures the gospel message of salvation through Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This passage occurs during the divided monarchy period when Judah existed separately from northern Israel. The Chronicler writes from a post-exilic perspective, addressing the restored community in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile (539 BCE onward). His emphasis on temple worship, proper religious observance, and God's covenant faithfulness speaks directly to the needs of his audience who had just rebuilt the temple and were reestablishing their identity as God's people.

The historical context demonstrates both God's judgment on persistent sin and His readiness to restore those who genuinely repent. The Chronicler omits most northern kingdom material, focusing on Judah and the Davidic line to emphasize God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Lachish, Beersheba, and Jerusalem corroborate the biblical accounts of various kings' reigns and building projects.

Understanding the Chronicler's post-exilic perspective is crucial—he's not merely recording history but applying past lessons to his contemporary audience, showing that the same principles of seeking God, maintaining proper worship, and covenant faithfulness that determined blessing or judgment in the past still apply.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse illustrate the principle of divine retribution (blessing for obedience, judgment for sin)?
  2. What specific applications does this passage have for maintaining spiritual faithfulness in contemporary Christian life?
  3. How does this account point to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line and the coming Messiah?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 30 words
וְכָל1 of 30
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

רִיב֩2 of 30

And what cause

H7379

a contest (personal or legal)

אֲשֶׁר3 of 30
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יָב֨וֹא4 of 30

soever shall come

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

עֲלֵיכֶ֜ם5 of 30
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אֲחֵיכֶ֑ם6 of 30

come upon you and upon your brethren

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

הַיֹּֽשְׁבִ֣ים7 of 30

that dwell

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בְּעָֽרֵיהֶ֗ם8 of 30

in their cities

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

בֵּֽין9 of 30
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

לְדָם֮10 of 30

and blood

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

לְדָם֮11 of 30

and blood

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

בֵּין12 of 30
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

תּוֹרָ֣ה13 of 30

between law

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

לְמִצְוָה֮14 of 30

and commandment

H4687

a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)

לְחֻקִּ֣ים15 of 30

statutes

H2706

an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)

וּלְמִשְׁפָּטִים֒16 of 30

and judgments

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

וְהִזְהַרְתֶּ֣ם17 of 30

ye shall even warn

H2094

figuratively, to enlighten (by caution)

אֹתָ֔ם18 of 30
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

וְלֹ֤א19 of 30
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תֶאְשָֽׁמוּ׃20 of 30

and ye shall not trespass

H816

to be guilty; by implication to be punished or perish

לַֽיהוָ֔ה21 of 30

not against the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וְהָֽיָה22 of 30
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

קֶ֥צֶף23 of 30

and so wrath

H7110

a splinter (as chipped off)

עֲלֵיכֶ֖ם24 of 30
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

וְעַל25 of 30
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אֲחֵיכֶ֑ם26 of 30

come upon you and upon your brethren

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

כֹּ֥ה27 of 30

this

H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

תַֽעֲשׂ֖וּן28 of 30

do

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

וְלֹ֥א29 of 30
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תֶאְשָֽׁמוּ׃30 of 30

and ye shall not trespass

H816

to be guilty; by implication to be punished or perish


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 19:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Chronicles 19:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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