King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 19:11 Mean?

2 Chronicles 19:11 in the King James Version says “And, behold, Amariah the chief priest is over you in all matters of the LORD; and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the ruler... — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Chronicles 19:11 · KJV


Context

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, 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.

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 · 26 words
וְהִנֵּ֡ה1 of 26
H2009

lo!

אֲמַרְיָ֣הוּ2 of 26

And behold Amariah

H568

amarjah, the name of nine israelites

כֹהֵן֩3 of 26

priest

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

הָרֹ֨אשׁ4 of 26

the chief

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

עֲלֵיכֶ֜ם5 of 26
H5921

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

לְכֹ֣ל6 of 26
H3605

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

דְּבַר7 of 26

is over you in all matters

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

יְהוָ֖ה8 of 26

and the LORD

H3068

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

וּזְבַדְיָ֨הוּ9 of 26

and Zebadiah

H2069

zebadjah, the name of nine israelites

בֶן10 of 26

the son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׁמָעֵ֜אל11 of 26

of Ishmael

H3458

jishmael, the name of abraham's oldest son, and of five israelites

הַנָּגִ֤יד12 of 26

the ruler

H5057

a commander (as occupying the front), civil, military or religious; generally (abstractly, plural), honorable themes

לְבֵית13 of 26

of the house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יְהוּדָה֙14 of 26

of Judah

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

לְכֹ֣ל15 of 26
H3605

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

דְּבַר16 of 26

is over you in all matters

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ17 of 26

for all the king's

H4428

a king

וְשֹֽׁטְרִ֥ים18 of 26

shall be officers

H7860

properly, a scribe, i.e., (by analogy or implication) an official superintendent or magistrate

הַלְוִיִּ֖ם19 of 26

also the Levites

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

לִפְנֵיכֶ֑ם20 of 26

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

חִזְק֣וּ21 of 26

courageously

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

וַֽעֲשׂ֔וּ22 of 26

you Deal

H6213

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

וִיהִ֥י23 of 26
H1961

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

יְהוָ֖ה24 of 26

and the LORD

H3068

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

עִם25 of 26
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

הַטּֽוֹב׃26 of 26

shall be with the good

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good


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 19:11 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 19:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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