King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 2:10 Mean?

2 Chronicles 2:10 in the King James Version says “And, behold, I will give to thy servants, the hewers that cut timber, twenty thousand measures of beaten wheat, and twen...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And, behold, I will give to thy servants, the hewers that cut timber, twenty thousand measures of beaten wheat, and twenty thousand measures of barley, and twenty thousand baths of wine, and twenty thousand baths of oil.”

2 Chronicles 2:10 · KJV

Context

8

Send me also cedar trees, fir trees, and algum trees, out of Lebanon: for I know that thy servants can skill to cut timber in Lebanon; and, behold, my servants shall be with thy servants, algum: or, Almuggim, I.Kin.10.11.

9

Even to prepare me timber in abundance: for the house which I am about to build shall be wonderful great. wonderful: Heb. great and wonderful

10

And, behold, I will give to thy servants, the hewers that cut timber, twenty thousand measures of beaten wheat, and twenty thousand measures of barley, and twenty thousand baths of wine, and twenty thousand baths of oil.

11

Then Huram the king of Tyre answered in writing, which he sent to Solomon, Because the LORD hath loved his people, he hath made thee king over them.

12

Huram said moreover, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, that made heaven and earth, who hath given to David the king a wise son, endued with prudence and understanding, that might build an house for the LORD, and an house for his kingdom. endued: Heb. knowing prudence and understanding

Read 2 Chronicles 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And, behold, I will give to thy servants, the hewers that cut timber, twenty thousand measures of beaten wheat, and twenty thousand measures of barley, and twenty thousand baths of wine, and twenty thousand baths of oil.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on Mobilizing resources for God's house. The Chronicler presents Solomon's faithfulness in temple building and worship as paradigmatic for post-exilic Israel. Unlike the Kings account which includes Solomon's failures, Chronicles emphasizes his positive example during his faithful years.

Theologically, the passage demonstrates that wholehearted seeking of God results in His manifest blessing and presence. The temple construction and dedication represent the climax of God's dwelling with Israel, foreshadowing the incarnation when God would dwell among humanity in Christ. The elaborate preparations and careful adherence to divine pattern emphasize that worship must occur on God's terms.

Cross-references to the tabernacle (Exodus 25-40), Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7, 1 Chronicles 17), and Messianic prophecies illuminate how Solomon's temple points toward Christ as the true meeting place between God and humanity. The material glory of Solomon's kingdom anticipates the greater glory of the Messianic age.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The reign of Solomon (970-930 BCE) represents Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity. The temple construction began in Solomon's fourth year (966 BCE), exactly 480 years after the Exodus according to 1 Kings 6:1. The Chronicler writes from a post-exilic perspective (450-400 BCE), emphasizing themes relevant to the restored community: temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Archaeological evidence confirms Solomon's extensive building projects and international trade relationships. The temple's design incorporated Phoenician architectural elements, evidenced by parallel structures discovered in Syria and Lebanon. Solomon's alliance with Hiram of Tyre provided both materials (Lebanese cedar) and craftsmen for the construction.

The post-exilic audience, having returned from Babylonian captivity to rebuild the temple, needed encouragement that God's presence and blessing could be restored through faithful worship. The Chronicler presents Solomon's reign as paradigmatic—when leaders and people seek God wholeheartedly, He dwells among them and prospers them.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse deepen understanding of God's presence as the source of true blessing and success?
  2. What does this passage teach about the importance of following God's prescribed patterns in worship and service?
  3. How does Solomon's example in Preparation for Temple Building point forward to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
וְהִנֵּ֣ה1 of 23
H2009

lo!

לַֽחֹטְבִ֣ים2 of 23

“the hewers”

H2404

to chop or carve wood

לְֽכֹרְתֵ֣י3 of 23

“that cut”

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

הָֽעֵצִ֡ים4 of 23

“timber”

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

נָתַתִּי֩5 of 23

“And behold I will give”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

חִטִּ֨ים׀6 of 23

“wheat”

H2406

wheat, whether the grain or the plant

מַכּ֜וֹת7 of 23

“of beaten”

H4347

a blow (in 2 chronicles 2:10, of the flail); by implication, a wound; figuratively, carnage, also pestilence

לַֽעֲבָדֶ֗יךָ8 of 23

“to thy servants”

H5650

a servant

כֹּרִ֖ים9 of 23

“measures”

H3734

properly, a deep round vessel, i.e., (specifically) a cor or measure for things dry

עֶשְׂרִ֥ים10 of 23

“and twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

אָֽלֶף׃11 of 23

“thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

וּשְׂעֹרִ֕ים12 of 23

“of barley”

H8184

barley (as villose)

כֹּרִ֖ים13 of 23

“measures”

H3734

properly, a deep round vessel, i.e., (specifically) a cor or measure for things dry

עֶשְׂרִ֥ים14 of 23

“and twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

אָֽלֶף׃15 of 23

“thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

וְיַ֗יִן16 of 23

“of wine”

H3196

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

בַּתִּ֖ים17 of 23

“baths”

H1324

a bath or hebrew measure (as a means of division) of liquids

עֶשְׂרִ֥ים18 of 23

“and twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

אָֽלֶף׃19 of 23

“thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

וְשֶׁ֕מֶן20 of 23

“of oil”

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

בַּתִּ֖ים21 of 23

“baths”

H1324

a bath or hebrew measure (as a means of division) of liquids

עֶשְׂרִ֥ים22 of 23

“and twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

אָֽלֶף׃23 of 23

“thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

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 2:10 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 2:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 5:11Romans 13:7-81 Kings 7:381 Kings 7:26Ezra 7:22Luke 10:7

Test Your Knowledge

2 Chronicles 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Chronicles Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Chronicles 2 with CommentaryAll 2 Chronicles ChaptersComplete 2 Chronicles QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes