King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 31:11 Mean?

2 Chronicles 31:11 in the King James Version says “Then Hezekiah commanded to prepare chambers in the house of the LORD; and they prepared them, chambers: or, storehouses” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then Hezekiah commanded to prepare chambers in the house of the LORD; and they prepared them, chambers: or, storehouses”

2 Chronicles 31:11 · KJV

Context

9

Then Hezekiah questioned with the priests and the Levites concerning the heaps.

10

And Azariah the chief priest of the house of Zadok answered him, and said, Since the people began to bring the offerings into the house of the LORD, we have had enough to eat, and have left plenty: for the LORD hath blessed his people; and that which is left is this great store.

11

Then Hezekiah commanded to prepare chambers in the house of the LORD; and they prepared them, chambers: or, storehouses

12

And brought in the offerings and the tithes and the dedicated things faithfully: over which Cononiah the Levite was ruler, and Shimei his brother was the next.

13

And Jehiel, and Azaziah, and Nahath, and Asahel, and Jerimoth, and Jozabad, and Eliel, and Ismachiah, and Mahath, and Benaiah, were overseers under the hand of Cononiah and Shimei his brother, at the commandment of Hezekiah the king, and Azariah the ruler of the house of God. under: Heb. at the hand

Read 2 Chronicles 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then Hezekiah commanded to prepare chambers in the house of the LORD; and they prepared them,

This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing Thorough removal of idolatry and support for priesthood. 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 7 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 7

“commanded”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְחִזְקִיָּ֗הוּ2 of 7

“Then Hezekiah”

H3169

jechizkijah, the name of five israelites

וַיָּכִֽינוּ׃3 of 7

“and they prepared”

H3559

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

לְשָׁכ֛וֹת4 of 7

“chambers”

H3957

a room in a building (whether for storage, eating, or lodging)

בְּבֵ֥ית5 of 7

“in the house”

H1004

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

יְהוָ֖ה6 of 7

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

וַיָּכִֽינוּ׃7 of 7

“and they prepared”

H3559

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

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 31:11 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 31:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Nehemiah 13:12-13Nehemiah 10:38-39Nehemiah 13:5

Test Your Knowledge

2 Chronicles 31 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Chronicles Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Chronicles 31 with CommentaryAll 2 Chronicles ChaptersComplete 2 Chronicles QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes