King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 31:12 Mean?

2 Chronicles 31:12 in the King James Version says “And brought in the offerings and the tithes and the dedicated things faithfully: over which Cononiah the Levite was rule...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Chronicles 31:12 · KJV

Context

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

14

And Kore the son of Imnah the Levite, the porter toward the east, was over the freewill offerings of God, to distribute the oblations of the LORD, and the most holy things.

Read 2 Chronicles 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

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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 · 13 words
וַיָּבִ֨יאוּ1 of 13

“And brought in”

H935

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

אֶת2 of 13
H853

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

הַתְּרוּמָ֧ה3 of 13

“the offerings”

H8641

a present (as offered up), especially in sacrifice or as tribute

וְהַֽמַּעֲשֵׂ֛ר4 of 13

“and the tithes”

H4643

a tenth; especially a tithe

וְהַקֳּדָשִׁ֖ים5 of 13

“and the dedicated”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

בֶּֽאֱמוּנָ֑ה6 of 13

“things faithfully”

H530

literally firmness; figuratively security; morally fidelity

וַֽעֲלֵיהֶ֤ם7 of 13
H5921

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

נָגִיד֙8 of 13

“was ruler”

H5057

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

כָּֽונַנְיָ֣הוּ9 of 13

“over which Cononiah”

H3562

conanjah, the name of two israelites

הַלֵּוִ֔י10 of 13

“the Levite”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

וְשִׁמְעִ֥י11 of 13

“and Shimei”

H8096

shimi, the name of twenty israelites

אָחִ֖יהוּ12 of 13

“his brother”

H251

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

מִשְׁנֶֽה׃13 of 13

“was the next”

H4932

properly, a repetition, i.e., a duplicate (copy of a document), or a double (in amount); by implication, a second (in order, rank, age, quality or loc

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 31:12 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 31:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 35:91 Chronicles 26:20-262 Kings 12:15

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