King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 31:14 Mean?

2 Chronicles 31:14 in the King James Version says “And Kore the son of Imnah the Levite, the porter toward the east, was over the freewill offerings of God, to distribute ...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Chronicles 31:14 · KJV

Context

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.

15

And next him were Eden, and Miniamin, and Jeshua, and Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah, in the cities of the priests, in their set office, to give to their brethren by courses, as well to the great as to the small: next: Heb. at his hand set: or, trust

16

Beside their genealogy of males, from three years old and upward, even unto every one that entereth into the house of the LORD, his daily portion for their service in their charges according to their courses;

Read 2 Chronicles 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 14 words
וְקוֹרֵ֨א1 of 14

“And Kore”

H6981

kore, the name of two israelites

בֶן2 of 14

“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

יִמְנָ֤ה3 of 14

“of Imnah”

H3232

jimnah, the name of two israelites; also (with the article) of the posterity of one of them

הַלֵּוִי֙4 of 14

“the Levite”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

הַשּׁוֹעֵ֣ר5 of 14

“the porter”

H7778

a janitor

לַמִּזְרָ֔חָה6 of 14

“toward the east”

H4217

sunrise, i.e., the east

עַ֖ל7 of 14
H5921

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

נִדְב֣וֹת8 of 14

“was over the freewill offerings”

H5071

properly (abstractly) spontaneity, or (adjectively) spontaneous; also (concretely) a spontaneous or (by inference, in plural) abundant gift

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים9 of 14

“of God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

לָתֵת֙10 of 14

“to distribute”

H5414

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

תְּרוּמַ֣ת11 of 14

“the oblations”

H8641

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

יְהוָ֔ה12 of 14

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

וְקָדְשֵׁ֖י13 of 14
H6942

to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

הַקֳּדָשִֽׁים׃14 of 14

“and the most”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

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 31:14 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 31:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezra 7:161 Chronicles 26:17Leviticus 23:38Leviticus 10:12-131 Chronicles 26:141 Chronicles 26:12

Places in This Verse

East GateGate · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E4 verses across 4 books
View all places in 2 Chronicles 31 →

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