King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 31:15 Mean?

2 Chronicles 31:15 in the King James Version says “And next him were Eden, and Miniamin, and Jeshua, and Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah, in the cities of the priests, in...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Chronicles 31:15 · King James Version

Context

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;

17

Both to the genealogy of the priests by the house of their fathers, and the Levites from twenty years old and upward, in their charges by their courses;

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Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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:

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?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְעַל1 of 16
H5921

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

יָד֡וֹ2 of 16

“by”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

עֵ֣דֶן3 of 16

“And next him were Eden”

H5731

eden, the region of adam's home

וּ֠מִנְיָמִן4 of 16

“and Miniamin”

H4509

minjamin, the name of two israelites

וְיֵשׁ֨וּעַ5 of 16

“and Jeshua”

H3442

jeshua, the name of ten israelites, also of a place in palestine

וּֽשְׁמַעְיָ֜הוּ6 of 16

“and Shemaiah”

H8098

shemajah, the name of twenty-five israelites

אֲמַרְיָ֧הוּ7 of 16

“Amariah”

H568

amarjah, the name of nine israelites

וּשְׁכַנְיָ֛הוּ8 of 16

“and Shecaniah”

H7935

shekanjah, the name of nine israelites

בְּעָרֵ֥י9 of 16

“in the cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֖ים10 of 16

“of the priests”

H3548

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

בֶּֽאֱמוּנָ֑ה11 of 16

“in their set office”

H530

literally firmness; figuratively security; morally fidelity

לָתֵ֤ת12 of 16

“to give”

H5414

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

לַֽאֲחֵיהֶם֙13 of 16

“to their brethren”

H251

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

בְּמַחְלְק֔וֹת14 of 16

“courses”

H4256

a section (of levites, people or soldiers)

כַּגָּד֖וֹל15 of 16

“as well to the great”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

כַּקָּטָֽן׃16 of 16

“as to the small”

H6996

abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)

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 31:15 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 31:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 21:9-192 Chronicles 31:131 Chronicles 9:221 Chronicles 25:81 Chronicles 6:54-602 Chronicles 29:12

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