King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 31:17 Mean?

2 Chronicles 31:17 in the King James Version says “Both to the genealogy of the priests by the house of their fathers, and the Levites from twenty years old and upward, in...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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;”

2 Chronicles 31:17 · King James Version

Context

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;

18

And to the genealogy of all their little ones, their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, through all the congregation: for in their set office they sanctified themselves in holiness: set: or, trust

19

Also of the sons of Aaron the priests, which were in the fields of the suburbs of their cities, in every several city, the men that were expressed by name, to give portions to all the males among the priests, and to all that were reckoned by genealogies among the Levites.

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Commentaries2 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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;

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

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְאֵ֨ת1 of 12
H853

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

הִתְיַחֵ֤שׂ2 of 12

“Both to the genealogy”

H3187

to enroll by pedigree

הַכֹּֽהֲנִים֙3 of 12

“of the priests”

H3548

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

לְבֵ֣ית4 of 12

“by the house”

H1004

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

אֲבֽוֹתֵיהֶ֔ם5 of 12

“of their fathers”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וְהַ֨לְוִיִּ֔ם6 of 12

“and the Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

מִבֶּ֛ן7 of 12

“old”

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

עֶשְׂרִ֥ים8 of 12

“from twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

שָׁנָ֖ה9 of 12

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

וּלְמָ֑עְלָה10 of 12

“and upward”

H4605

properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc

בְּמִשְׁמְרֽוֹתֵיהֶ֖ם11 of 12

“in their charges”

H4931

watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (

בְּמַחְלְקֽוֹתֵיהֶֽם׃12 of 12

“by their courses”

H4256

a section (of levites, people or soldiers)

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 31:17 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 31:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 23:241 Chronicles 23:27Numbers 4:46Numbers 3:202 Chronicles 31:21 Chronicles 24:20-25:26

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