King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 31:19 Mean?

2 Chronicles 31:19 in the King James Version says “Also of the sons of Aaron the priests, which were in the fields of the suburbs of their cities, in every several city, t...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Chronicles 31:19 · King James Version

Context

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.

20

And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah, and wrought that which was good and right and truth before the LORD his God.

21

And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered.

Read 2 Chronicles 31 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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.

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 · 21 words
וְלִבְנֵי֩1 of 21

“Also of the sons”

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

אַֽהֲרֹ֨ן2 of 21

“of Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

בַּכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים3 of 21

“among the priests”

H3548

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

בִּשְׂדֵ֨י4 of 21

“which were in the fields”

H7704

a field (as flat)

מִגְרַ֤שׁ5 of 21

“of the suburbs”

H4054

a suburb (i.e., open country whither flocks are driven from pasture); hence, the area around a building, or the margin of the sea

וָעִ֔יר6 of 21

“in every several city”

H5892

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

בְּכָל7 of 21
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

וָעִ֔יר8 of 21

“in every several city”

H5892

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

וָעִ֔יר9 of 21

“in every several city”

H5892

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

אֲנָשִׁ֕ים10 of 21
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר11 of 21
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

נִקְּב֖וּ12 of 21

“that were expressed”

H5344

to puncture, literally (to perforate, with more or less violence) or figuratively (to specify, designate, libel)

בְּשֵׁמ֑וֹת13 of 21

“by name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

לָתֵ֣ת14 of 21

“to give”

H5414

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

מָנ֗וֹת15 of 21

“portions”

H4490

properly, something weighed out, i.e., (generally) a division; specifically (of food) a ration; also a lot

לְכָל16 of 21
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

זָכָר֙17 of 21

“to all the males”

H2145

properly, remembered, i.e., a male (of man or animals, as being the most noteworthy sex)

בַּכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים18 of 21

“among the priests”

H3548

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

וּלְכָל19 of 21
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הִתְיַחֵ֖שׂ20 of 21

“and to all that were reckoned by genealogies”

H3187

to enroll by pedigree

בַּלְוִיִּֽם׃21 of 21

“among the Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

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 31:19 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 31:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 31:12-15Leviticus 25:34Numbers 35:2-52 Chronicles 28:151 Chronicles 6:541 Chronicles 6:60

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