King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 31:20 Mean?

2 Chronicles 31:20 in the King James Version says “And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah, and wrought that which was good and right and truth before the LORD his God.” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Chronicles 31:20 · KJV

Truth

Context

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

Commentary

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

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 · 12 words
וַיַּ֨עַשׂ1 of 12

“And thus did”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

כָּזֹ֛את2 of 12
H2063

this (often used adverb)

יְחִזְקִיָּ֖הוּ3 of 12

“Hezekiah”

H3169

jechizkijah, the name of five israelites

בְּכָל4 of 12
H3605

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

יְהוּדָ֑ה5 of 12

“throughout all Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

וַיַּ֨עַשׂ6 of 12

“And thus did”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

הַטּ֤וֹב7 of 12

“that which was good”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

וְהַיָּשָׁר֙8 of 12

“and right”

H3477

straight (literally or figuratively)

וְהָ֣אֱמֶ֔ת9 of 12

“and truth”

H571

stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness

לִפְנֵ֖י10 of 12

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָ֥ה11 of 12

“the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹהָֽיו׃12 of 12

“his 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

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 31:20 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 31:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 20:32 Kings 22:2Acts 24:163 John 1:51 Thessalonians 2:10John 1:47

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