King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 31:21 Mean?

2 Chronicles 31:21 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Chronicles 31:21 · KJV


Context

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Summary of Hezekiah's reforms: '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.' Three spheres of activity - temple service, law, commandments - encompassed comprehensive covenant faithfulness. The key phrase 'with all his heart' (b'khol levavo) indicates wholehearted, undivided devotion. The result was prosperity (tzalach - success). This illustrates the Deuteronomic principle that wholehearted obedience brings blessing. Yet even Hezekiah later showed pride (32:25), demonstrating that past wholeheartedness doesn't guarantee future faithfulness. Only Christ maintained perfect wholehearted devotion throughout His life.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Hezekiah's multifaceted reforms (c. 715-686 BCE) - removing high places, restoring temple worship, organizing Levitical service, and celebrating Passover - made him Judah's greatest reformer since David. His wholehearted approach produced tangible prosperity and spiritual renewal.

Reflection Questions

  1. How wholehearted is your service to God - fully devoted or divided by competing loyalties?
  2. What specific work is God calling you to begin with wholehearted commitment rather than half-hearted effort?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וּבְכָֽל1 of 15
H3605

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

מַעֲשֶׂ֞ה2 of 15

And in every work

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

אֲשֶׁר3 of 15
H834

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

הֵחֵ֣ל׀4 of 15

that he began

H2490

properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin

בַּֽעֲבוֹדַ֣ת5 of 15

in the service

H5656

work of any kind

בֵּית6 of 15

of the house

H1004

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

לֵֽאלֹהָ֑יו7 of 15

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

וּבַתּוֹרָה֙8 of 15

and in the law

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

וּבַמִּצְוָ֔ה9 of 15

and in the commandments

H4687

a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)

לִדְרֹ֖שׁ10 of 15

to seek

H1875

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

לֵֽאלֹהָ֑יו11 of 15

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

בְּכָל12 of 15
H3605

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

לְבָב֥וֹ13 of 15

it with all his heart

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

עָשָׂ֖ה14 of 15

he did

H6213

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

וְהִצְלִֽיחַ׃15 of 15

and prospered

H6743

to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)


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 31:21 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 31:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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