King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 31:5 Mean?

2 Chronicles 31:5 in the King James Version says “And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, a...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things brought they in abundantly. came: Heb. brake forth honey: or, dates”

2 Chronicles 31:5 · KJV

Context

3

He appointed also the king's portion of his substance for the burnt offerings, to wit, for the morning and evening burnt offerings, and the burnt offerings for the sabbaths, and for the new moons, and for the set feasts, as it is written in the law of the LORD.

4

Moreover he commanded the people that dwelt in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might be encouraged in the law of the LORD.

5

And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things brought they in abundantly. came: Heb. brake forth honey: or, dates

6

And concerning the children of Israel and Judah, that dwelt in the cities of Judah, they also brought in the tithe of oxen and sheep, and the tithe of holy things which were consecrated unto the LORD their God, and laid them by heaps . by heaps: Heb. heaps, heaps

7

In the third month they began to lay the foundation of the heaps, and finished them in the seventh month.

Read 2 Chronicles 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things brought they in abundantly.

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 · 17 words
וְכִפְרֹ֣ץ1 of 17

“came abroad”

H6555

to break out (in many applications, direct and indirect, literal and figurative)

הַדָּבָ֗ר2 of 17

“And as soon as the commandment”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הִרְבּ֤וּ3 of 17

“in abundance”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

בְנֵֽי4 of 17

“the children”

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

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙5 of 17

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

רֵאשִׁ֣ית6 of 17

“the firstfruits”

H7225

the first, in place, time, order or rank (specifically, a firstfruit)

דָּגָ֗ן7 of 17

“of corn”

H1715

properly, increase, i.e., grain

תִּיר֤וֹשׁ8 of 17

“wine”

H8492

must or fresh grape-juice (as just squeezed out); by implication (rarely) fermented wine

וְיִצְהָר֙9 of 17

“and oil”

H3323

oil (as producing light); figuratively, anointing

וּדְבַ֔שׁ10 of 17

“and honey”

H1706

honey (from its stickiness); by analogy, syrup

וְכֹ֖ל11 of 17
H3605

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

תְּבוּאַ֣ת12 of 17

“and of all the increase”

H8393

income, i.e., produce (literally or figuratively)

שָׂדֶ֑ה13 of 17

“of the field”

H7704

a field (as flat)

וּמַעְשַׂ֥ר14 of 17

“and the tithe”

H4643

a tenth; especially a tithe

הַכֹּ֛ל15 of 17
H3605

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

לָרֹ֖ב16 of 17

“they in abundantly”

H7230

abundance (in any respect)

הֵבִֽיאוּ׃17 of 17

“brought”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

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 31:5 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 31:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Nehemiah 13:12Exodus 36:5-6Exodus 35:20-29Nehemiah 12:44Proverbs 3:9Exodus 35:5

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