King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 31:6 Mean?

2 Chronicles 31:6 in the King James Version says “And concerning the children of Israel and Judah, that dwelt in the cities of Judah, they also brought in the tithe of ox...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Chronicles 31:6 · KJV

Context

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.

8

And when Hezekiah and the princes came and saw the heaps, they blessed the LORD, and his people Israel.

Read 2 Chronicles 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 20 words
וּבְנֵ֧י1 of 20

“And concerning 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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל2 of 20

“of Israel”

H3478

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

יְהוּדָה֒3 of 20

“and Judah”

H3063

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

הַיּֽוֹשְׁבִים֮4 of 20

“that dwelt”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בְּעָרֵ֣י5 of 20

“in the cities”

H5892

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

יְהוּדָה֒6 of 20

“and Judah”

H3063

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

גַּם7 of 20
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

הֵ֗ם8 of 20
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

וּמַעְשַׂ֣ר9 of 20

“and the tithe”

H4643

a tenth; especially a tithe

בָּקָר֙10 of 20

“of oxen”

H1241

a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

וָצֹ֔אן11 of 20

“and sheep”

H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

וּמַעְשַׂ֣ר12 of 20

“and the tithe”

H4643

a tenth; especially a tithe

קָֽדָשִׁ֔ים13 of 20

“of holy things”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

הַמְקֻדָּשִׁ֖ים14 of 20

“which were consecrated”

H6942

to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

לַֽיהוָ֣ה15 of 20

“unto the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹֽהֵיהֶ֑ם16 of 20

“their 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

הֵבִ֕יאוּ17 of 20

“they also brought in”

H935

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

וַֽיִּתְּנ֖וּ18 of 20

“and laid”

H5414

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

עֲרֵמֽוֹת׃19 of 20

“them by heaps”

H6194

a heap; specifically, a sheaf

עֲרֵמֽוֹת׃20 of 20

“them by heaps”

H6194

a heap; specifically, a sheaf

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 31:6 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 31:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 27:30Deuteronomy 14:282 Chronicles 11:16-17

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