King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 12:11 Mean?

2 Kings 12:11 in the King James Version says “And they gave the money, being told, into the hands of them that did the work, that had the oversight of the house of th...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they gave the money, being told, into the hands of them that did the work, that had the oversight of the house of the LORD: and they laid it out to the carpenters and builders, that wrought upon the house of the LORD, laid: Heb. brought it forth”

2 Kings 12:11 · KJV

Context

9

But Jehoiada the priest took a chest, and bored a hole in the lid of it, and set it beside the altar, on the right side as one cometh into the house of the LORD: and the priests that kept the door put therein all the money that was brought into the house of the LORD. door: Heb. threshold

10

And it was so, when they saw that there was much money in the chest, that the king's scribe and the high priest came up, and they put up in bags, and told the money that was found in the house of the LORD. scribe: or, secretary put: Heb. bound up

11

And they gave the money, being told, into the hands of them that did the work, that had the oversight of the house of the LORD: and they laid it out to the carpenters and builders, that wrought upon the house of the LORD, laid: Heb. brought it forth

12

And to masons, and hewers of stone, and to buy timber and hewed stone to repair the breaches of the house of the LORD, and for all that was laid out for the house to repair it. was: Heb. went forth

13

Howbeit there were not made for the house of the LORD bowls of silver, snuffers, basons, trumpets, any vessels of gold, or vessels of silver, of the money that was brought into the house of the LORD:

Read 2 Kings 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they gave the money, being told, into the hands of them that did the work, that had the oversight of the house of the LORD: and they laid it out to the carpenters and builders, that wrought upon the house of the LORD,

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 12: Religious reform and temple restoration. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. This passage occurs during the decline toward Israel's exile, demonstrating how persistent covenant unfaithfulness leads to national disaster.

The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 12 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Joash Repairs the Temple) reflects the historical reality of progressive political instability and external threats, particularly from Aram (Syria) and later Assyria. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 12 regarding religious reform and temple restoration?
  2. What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
  3. In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וְנָֽתְנוּ֙1 of 18

“And they gave”

H5414

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

אֶת2 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַכֶּ֣סֶף3 of 18

“the money”

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

הַֽמְתֻכָּ֔ן4 of 18

“being told”

H8505

to balance, i.e., measure out (by weight or dimension); figuratively to arrange, equalize, through the idea of levelling (ment, estimate, test)

עַל5 of 18
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יְדֵ֙6 of 18

“into the hands”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

הָֽעֹשִׂ֖ים7 of 18

“of them that did”

H6213

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

הַמְּלָאכָ֔ה8 of 18

“the work”

H4399

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

הַפְקָדִ֖ים9 of 18

“that had the oversight”

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

בֵּ֥ית10 of 18

“of the house”

H1004

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

יְהוָֽה׃11 of 18

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

וַיּֽוֹצִיאֻ֜הוּ12 of 18

“and they laid it out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

לְחָֽרָשֵׁ֤י13 of 18

“to the carpenters”

H2796

a fabricator or any material

הָעֵץ֙14 of 18
H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

וְלַבֹּנִ֔ים15 of 18

“and builders”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

הָֽעֹשִׂ֖ים16 of 18

“of them that did”

H6213

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

בֵּ֥ית17 of 18

“of the house”

H1004

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

יְהוָֽה׃18 of 18

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Kings 12:11 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 Kings 12:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 22:5-62 Chronicles 24:11-122 Chronicles 34:9-11

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 12 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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