King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 12:13 Mean?

2 Kings 12:13 in the King James Version says “Howbeit there were not made for the house of the LORD bowls of silver, snuffers, basons, trumpets, any vessels of gold, ... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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:

2 Kings 12:13 · KJV


Context

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:

14

But they gave that to the workmen , and repaired therewith the house of the LORD.

15

Moreover they reckoned not with the men, into whose hand they delivered the money to be bestowed on workmen: for they dealt faithfully.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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:

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 20 words
אַךְ֩1 of 20
H389

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

לֹ֨א2 of 20
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יֵֽעָשֶׂ֜ה3 of 20

Howbeit there were not made

H6213

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

בֵית4 of 20

for the house

H1004

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

יְהוָֽה׃5 of 20

of the LORD

H3068

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

סִפּ֥וֹת6 of 20

bowls

H5592

a vestibule (as a limit); also a dish (for holding blood or wine)

הַכֶּ֖סֶף7 of 20

of silver

H3701

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

מְזַמְּר֤וֹת8 of 20

snuffers

H4212

a tweezer (only in the plural)

מִזְרָקוֹת֙9 of 20

basons

H4219

a bowl (as if for sprinkling)

חֲצֹ֣צְר֔וֹת10 of 20

trumpets

H2689

a trumpet (from its sundered or quavering note)

כָּל11 of 20
H3605

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

וּכְלִי12 of 20

any vessels

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

זָהָ֖ב13 of 20

of gold

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

וּכְלִי14 of 20

any vessels

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

הַכֶּ֖סֶף15 of 20

of silver

H3701

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

מִן16 of 20
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַכֶּ֖סֶף17 of 20

of silver

H3701

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

הַמּוּבָ֥א18 of 20

that was brought

H935

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

בֵית19 of 20

for the house

H1004

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

יְהוָֽה׃20 of 20

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 12:13 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 12:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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