King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 12:4 Mean?

2 Kings 12:4 in the King James Version says “And Jehoash said to the priests, All the money of the dedicated things that is brought into the house of the LORD, even ... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Jehoash said to the priests, All the money of the dedicated things that is brought into the house of the LORD, even the money of every one that passeth the account, the money that every man is set at, and all the money that cometh into any man's heart to bring into the house of the LORD, dedicated things: or, holy things: Heb. holinesses that every: Heb. of the souls of his estimation cometh: Heb. ascendeth upon the heart of a man

2 Kings 12:4 · KJV


Context

2

And Jehoash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him.

3

But the high places were not taken away: the people still sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places.

4

And Jehoash said to the priests, All the money of the dedicated things that is brought into the house of the LORD, even the money of every one that passeth the account, the money that every man is set at, and all the money that cometh into any man's heart to bring into the house of the LORD, dedicated things: or, holy things: Heb. holinesses that every: Heb. of the souls of his estimation cometh: Heb. ascendeth upon the heart of a man

5

Let the priests take it to them, every man of his acquaintance: and let them repair the breaches of the house, wheresoever any breach shall be found.

6

But it was so, that in the three and twentieth year of king Jehoash the priests had not repaired the breaches of the house. three: Heb. twentieth year and third year


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Jehoash said to the priests, All the money of the dedicated things that is brought into the house of the LORD, even the money of every one that passeth the account, the money that every man is set at, and all the money that cometh into any man's heart to bring 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 · 27 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר1 of 27

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוֹאָ֜שׁ2 of 27

And Jehoash

H3060

jehoash, the name of two israelite kings

אֶל3 of 27
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֗ים4 of 27

to the priests

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

כֹּל֩5 of 27
H3605

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

כֶּ֗סֶף6 of 27

All the money

H3701

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

הַקֳּדָשִׁ֜ים7 of 27

of the dedicated things

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

אֲשֶׁר8 of 27
H834

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

לְהָבִ֖יא9 of 27

that is brought

H935

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

בֵּ֥ית10 of 27

into the house

H1004

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

יְהוָֽה׃11 of 27

of the LORD

H3068

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

כֶּ֗סֶף12 of 27

All the money

H3701

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

עוֹבֵ֔ר13 of 27

that passeth

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

אִ֔ישׁ14 of 27

into any man's

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

כֶּ֗סֶף15 of 27

All the money

H3701

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

נַפְשׁ֖וֹת16 of 27

that every man

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

עֶרְכּ֑וֹ17 of 27

is set at

H6187

a pile, equipment, estimate

כָּל18 of 27
H3605

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

כֶּ֗סֶף19 of 27

All the money

H3701

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

אֲשֶׁ֤ר20 of 27
H834

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

יַֽעֲלֶה֙21 of 27

that cometh

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

עַ֣ל22 of 27
H5921

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

לֶב23 of 27

heart

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

אִ֔ישׁ24 of 27

into any man's

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

לְהָבִ֖יא25 of 27

that is brought

H935

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

בֵּ֥ית26 of 27

into the house

H1004

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

יְהוָֽה׃27 of 27

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 12:4 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 12:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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