King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 12:7 Mean?

2 Kings 12:7 in the King James Version says “Then king Jehoash called for Jehoiada the priest, and the other priests, and said unto them, Why repair ye not the breac...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then king Jehoash called for Jehoiada the priest, and the other priests, and said unto them, Why repair ye not the breaches of the house? now therefore receive no more money of your acquaintance, but deliver it for the breaches of the house.”

2 Kings 12:7 · KJV

Context

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

7

Then king Jehoash called for Jehoiada the priest, and the other priests, and said unto them, Why repair ye not the breaches of the house? now therefore receive no more money of your acquaintance, but deliver it for the breaches of the house.

8

And the priests consented to receive no more money of the people, neither to repair the breaches of the house.

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

Read 2 Kings 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then king Jehoash called for Jehoiada the priest, and the other priests, and said unto them, Why repair ye not the breaches of the house? now therefore receive no more money of your acquaintance, but deliver it for the breaches of the house.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 12: Religious reform and temple restoration. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. 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 · 24 words
וַיִּקְרָא֩1 of 24

“called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

הַמֶּ֨לֶךְ2 of 24

“Then king”

H4428

a king

יְהוֹאָ֜שׁ3 of 24

“Jehoash”

H3060

jehoash, the name of two israelite kings

לִיהֽוֹיָדָ֤ע4 of 24

“for Jehoiada”

H3077

jehojada, the name of three israelites

וְלַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים5 of 24

“and the other priests”

H3548

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

וְלַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים6 of 24

“and the other priests”

H3548

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

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר7 of 24

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵהֶ֔ם8 of 24
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מַדּ֛וּעַ9 of 24
H4069

what (is) known?; i.e., (by implication) (adverbially) why?

אֵֽינְכֶ֥ם10 of 24
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

מְחַזְּקִ֖ים11 of 24

“unto them Why repair”

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

אֶת12 of 24
H853

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

לְבֶ֥דֶק13 of 24

“it for the breaches”

H919

a gap or leak (in a building or a ship)

הַבַּ֖יִת14 of 24

“of the house”

H1004

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

וְעַתָּ֗ה15 of 24
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

אַל16 of 24
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּקְחוּ17 of 24

“now therefore receive”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

כֶ֙סֶף֙18 of 24

“no more money”

H3701

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

מֵאֵ֣ת19 of 24
H853

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

מַכָּֽרֵיכֶ֔ם20 of 24

“of your acquaintance”

H4378

an acquaintance

כִּֽי21 of 24
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לְבֶ֥דֶק22 of 24

“it for the breaches”

H919

a gap or leak (in a building or a ship)

הַבַּ֖יִת23 of 24

“of the house”

H1004

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

תִּתְּנֻֽהוּ׃24 of 24

“but deliver”

H5414

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

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 12:7 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 12:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 24:162 Chronicles 23:12 Kings 12:21 Chronicles 21:32 Chronicles 24:5-142 Kings 11:4

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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