King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 12:9 Mean?

2 Kings 12:9 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Kings 12:9 · KJV

Context

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

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

Read 2 Kings 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 28 words
וַיִּקַּ֞ח1 of 28

“took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

יְהֽוֹיָדָ֤ע2 of 28

“But Jehoiada”

H3077

jehojada, the name of three israelites

הַכֹּֽהֲנִים֙3 of 28

“and the priests”

H3548

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

אֲר֣וֹן4 of 28

“chest”

H727

a box

אֶחָ֔ד5 of 28

“a”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

וַיִּקֹּ֥ב6 of 28

“and bored”

H5344

to puncture, literally (to perforate, with more or less violence) or figuratively (to specify, designate, libel)

חֹ֖ר7 of 28

“a hole”

H2356

a cavity, socket, den

בְּדַלְתּ֑וֹ8 of 28

“in the lid”

H1817

something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door

וְנָֽתְנוּ9 of 28

“of it and set”

H5414

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

אֹתוֹ֩10 of 28
H853

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

אֵ֨צֶל11 of 28

“it beside”

H681

a side; (as a preposition) near

הַמִּזְבֵּ֜חַ12 of 28

“the altar”

H4196

an altar

בִיָּמִ֗ין13 of 28

“on the right side”

H3225

the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south

הַמּוּבָ֥א14 of 28

“cometh”

H935

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

אִישׁ֙15 of 28

“as one”

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)

בֵית16 of 28

“into the house”

H1004

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

יְהוָֽה׃17 of 28

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

וְנָֽתְנוּ18 of 28

“of it and set”

H5414

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

שָׁ֤מָּה19 of 28
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

הַכֹּֽהֲנִים֙20 of 28

“and the priests”

H3548

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

שֹֽׁמְרֵ֣י21 of 28

“that kept”

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

הַסַּ֔ף22 of 28

“the door”

H5592

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

אֶת23 of 28
H853

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

כָּל24 of 28
H3605

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

הַכֶּ֖סֶף25 of 28

“therein all the money”

H3701

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

הַמּוּבָ֥א26 of 28

“cometh”

H935

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

בֵית27 of 28

“into the house”

H1004

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

יְהוָֽה׃28 of 28

“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 12:9 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 12:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 12:41Jeremiah 35:4Psalms 84:101 Chronicles 15:24Luke 21:12 Chronicles 24:8-14

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