2 Chronicles 2:10 kjv
And, behold, I will give to thy servants, the hewers that cut timber, twenty thousand measures of beaten wheat, and twenty thousand measures of barley, and twenty thousand baths of wine, and twenty thousand baths of oil.
2 Chronicles 2:10 nkjv
And indeed I will give to your servants, the woodsmen who cut timber, twenty thousand kors of ground wheat, twenty thousand kors of barley, twenty thousand baths of wine, and twenty thousand baths of oil.
2 Chronicles 2:10 niv
I will give your servants, the woodsmen who cut the timber, twenty thousand cors of ground wheat, twenty thousand cors of barley, twenty thousand baths of wine and twenty thousand baths of olive oil."
2 Chronicles 2:10 esv
I will give for your servants, the woodsmen who cut timber, 20,000 cors of crushed wheat, 20,000 cors of barley, 20,000 baths of wine, and 20,000 baths of oil."
2 Chronicles 2:10 nlt
In payment for your woodcutters, I will send 100,000 bushels of crushed wheat, 100,000 bushels of barley, 110,000 gallons of wine, and 110,000 gallons of olive oil. "
2 Chronicles 2 10 Cross References
Verse | Text | Reference |
---|---|---|
1 Ki 5:11 | Hiram supplied Solomon with all the cedar and juniper he desired... | Parallel passage on supplies, with differing sums |
2 Ch 2:9 | I need cedar, fir, and almug wood... | Context: Solomon's request for timber |
1 Ki 5:6 | You know that there is no one among us who can cut timber like the Sidonians | Context: Solomon's recognition of Phoenician skill |
2 Ch 2:1 | Now Solomon purposed to build a house for the name of the Lord... | Context: Solomon's decision to build the Temple |
1 Ki 5:18 | So Solomon’s builders and Hiram’s builders and the Giblites cut them... | Labor collaboration for the Temple |
Neh 5:17-18 | Moreover, there were 150 Jews and officials who ate at my table... | Leader providing provisions for workers |
Lk 10:7 | ...for the laborer is worthy of his wages. | New Testament principle of compensating labor |
1 Tim 5:18 | For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” | Divine principle of just recompense for work |
Deut 8:7-9 | For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks of water...a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees...a land of olive trees and honey. | Israel's abundance of staple goods |
Ps 104:14-15 | He causes the grass to grow for the livestock and plants for man to cultivate, that he may bring forth food from the earth and wine that makes glad the heart of man, oil to make his face shine, and bread that strengthens man’s heart. | God's provision of essential resources |
Ezra 7:22 | Up to 100 talents of silver, 100 cors of wheat, 100 baths of wine, 100 baths of oil... | Provision for temple service from foreign kings |
Ezra 6:9-10 | Whatever is needed—bulls, rams, or lambs for burnt offerings to the God of heaven, and wheat, salt, wine, and oil, as the priests in Jerusalem request—let it be given to them daily... | King's provision for temple sacrifices |
1 Ki 4:22-23 | Solomon’s provision for one day was thirty cors of fine flour and sixty cors of meal, ten fat oxen, and twenty pasture-fed cattle, and a hundred sheep... | Example of large royal provisions for sustenance |
1 Ch 22:3-4 | David provided large quantities of iron for the nails...cedar logs without number... | David's preparations for Temple materials |
Prov 3:9-10 | Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine. | Blessings of giving; relates to abundance |
Prov 8:12-21 | Wisdom leads to righteous reign and abundance... | Solomon's wisdom for governance and prosperity |
Mt 10:10 | ...for the laborer is worthy of his food. | Reiteration of worker's provision |
2 Cor 9:6-8 | The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you... | Generosity and divine provision |
Rev 18:13 | ...spices, incense, myrrh, frankincense, wine, oil, fine flour, wheat... | Listing of valuable commodities for trade |
Isa 60:6-7 | They shall bring gold and frankincense...cedar and cypress and pine... | Temple provisions and global tribute to God |
Hag 2:8 | The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine, declares the Lord of hosts. | God's ownership of all resources for His purposes |
Gen 47:11-12 | And Joseph provided his father, his brothers, and all his father's household with food...according to the number of their dependents. | Example of providing according to need |
2 Chronicles 2 verses
2 Chronicles 2 10 Meaning
2 Chronicles 2:10 details King Solomon's promise to Hiram, the King of Tyre, regarding the substantial provisions to be given to Hiram's servants who would cut timber for the construction of the Lord's Temple in Jerusalem. Specifically, Solomon commits to provide twenty thousand measures (cors) of crushed wheat, twenty thousand cors of barley, twenty thousand measures (baths) of wine, and twenty thousand baths of oil as compensation for their skilled labor in acquiring cedar, fir, and juniper wood from Lebanon.
2 Chronicles 2 10 Context
This verse is part of Solomon's detailed response to Hiram's acceptance of the request for skilled timber-cutters for the Temple project. Chapter 2 opens with Solomon's deep commitment and comprehensive planning for the Temple, which is to be exceedingly magnificent. He writes to Hiram, emphasizing the unprecedented scale of the undertaking, involving immense labor for sourcing materials like the specific timber mentioned. The detailed provisions laid out in verse 10 underscore the mutual understanding and agreement between Solomon and Hiram, highlighting the formal and significant nature of the alliance. This agreement facilitated the procurement of essential raw materials and skilled labor that Israel did not possess, showcasing Solomon's administrative prowess and the kingdom's vast resources to fund such a grand, divinely commanded endeavor. The historical context reflects a time of peace and prosperity in Israel under Solomon's reign, allowing for ambitious national projects dedicated to worship.
2 Chronicles 2 10 Word analysis
- And behold, I will give (וְהִנֵּה אֶתֵּן - wəhinnēh 'ettēn): "Hinnêh" (behold) is an interjection used to draw attention, emphasizing the significant promise Solomon is making. "Ettēn" (I will give) denotes a clear, definite commitment, a firm promise from the king.
- to your servants, the hewers who cut timber, (לַעֲבָדֶיךָ הַחֹצְבִים הַכֹּרְתִים אֶת־הָעֵצִים - la'avadeyḵā haḥotṣəvîm hakkorəṯîm 'et-hā'eṣîm): This specifies the beneficiaries as Hiram's specialized laborers, distinguishing them from Hiram's own household or other subjects. "Hotzvê ha'etzim" literally means "those who hew the wood/trees," highlighting their specific skill in forestry.
- twenty thousand cors (עֶשְׂרִים אֶלֶף כֹּר - 'esrîm 'elef kor): This specifies a very large dry measure, indicating a substantial quantity. A "kor" (כֹּר) was approximately 220 liters or 6 bushels. This highlights the enormous scale of the project and the duration for which these supplies were needed for a large workforce.
- of crushed wheat (חִטִּים מַכּוֹת - ḥiṭṭîm makôt): "Crushed wheat" (sometimes translated as "ground wheat" or "wheat flour") means prepared grain, ready for consumption or baking. This demonstrates the level of provision—not raw grain, but processed food.
- and twenty thousand cors of barley (וּשְׂעֹרִים עֶשְׂרִים אֶלֶף כֹּר - ûśə'ôrîm 'esrîm 'elef kor): Barley was a staple crop, often consumed by laborers or livestock due to its hardiness and lower cost compared to wheat. Providing both suggests comprehensive sustenance.
- and twenty thousand baths of wine (וְיַיִן עֶשְׂרִים אֶלֶף בַּת - wəyayin 'esrîm 'elef bat): "Bat" (בַּת) was a large liquid measure, approximately 22 liters or 6 gallons. Wine was a common beverage in the ancient world, part of the daily diet, providing refreshment and calories. The immense quantity again points to the massive workforce.
- and twenty thousand baths of oil. (וְשֶׁמֶן עֶשְׂרִים אֶלֶף בַּת - wəshemen 'esrîm 'elef bat): Oil (typically olive oil) was another crucial staple for cooking, lamp fuel, and hygiene (anointing). Its inclusion rounds out the comprehensive provisions, ensuring both caloric intake and practical daily needs were met.
2 Chronicles 2 10 Bonus section
The vast quantities of provisions listed (twenty thousand cors and twenty thousand baths) emphasize the extraordinary scale of the Temple construction. One "kor" (or homer) was typically a very large dry measure, and one "bat" was a large liquid measure. To put this in perspective, for context: if these were annual provisions, they would sustain tens of thousands of laborers. Scholars often discuss the differences in the stated amounts between 1 Kings 5:11 and 2 Chronicles 2:10. While Kings reports 20 cors of wheat and 20 baths of oil for Hiram's household (possibly as a daily tribute), Chronicles focuses on the massive provisions for the laborers (20,000 each of wheat, barley, wine, and oil). Many commentaries suggest that Chronicles' figures likely represent either the total provision over the duration of the entire Temple project or annual supplies for the vast workforce, whereas Kings may refer to a more limited, daily provision specifically to Hiram’s court. Chronicles consistently emphasizes the magnificence and grand scale of the Davidic kingdom and its endeavors for the Lord, and these amplified numbers fit that narrative theme of divine blessing and glory. The use of staples like wheat, barley, wine, and oil also highlights their importance as primary trade and subsistence goods in the ancient Near East, functioning almost as a form of currency for such large-scale endeavors.
2 Chronicles 2 10 Commentary
2 Chronicles 2:10 is a testament to the magnitude and careful planning behind the construction of Solomon's Temple. The promise of twenty thousand cors of wheat and barley, along with twenty thousand baths of wine and oil, signifies a truly colossal expenditure, reflecting both the vast number of workers involved and the prolonged duration of their labor. Unlike the parallel account in 1 Kings 5:11 (which mentions a smaller, possibly daily provision for Hiram's own household), Chronicles details provisions specifically for the "hewers who cut timber," indicating the large, dedicated workforce Solomon sought to remunerate adequately. This comprehensive supply of essential commodities — a full range of food staples — underscores the meticulous administrative wisdom Solomon exercised. It demonstrates his commitment not only to build a magnificent Temple for God but also to honor agreements and justly provide for those who dedicated their skill and effort to the sacred task, thereby reflecting the king's righteousness and the abundance God had bestowed upon Israel. This act also showcased diplomatic strength and economic prosperity under divine blessing.