2 Chronicles 31 12

2 Chronicles 31:12 kjv

And brought in the offerings and the tithes and the dedicated things faithfully: over which Cononiah the Levite was ruler, and Shimei his brother was the next.

2 Chronicles 31:12 nkjv

Then they faithfully brought in the offerings, the tithes, and the dedicated things; Cononiah the Levite had charge of them, and Shimei his brother was the next.

2 Chronicles 31:12 niv

Then they faithfully brought in the contributions, tithes and dedicated gifts. Konaniah, a Levite, was the overseer in charge of these things, and his brother Shimei was next in rank.

2 Chronicles 31:12 esv

And they faithfully brought in the contributions, the tithes, and the dedicated things. The chief officer in charge of them was Conaniah the Levite, with Shimei his brother as second,

2 Chronicles 31:12 nlt

the people faithfully brought all the gifts, tithes, and other items dedicated for use in the Temple. Conaniah the Levite was put in charge, assisted by his brother Shimei.

2 Chronicles 31 verses

2 Chronicles 31 12 Meaning

2 Chronicles 31:12 records the sincere and obedient action of the people of Judah and Israel during King Hezekiah's revival. It specifically highlights their diligent and trustworthy delivery of their spiritual contributions – freewill offerings, obligatory tithes, and items consecrated to God – into designated storehouses for the support of the Levitical priests and temple service. This act demonstrated a re-established covenant relationship with God, characterized by cheerful generosity and proper reverence for sacred obligations, following the reforms initiated by Hezekiah.

2 Chronicles 31 12 Context

The events of 2 Chronicles 31 are set immediately following the grand Passover celebration orchestrated by King Hezekiah, detailed in chapter 30. Hezekiah’s reign marked a significant spiritual revival after periods of apostasy under his predecessors, particularly his father Ahaz. Chapter 29 describes Hezekiah reopening and cleansing the Temple, which had been defiled and neglected. Chapter 30 depicts the widespread invitation to all Israel and Judah to celebrate Passover, leading to an unprecedented gathering and joyous renewal of covenant with God.

Verse 31:12 emerges directly from the fervor of this spiritual awakening. After the Passover, the people's hearts were stirred to an extreme degree of devotion (2 Chr 31:1). They not only destroyed idolatrous objects throughout the land (31:1) but also eagerly revived the practices of supporting the Levitical priesthood and maintaining the temple services, as commanded in the Mosaic Law. This verse highlights the practical outflow of their renewed commitment: the systematic and diligent bringing of their consecrated contributions, necessary for the sustenance of those who served God in the Temple and for the continuity of legitimate worship. The act was a spontaneous outpouring of generosity and obedience, surpassing the king's requirements (31:5), necessitating the creation of storage facilities (31:11).

2 Chronicles 31 12 Word analysis

• And (וְ - ve-): Connects this action to the previous events of cleansing and revival, showing it as a direct consequence and practical outflow of the renewed heart for God.
• they brought in (הֵבִ֨יאוּ - hevi'u): A verb in the Hifil (causative) stem, implying deliberate action; the people actively and consciously caused the bringing in of the offerings, indicating initiative and purpose, not just passive receipt.
• faithfully (בֶּאֱמוּנָ֖ה - be'emunah):
  • Root: אָמַן ('aman) meaning "to be firm, trusty, reliable."
  • Noun: אֱמוּנָה ('emunah), signifying firmness, security, fidelity, steadfastness, honesty, reliability, loyalty, and trustworthiness. In this context, it emphasizes the integrity and dependability of the people's action, performing it consistently and truthfully, according to God’s standard, rather than sporadically or half-heartedly. This is a foundational concept in the Bible, encompassing both human loyalty to God and God’s faithfulness to humanity (e.g., Deut 32:4, Ps 36:5).
• the offerings, and the tithes, and the dedicated things (הַתְּרוּמֹ֗ות וְהַמַּעֲשֵׂר֙ וְהַקֳּדָשִׁ֔ים - hatterumot v'hama'aser v'haqqodashim): This phrase identifies the specific categories of contributions.
  • the offerings (הַתְּרוּמֹות - hatterumot, singular תְּרוּמָה - terumah): These were specific heave offerings, often a portion of the firstfruits of grain, new wine, and oil, voluntarily brought by the people for the support of the priests (Num 18:8, 28). They could also be voluntary contributions for the sanctuary. The use of the plural implies various types and abundant quantities.
  • and the tithes (וְהַמַּעֲשֵׂר֙ - v'hama'aser): This refers to the obligatory tenth part of agricultural produce (grain, new wine, oil) and livestock given to the Levites (Lev 27:30-32; Num 18:21-24). It was a fixed and regular tribute to God for the maintenance of His service.
  • and the dedicated things (וְהַקֳּדָשִׁ֔ים - v'haqqodashim):
    • Root: קָדַשׁ (qadash) meaning "to be holy, consecrated."
    • Noun: קֳדָשִׁים (qodashim), meaning holy things, sacred gifts, or things consecrated to God. This category is broad, encompassing anything set apart for holy use in the Temple, whether for ritual purposes or priestly sustenance. It signifies items specifically designated as holy to God and could include gifts from the spoil of war or objects vowed to the Lord (e.g., Num 18:19; Josh 6:19).
• into the storehouses (לַלְּשָׁכֹ֑ות - lallishkhot):
  • Root: לִשְׁכָּה (lishkah), meaning "chamber, cell, storehouse."
  • These were designated chambers or treasuries within the Temple complex, specifically constructed or repurposed for holding these offerings. This points to organized and efficient management of sacred contributions, reflecting foresight and commitment to proper temple administration. Their large capacity speaks to the sheer volume of contributions.

2 Chronicles 31 12 Bonus section

The spontaneous and overwhelming generosity recorded here (also mentioned in 2 Chr 31:5 where people "brought in in abundance") forced the leadership, particularly Hezekiah and the chief priest Azariah (31:10), to expand their organizational capacity to manage the influx. This surge in contributions necessitated the appointment of specific Levites, overseers, and assistants to receive, record, and distribute these vast supplies, demonstrating God's blessing on His people's obedience and His care for those who serve Him. The very need for storehouses and appointed officials signifies an unexpected, Spirit-stirred explosion of giving that went far beyond mere compliance. It paints a picture of spiritual renewal leading directly to tangible and sacrificial acts of worship.

2 Chronicles 31 12 Commentary

2 Chronicles 31:12 beautifully encapsulates the spirit of renewed obedience and genuine devotion during Hezekiah's reforms. The emphasis on "faithfully" (be'emunah) highlights the character of their giving: it was not a mere perfunctory act, but deeply rooted in integrity and a trusting commitment to God's commands. This "faithfulness" applies not only to the act of giving but also to its consistent and diligent execution. The act was a spontaneous expression of repentance and gratitude, so abundant that it necessitated new infrastructure—the "storehouses"—to manage the overflowing bounty.

The verse showcases three distinct categories of contributions: voluntary offerings (terumot), obligatory tithes (ma'aser), and dedicated things (qodashim). This comprehensive approach demonstrates the people's recognition of the multifaceted nature of divine command and the joyful fulfillment of both their required duties and freewill generosity. It underscores the biblical principle that the support of God's ministry (in this case, the Levitical priesthood and Temple services) is primarily the responsibility of His people. Their faithfulness ensured that the spiritual laborers were adequately provided for, allowing them to focus entirely on their consecrated duties without being diverted by secular needs. This also ensured the ongoing functioning of the central worship system as prescribed by the Mosaic Law. The act stands as a polemic against the previous neglect and defilement, reasserting the preeminence of God and the importance of supporting His house.

• Example for Practical Usage: In modern Christian contexts, this verse reminds believers that supporting the church and its ministries (financially, with time, and talent) should be done with faithfulness and generosity, reflecting a heart consecrated to God. Just as the people of Hezekiah’s day brought "offerings, tithes, and dedicated things," believers are called to give from both their commanded duty and their joyful freewill. The "storehouses" can be seen metaphorically as the centralized body of the church where resources are pooled for the mission.