2 Chronicles 31 14

2 Chronicles 31:14 kjv

And Kore the son of Imnah the Levite, the porter toward the east, was over the freewill offerings of God, to distribute the oblations of the LORD, and the most holy things.

2 Chronicles 31:14 nkjv

Kore the son of Imnah the Levite, the keeper of the East Gate, was over the freewill offerings to God, to distribute the offerings of the LORD and the most holy things.

2 Chronicles 31:14 niv

Kore son of Imnah the Levite, keeper of the East Gate, was in charge of the freewill offerings given to God, distributing the contributions made to the LORD and also the consecrated gifts.

2 Chronicles 31:14 esv

And Kore the son of Imnah the Levite, keeper of the east gate, was over the freewill offerings to God, to apportion the contribution reserved for the LORD and the most holy offerings.

2 Chronicles 31:14 nlt

Kore son of Imnah the Levite, who was the gatekeeper at the East Gate, was put in charge of distributing the voluntary offerings given to God, the gifts, and the things that had been dedicated to the LORD.

2 Chronicles 31 verses

2 Chronicles 31 14 Meaning

This verse details the specific responsibility of Kore, a Levite who served as a gatekeeper at the east side of the temple. His crucial role involved overseeing the sacred offerings brought to God. This included the management and distribution of voluntary "freewill offerings," the mandatory "oblations" or contributions, and particularly the highly sacred "most holy things" that were exclusively designated for the priests' sustenance and specific ritual use. It highlights the organized and careful stewardship required in the revived temple service under King Hezekiah.

2 Chronicles 31 14 Context

This verse is situated within King Hezekiah’s significant religious reforms in Judah. Following years of spiritual decline and idolatry under previous kings, Hezekiah zealously restored the true worship of God, including the cleansing of the temple, re-establishment of the Passover, and most pertinently for this chapter, the systematic collection and administration of offerings. Chapter 31 specifically details the return of the people’s offerings – tithes, firstfruits, and various oblations – which were now brought in abundance. Given the influx of provisions, Hezekiah mandated the creation of storehouses and the appointment of faithful individuals to manage these sacred resources. Kore’s role as outlined in this verse is a crucial part of this newly organized, ethical, and efficient system designed to ensure that the priests and Levites were adequately provided for, allowing them to diligently fulfill their temple duties without distraction or lack.

2 Chronicles 31 14 Word analysis

• And Kore the son of Imnah: This precisely identifies the individual. "Kore" (קֹרֶא, Qore) is a name suggesting a specific identity within the Levite lineage, demonstrating the meticulous record-keeping and established order during Hezekiah's reign. Lineage was critical for determining priestly and Levite eligibility and function.
• the Levite: Specifies his tribal affiliation and thus his designated role in sacred service. Levites were separated for the service of the tabernacle and later the temple, responsible for various duties including music, gatekeeping, and administration, supporting the Aaronic priests.
• the porter: (שׁוֹעֵר, sho'er) Refers to a gatekeeper, an important Levite role. These were not merely guards but custodians responsible for access control, cleanliness, security, and often specific treasury duties within their assigned gates.
• toward the east: Indicates a specific location, the East Gate of the temple. This gate held symbolic and practical significance, being a primary entrance and often associated with the high priest or even prophetic visions. Its strategic location meant the person positioned there held significant responsibility.
• was over: Signifies supervisory authority and responsibility. Kore was not just a recipient but a manager, entrusted with a vital aspect of temple finances and logistics. This implies leadership, trustworthiness, and accountability.
• the freewill offerings of God: (נְדָבוֹת, nedavot) These were voluntary gifts, distinct from mandated tithes or offerings. They demonstrated the devotion and spontaneous generosity of the people, showing a renewed heart for God’s house under Hezekiah. Kore managed these discretionary gifts.
• to distribute: (לָתֵת, latet) Literally "to give" or "to allot." This verb highlights the active and systematic management involved. Kore's responsibility was not just collection but ensuring the equitable and appropriate division of these resources to their intended recipients.
• the oblations of the Lord: (תְרוּמוֹת, terumot) These were "heave offerings," a type of offering "lifted up" or contributed, usually referring to specific required portions of agricultural produce, livestock, or other items presented as God’s due. They were mandatory contributions from the people.
• and the most holy things: (קָדְשֵׁי קָדָשִׁים, qodshei qadashim) This refers to the highest category of holy items. These portions of certain sacrifices (e.g., sin offerings, trespass offerings, meal offerings, specific portions of the peace offerings) were strictly reserved for the priests alone and had to be consumed within the temple precincts. Kore's oversight of these implies immense trust and careful handling due to their extreme sanctity and limited accessibility.

• "Kore... the Levite, the porter toward the east": This phrase provides a precise administrative designation. It names the specific individual, confirms his tribal right to serve, and pinpoints his operational post, all crucial for understanding the hierarchical and geographically organized system within the restored temple administration. This shows an emphasis on order and divine assignment.
• "was over the freewill offerings... oblations... and the most holy things": This grouping highlights Kore's comprehensive responsibility across various categories of temple provisions. The distinct nature of these offerings—voluntary, mandatory, and supremely sacred—necessitated an administrator who understood their different uses, recipients, and the precise regulations surrounding their handling and distribution, ensuring fidelity to the Law of Moses.

2 Chronicles 31 14 Bonus section

This verse demonstrates a key aspect of Hezekiah's reforms: the establishment of practical and transparent financial administration within the temple. This was crucial for rebuilding trust and ensuring the sustained functionality of the priesthood and Levites. The clear categorization of offerings ("freewill offerings," "oblations," and "most holy things") also points to the detailed legal framework governing temple income and expenditure, preventing misappropriation and ensuring proper use according to divine mandate. It served as a testament to the nation's restored commitment to God's covenant and His ways, providing a contrast to the neglect and disorder of previous reigns.

2 Chronicles 31 14 Commentary

2 Chronicles 31:14 offers a glimpse into the meticulously organized and Spirit-led administrative revival orchestrated by King Hezekiah. It emphasizes the critical role of faithfulness and order in the household of God. Kore, a humble Levite gatekeeper, was entrusted with significant financial and logistical stewardship, handling not only voluntary contributions but also mandatory tithes and the uniquely sacred portions reserved for priests. This underscores that service to God involves diligence in both grand acts of worship and the careful management of material resources. It portrays a system where every worker, from high priests to gatekeepers, contributed to the efficient and holy functioning of the temple, ensuring that those who served God received their due provision according to His Word, thereby enabling them to fully commit to their sacred duties.