2 Chronicles 31:16 kjv
Beside their genealogy of males, from three years old and upward, even unto every one that entereth into the house of the LORD, his daily portion for their service in their charges according to their courses;
2 Chronicles 31:16 nkjv
Besides those males from three years old and up who were written in the genealogy, they distributed to everyone who entered the house of the LORD his daily portion for the work of his service, by his division,
2 Chronicles 31:16 niv
In addition, they distributed to the males three years old or more whose names were in the genealogical records?all who would enter the temple of the LORD to perform the daily duties of their various tasks, according to their responsibilities and their divisions.
2 Chronicles 31:16 esv
except those enrolled by genealogy, males from three years old and upward ? all who entered the house of the LORD as the duty of each day required ? for their service according to their offices, by their divisions.
2 Chronicles 31:16 nlt
They distributed the gifts to all males three years old or older, regardless of their place in the genealogical records. The distribution went to all who would come to the LORD's Temple to perform their daily duties according to their divisions.
2 Chronicles 31 16 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Num 4:3 | "from thirty years old even to fifty years old, all who can enter to perform the work..." | Age for Levitical service. |
| Num 8:24 | "from twenty-five years old and upward they shall go in to perform service..." | Age for Levitical service variation. |
| 1 Chr 23:24 | "...These were the sons of Levi according to their fathers' houses, the heads of fathers' houses...who performed the work of the service of the house of the Lord from twenty years old and upward." | David's re-organization and service age. |
| 1 Chr 23:3 | "Levites twenty years old and upward..." | Levitical registration and age. |
| 1 Chr 23:5 | "...six thousand were officers and judges; four thousand were gatekeepers; and four thousand praised the Lord with instruments..." | Levitical duties defined. |
| 1 Chr 24:1-19 | Description of the twenty-four priestly divisions. | Organization of priestly courses. |
| 1 Chr 26:1-19 | Description of gatekeepers' divisions and their duties. | Organization of Levitical divisions. |
| Num 18:21 | "To the sons of Levi, behold, I have given every tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service..." | Divine provision for Levites from tithes. |
| Deut 14:28-29 | "At the end of every three years you shall bring out all the tithe of your produce in the same year...that they may eat within your towns and be filled..." | Tithing principle for Levites/strangers/orphans. |
| Neh 10:37b-38 | "...we would bring the tithes of our ground to the Levites, for they, the Levites, are to collect the tithes in all our towns..." | Later practical implementation of tithing. |
| Neh 13:10-12 | "I also perceived that the portions of the Levites had not been given to them...Then all Judah brought the tithe..." | Neglect and restoration of support for Levites. |
| 2 Chr 29:3-7 | "In the first year of his reign, in the first month, he opened the doors of the house of the Lord and repaired them..." | Hezekiah's initial actions for Temple. |
| 2 Chr 31:4-5 | "He also commanded the people who lived in Jerusalem to give the portion due to the priests and the Levites..." | Hezekiah commands provision for ministry. |
| 2 Chr 31:12-15 | Details the officers appointed for distributing the offerings and tithes. | Administrative structure for provisions. |
| Ex 29:38-42 | "Now this is what you shall offer on the altar: two lambs a year old day by day continually...This shall be a regular burnt offering throughout your generations..." | "Daily service" (Heb. Tamid) in Mosaic law. |
| Lev 6:9-10 | Regulations for the daily burnt offering. | Daily routine for priestly service. |
| 1 Cor 9:13-14 | "Do you not know that those who are employed in the Temple service get their food from the Temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel." | NT principle of supporting ministry. |
| Gal 6:6 | "Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches." | Principle of support for teachers. |
| Matt 10:10 | "The worker is worthy of his food." | Christ's instruction on worker's worth. |
| Luke 10:7 | "For the laborer deserves his wages." | Christ's instruction on worker's desert. |
| Rom 12:4-5 | "For as in one body we have many members, and all the members do not have the same function..." | Analogy of different parts/duties in body. |
| 1 Cor 14:40 | "But all things should be done decently and in order." | Principle of order in worship/service. |
| Heb 7:11-12 | Discussion of the Levitical priesthood changing to a new priesthood. | Shift in priesthood; highlights organized nature. |
2 Chronicles 31 verses
2 Chronicles 31 16 Meaning
This verse describes a specific group of recipients among the Levites and priests who received their allocated provisions: males aged three years and older who were regularly present at the house of the Lord for their daily duties, distributed according to their assigned divisions. This provision was distinct from the general sustenance given to their entire households based on genealogical records, highlighting a meticulous and comprehensive system established by King Hezekiah to ensure that all individuals actively connected with the Temple service received their due support.
2 Chronicles 31 16 Context
Chapter 31 of 2 Chronicles details the further extent of King Hezekiah's religious reforms in Judah following the celebrated Passover. After destroying pagan altars and idols (31:1), Hezekiah focused on restoring the Levitical and priestly service in the Temple. This involved re-establishing their courses of service and, crucially, ensuring their financial sustenance through tithes and offerings from the people (31:2-10). The abundant contributions allowed Hezekiah to appoint trusted officials to oversee the collection and distribution of these provisions (31:11-15). Verse 16 specifies a particular aspect of this meticulous distribution: the support extended even to the very young males who, by virtue of their presence and connection to the daily Temple service, were provided for. This highlights Hezekiah’s thoroughness in ensuring that all those connected to the sanctuary received their due, enabling them to fulfill their duties without worldly concerns. Historically, this period followed reigns of spiritual decline, especially under Ahaz, and Hezekiah's reforms were a stark and essential return to Mosaic law and proper worship, addressing previous neglect and disorganization.
2 Chronicles 31 16 Word analysis
- Besides their genealogical registration (לְבַד מִתְיַחְשִׂים – lĕ·vad mit·yaḥ·šîm): The phrase lĕ·vad means "apart from" or "besides." Mit·yaḥ·šîm comes from the root YĀḤAŚ (יחשׂ), meaning "to be registered by pedigree" or "to be enrolled by genealogy." This indicates a distribution that complements or supplements the primary, household-based distribution mentioned in verse 15 (which was done by genealogical enrollment). It emphasizes a distinct group being accounted for directly. Genealogical purity and registration were paramount for Levitical and priestly identification and their right to service and provision in Israel (Ezr 2:62).
- for the males (לַזְּכָרִים – laz·zə·ḵā·rîm): This clearly specifies the gender of the recipients, limiting this particular distribution method to male members of the Levitical/priestly families.
- from three years old and upward (מִבֶּן שָׁלֹשׁ שָׁנִים וָמָּעְלָה – mi·ben šā·lōš šā·nîm wā·mā‘·lāh): Literally, "from son of three years and above." This age is notable. While typical Levitical service started at 20, 25, or 30 (Num 4:3, Num 8:24, 1 Chr 23:24), this "three years old" refers to eligibility for receiving provisions directly. It likely includes young boys who were weaned and beginning to be educated within the Temple context or brought by their fathers when they came for their course of service. It signifies that even very young dependents of serving priests and Levites, who were present with them in the Temple context, were meticulously accounted for and provided for. It underscores the thoroughness of Hezekiah’s provision for all who were linked to the Temple ministry, emphasizing their spiritual lineage and current association.
- for everyone who entered (לְכֹל בָּא – lə·ḵōl bā’): This highlights direct, individual recipients, specifically those who "came in" or "entered." It denotes presence or participation in the temple sphere, distinguishing them from family members simply accounted for at home.
- the house of the Lord (בֵּית יְהוָה – bêṯ Yahweh): Refers to the Temple in Jerusalem. This context indicates the physical location of the service and likely where these individuals were present to receive their allocations.
- for his daily service (לִדְבַר־יוֹם בְּיוֹמוֹ – liḏ·ḇar-yōm bə·yō·mō): Literally, "for the matter of day in its day." This phrase signifies routine, consistent, or habitual activity. It points to the priests and Levites performing their prescribed duties on a regular, ongoing basis within their assigned courses, for which they and their eligible young males received daily provisions when present. It emphasizes the uninterrupted and dedicated nature of the service under Hezekiah.
- for their duties according to their divisions (לַעֲבֹדָתָם לְמַחְלְקוֹתֵיהֶם – la·‘ă·ḇō·ḏā·ṯām lə·maḥ·lə·qō·ṯê·hem): ‘ă·ḇō·ḏā·ṯām means "their service" or "their work." Maḥ·lĕ·qō·ṯê·hem refers to "their divisions" or "courses." This signifies the highly organized structure of the Temple service established originally by David (1 Chr 24-26) and reaffirmed by Hezekiah. Provisions were precisely allocated based on these specific, rotatory groups, ensuring order and accountability.
2 Chronicles 31 16 Bonus section
The mention of "three years old and upward" for receiving provisions, despite standard service ages being much older, is quite unique. It implies that these young males were either regularly accompanying their fathers/guardians who were performing their service tours, or they were formally brought into the Temple precincts for some early training or assimilation into the Levitical community from a very young age. This provision highlights not active duty, but inclusion and provision based on their connection to the sacred service, emphasizing a holistic approach to supporting the ministerial class and their future generations. It underscores the concept of a "Temple household" where provisions extended beyond the immediate worker to young male dependents actively associated with the daily routines, preparing them, perhaps, for future service while immediately alleviating any burden of their upkeep from their families who were already serving.
2 Chronicles 31 16 Commentary
This verse stands as a testament to King Hezekiah's deep commitment to the meticulous and ordered worship of Yahweh. It details an incredibly precise distribution system for the Temple ministers, ensuring that not only the active priests and Levites were supported, but also their young male dependents, down to those only three years old, who were present within the Temple sphere for the "daily service." This implies a comprehensive care package, allowing ministers to devote themselves entirely to their sacred tasks without distraction. It also showcases Hezekiah's thoroughness, going beyond simply restoring tithes to ensuring a precise and fair allocation based on established genealogical records and specific daily presence and duties. This careful administration stands in stark contrast to previous periods of neglect and disorganization, highlighting the importance of proper stewardship in God's service and the welfare of those called to ministry. The principle applied is that those dedicated to sacred work, and even those directly under their care within that service context, should be duly sustained.