2 Kings 12 5

2 Kings 12:5 kjv

Let the priests take it to them, every man of his acquaintance: and let them repair the breaches of the house, wheresoever any breach shall be found.

2 Kings 12:5 nkjv

let the priests take it themselves, each from his constituency; and let them repair the damages of the temple, wherever any dilapidation is found."

2 Kings 12:5 niv

Let every priest receive the money from one of the treasurers, then use it to repair whatever damage is found in the temple."

2 Kings 12:5 esv

let the priests take, each from his donor, and let them repair the house wherever any need of repairs is discovered."

2 Kings 12:5 nlt

Let the priests take some of that money to pay for whatever repairs are needed at the Temple."

2 Kings 12 verses

2 Kings 12 5 Meaning

King Joash commanded the priests to personally collect and utilize all funds specifically designated or consecrated for sacred purposes, which were brought into the Lord's house, so that these funds could be used for the essential repair and restoration of the neglected Temple in Jerusalem.

2 Kings 12 5 Context

Chapter 12 of 2 Kings details the reign of King Joash of Judah. Joash ascended to the throne as a young boy after being saved from the massacre orchestrated by Athaliah, guided by the high priest Jehoiada. Verse 5 is Joash's initial decree to restore the Temple of the Lord, which had fallen into significant disrepair and neglect during Athaliah's idolatrous rule. This instruction reveals the first method of collecting funds for the Temple repair, empowering the priests to take direct responsibility for gathering the "dedicated things." This initial system, however, proves inefficient, leading to a later reform in the method of collection and expenditure as described subsequently in the chapter (2 Kings 12:9-16), indicating the challenges of overseeing sacred finances even with good intentions.

2 Kings 12 5 Word analysis

• "Let the priests": (Hebrew: kohanim, כֹּהֲנִים) Refers to the descendants of Aaron, specifically appointed by God for sacred duties within the tabernacle and Temple. They were central to Israelite worship and also often managed the Temple's affairs. This command specifically assigns them the task, underscoring their inherent, yet sometimes neglected, responsibility for God's house.
• "take for themselves": (Hebrew: yiqḥû lâhem, יִקְחוּ לָהֶם) Literally "let them take for themselves." This phrase signifies direct acquisition or receiving. In this context, it implies personal collection and administration of the funds by individual priests or groups of priests. This immediate control over the money for the repair was part of Joash's original, though flawed, plan, assuming direct priestly action.
• "each from his contributor": (Hebrew: ’îš mikkāraṯw, אִישׁ מִכָּרָתֹו) "Each man from his acquaintance/donor/familiar one." This suggests a more decentralized, personal collection method, where priests might collect from individuals or families known to them, rather than through a public, centralized system. This method relied on individual priestly initiative and personal relationships with those giving donations.
• "all the money": (Hebrew: kol-keseph, כָּל-כֶּסֶף) Emphasizes the entirety of the financial contributions. It specifies that every piece of money designated for this purpose should be collected. No part was to be withheld or diverted.
• "of the dedicated things": (Hebrew: haqqaḏāšîm, הַקְּדָשִׁים) Meaning "the holy things" or "consecrated things." This term refers to money or items that have been vowed or given for sacred purposes. This wasn't regular income or tithes for the priests' sustenance, but funds specifically consecrated to God for His sanctuary. The holiness of the funds underscored their specific purpose—the upkeep and restoration of the holy Temple. This category of donation is distinguished from general contributions by its specific intent and divine designation.
• "that is brought": (Hebrew: mûbā’, מוּבָא) A passive participle, indicating money that has been or is being brought in by the people. This refers to the flow of offerings from the people into the Temple precincts.
• "into the house of the Lord": (Hebrew: bêṯ YHWH, בֵּית יְהוָה) Refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, God's dwelling place among His people. Its dilapidated state highlighted a theological and practical crisis, making its restoration an act of obedience and renewal of proper worship.

2 Kings 12 5 Bonus section

• The failure of this initial priestly-led collection and repair system underscored the need for stricter accountability mechanisms in Temple finances. It subtly teaches that even sacred roles do not automatically guarantee diligent or effective administration, and that leadership requires practical oversight.
• The emphasis on "dedicated things" highlights that these were distinct from standard tithes or general offerings, having been specifically vowed or given with the intention of being set apart for the Temple.
• This period marked a transition in how temple revenues were managed, shifting from direct priestly administration to a more centralized and transparent collection box system under royal supervision, mirroring management principles that sometimes arise in the secular sphere for major projects.

2 Kings 12 5 Commentary

2 Kings 12:5 captures King Joash's earnest, initial approach to addressing the disrepair of the Jerusalem Temple. Following years of neglect, particularly under Queen Athaliah's influence, the sanctuary lay damaged and likely desecrated. Joash, mentored by Jehoiada the high priest, recognized the critical need for its restoration to properly conduct divine worship. His first command was direct and logical: the priests, being the natural caretakers and ministers within the Temple, were instructed to personally gather and manage the sacred funds. These funds, known as "dedicated things," were not regular offerings but monies specifically consecrated for a holy purpose. The initial method involved each priest collecting from their own acquaintances or contributors. While well-intended and rooted in priestly responsibility, this system later proved ineffective, possibly due to a lack of urgency, oversight, or even misallocation, leading Joash to implement a more centralized and transparent collection system (2 Kings 12:9-16). This verse therefore highlights the critical first step in a major spiritual restoration, revealing challenges in financial stewardship within a religious context.