2 Kings 22 7

2 Kings 22:7 kjv

Howbeit there was no reckoning made with them of the money that was delivered into their hand, because they dealt faithfully.

2 Kings 22:7 nkjv

However there need be no accounting made with them of the money delivered into their hand, because they deal faithfully."

2 Kings 22:7 niv

But they need not account for the money entrusted to them, because they are honest in their dealings."

2 Kings 22:7 esv

But no accounting shall be asked from them for the money that is delivered into their hand, for they deal honestly."

2 Kings 22:7 nlt

But don't require the construction supervisors to keep account of the money they receive, for they are honest and trustworthy men."

2 Kings 22 verses

2 Kings 22 7 Meaning

This verse signifies a profound level of trust and confidence placed in the temple workmen and overseers during the reign of King Josiah. It states that no formal accounting or audit was required for the money entrusted to them for the temple repairs, because their integrity and unwavering faithfulness in handling the funds were abundantly clear and well-demonstrated. Their proven trustworthiness superseded the need for financial oversight.

2 Kings 22 7 Context

2 Kings chapter 22 recounts the beginning of a significant religious revival under King Josiah. At just eight years old, Josiah ascended to the throne of Judah and, unlike his wicked father Amon and grandfather Manasseh, "did what was right in the eyes of the Lord" (2 Kgs 22:1-2). In the eighteenth year of his reign (around 622 BC), Josiah initiated major repairs and purification of the temple in Jerusalem, which had fallen into disrepair and defilement during the idolatrous reigns of previous kings.

This verse specifically describes the financial management aspect of the temple repairs. King Josiah instructed Shaphan, the scribe, to collect money that had been brought into the temple and to hand it over to the supervisors and workmen. The extraordinary aspect highlighted in verse 7 is that, despite the large sums of money involved in a major restoration project, no audit or account was demanded from these specific individuals. This pre-discovery of the Book of the Law integrity signals a foundational characteristic of Josiah's reform: a genuine commitment to righteousness, fostering an environment where faithfulness among leaders and workers was paramount, reflecting a spirit of godliness.

2 Kings 22 7 Word analysis

• But no account was required: The Hebrew phrase וְלֹא יְחַשֵּׁבוּ אִתָּם (wĕlo' yĕḥashšēḇū 'ittām).

  • וְלֹא (wĕlo'): "And not," or simply "no" in context, negating the action.
  • יְחַשֵּׁבוּ (yĕḥashšēḇū): From the root חשׁב (ḥashav), meaning "to think," "to reckon," "to account for," "to calculate." In this context, it refers to auditing or demanding an exact financial tally. The phrasing indicates that such an action was considered unnecessary, implying a deep and unassailable trust.

• from them: אִתָּם (ʿittām). Literally "with them" or "from their hands." This points directly to the temple supervisors and workmen responsible for the physical repairs and material management. The trust was specific to their integrity.

• for the money: הַכֶּסֶף (hakkeseph). "The silver," referring to the consecrated contributions made by the people for the temple's restoration. Silver was a common form of currency and stored wealth.

• delivered into their hands: הַנִּתָּן בְּיָדָם (hannittān bĕyāḏām).

  • הַנִּתָּן (hannittān): From נָתַן (nathan), "to give," "to deliver," "to place." The passive voice emphasizes that the money was formally entrusted to them.
  • בְּיָדָם (bĕyāḏām): "In their hand" or "into their charge/power." It denotes full control and responsibility over the funds.

• because they dealt faithfully: כִּי בֶּאֱמוּנָה הֵם עֹשִׂים (kî beʾĕmūnâ hēm ʿōśîm). This phrase provides the reason for the unprecedented trust.

  • כִּי (kî): "Because," "for," "indeed." It establishes a clear causal link.
  • בֶּאֱמוּנָה (beʾĕmūnâ): From אֱמוּנָה (ʾemūnâ), meaning "faithfulness," "trustworthiness," "fidelity," "honesty," "reliability," "steadfastness." It signifies consistent moral integrity and adherence to responsibility. It is derived from the root אָמַן (ʾāman), which carries the idea of firm support, trustworthiness, and certainty (the root also gives us "Amen"). This is not just competence, but moral and ethical steadfastness.
  • הֵם עֹשִׂים (hēm ʿōśîm): "They were doing/acting." This is a present participle, indicating a continuous or habitual state of action. Their faithfulness was not a one-time event but their consistent manner of conduct.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "No account was required from them... because they dealt faithfully": This direct cause-and-effect statement encapsulates a powerful principle of stewardship: trust is earned by consistent, visible integrity. The leaders had such confidence in these workers' moral character that bureaucratic oversight was rendered obsolete, highlighting that the primary assurance was in the individuals, not the system of checks. This speaks volumes about both the workers' character and the leadership's wisdom.
  • "For the money delivered into their hands, because they dealt faithfully": This pairing underscores the core theme of biblical stewardship. Resources (money) entrusted by God or human authorities demand a response of integrity and fidelity from the steward. The absence of an account being required serves as an exemplary endorsement of their stewardship.

2 Kings 22 7 Bonus section

This verse offers a glimpse into an ideal work environment where the demonstrated character of individuals allows for maximum efficiency and freedom, minimizing the need for constant scrutiny. While modern management often emphasizes systems and accountability checks, this passage prioritizes the virtue of the individuals handling the resources. This situation contrasts sharply with the general tone often found in the Old Testament, where meticulous records and strict oversight were usually required, especially for temple offerings (e.g., in Numbers for Levites handling sacred items or in temple financial records for offerings). The fact that this verse highlights the absence of such requirement points to a uniquely exemplary faithfulness. This level of trust is rare and a powerful testament to the spiritual climate of Josiah's early reform period, before the Book of the Law's discovery heightened the demands of obedience and awareness of God's perfect standard.

2 Kings 22 7 Commentary

2 Kings 22:7 provides a remarkable insight into the high moral and ethical standard present among the temple workers during King Josiah's spiritual reforms. It wasn't merely efficiency or competence that earned them this extraordinary exemption from oversight, but their inherent faithfulness and trustworthiness, denoted by the Hebrew term emunah. This signifies consistent integrity in their actions and motives, assuring the king and his officials that the sacred funds would be managed with utmost honesty and used solely for their intended purpose—the temple's restoration. This implicit trust allowed the work to proceed unhindered by bureaucratic demands, demonstrating that when integrity is deeply embedded in character, it fosters an environment of confidence and allows resources and focus to be directed entirely to the task at hand, embodying effective and godly stewardship.

Practical applications:

• In roles of stewardship, consistent integrity builds trust, potentially reducing unnecessary administrative burdens.
• For those in leadership, discerning and empowering truly faithful individuals can lead to more effective and harmonious work.
• For individuals, this verse encourages cultivating emunah, a reliable and honest character, knowing that true faithfulness is both valued by God and impactful in human relations.