2 Chronicles 10:11
2 Chronicles 10:11 in Multiple Translations
Whereas my father burdened you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. Whereas my father scourged you with whips, I will scourge you with scorpions.’”
For whereas my father put a heavy yoke upon you, I will put more to your yoke: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.
And now whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.
If my father put a hard yoke on you, I will make it harder: my father gave you punishment with whips, but I will give you blows with snakes.
My father placed a heavy burden on you, and I will make it even heavier. My father punished you with whips; I will punish you with scorpions.’”
Now whereas my father did burden you with a grieuous yoke, I will yet increase your yoke: my father hath chastised you with roddes, but I will correct you with scourges.
and now, my father laid on you a heavy yoke, and I — I add unto your yoke; my father chastised you with whips, and I — with scorpions.'
Now whereas my father burdened you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. My father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.’”
For whereas my father put a heavy yoke upon you, I will put more to your yoke: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.
My father laid upon you a heavy yoke, and I will add more weight to it: my father beat you with scourges, but I will beat you with scorpions.
What I mean is that my father required you to work hard and pay high taxes. But I will make those loads heavier. It was as though my father whipped you, but I will whip you with whips that have pieces of metal in them.’”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Chronicles 10:11
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Chronicles 10:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/עַתָּ֗ה
אָבִ/י֙
הֶעְמִ֤יס
עֲלֵי/כֶם֙
עֹ֣ל
כָּבֵ֔ד
וַ/אֲנִ֖י
אֹסִ֣יף
עַֽל
עֻלְּ/כֶ֑ם
אָבִ֗/י
יִסַּ֤ר
אֶתְ/כֶם֙
בַּ/שּׁוֹטִ֔ים
וַ/אֲנִ֖י
בָּֽ/עֲקְרַבִּֽים
וְ/עַתָּ֗ה
ʻattâh
H6258
now
Conj | Adv
אָבִ/י֙
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
הֶעְמִ֤יס
ʻâmaç
H6006
to lift
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
עֲלֵי/כֶם֙
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
עֹ֣ל
ʻôl
H5923
yoke
N-ms
כָּבֵ֔ד
kâbêd
H3515
heavy
Adj
וַ/אֲנִ֖י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Conj | Pron
אֹסִ֣יף
yâçaph
H3254
to add
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
עַֽל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
עֻלְּ/כֶ֑ם
ʻôl
H5923
yoke
N-ms | Suff
אָבִ֗/י
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
יִסַּ֤ר
yâçar
H3256
to discipline
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
אֶתְ/כֶם֙
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
בַּ/שּׁוֹטִ֔ים
shôwṭ
H7752
whip
Prep | N-mp
וַ/אֲנִ֖י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Conj | Pron
בָּֽ/עֲקְרַבִּֽים
ʻaqrâb
H6137
scorpion
Prep | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Chronicles 10:11
וְ/עַתָּ֗ה
ʻattâh
H6258
"now"
Conj | Adv
This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases
Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.
אָבִ/י֙
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
הֶעְמִ֤יס
ʻâmaç
H6006
"to lift"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to lift or load something, and it can also mean to impose a burden on someone. It is used in the Bible to describe physical labor or the weight of responsibility. In some cases, it can also be used figuratively to describe emotional burdens.
Definition: 1) to load, carry, carry a load 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to load 1a2) to carry a load 1b)(Hiphil) to lay a load on
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: be borne, (heavy) burden (self), lade, load, put. See also: Genesis 44:13; Nehemiah 13:15; Psalms 68:20.
עֲלֵי/כֶם֙
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
עֹ֣ל
ʻôl
H5923
"yoke"
N-ms
This word refers to a yoke, which is a wooden beam placed over the necks of animals to help them pull heavy loads. In the Bible, it can also mean a burden or a responsibility, like in Matthew 11:30 where Jesus talks about His yoke being easy.
Definition: yoke
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: yoke. See also: Genesis 27:40; Isaiah 10:27; Isaiah 9:3.
כָּבֵ֔ד
kâbêd
H3515
"heavy"
Adj
Something or someone that is heavy or severe is what this word describes, like a heavy heart in Proverbs 12 or a difficult task, as in Matthew 23.
Definition: 1) heavy, great 1a) heavy 1b) massive, abundant, numerous 1c) heavy, dull 1d) hard, difficult, burdensome 1e) very oppressive, numerous, rich
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: (so) great, grievous, hard(-ened), (too) heavy(-ier), laden, much, slow, sore, thick. See also: Genesis 12:10; Numbers 11:14; Psalms 38:5.
וַ/אֲנִ֖י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
אֹסִ֣יף
yâçaph
H3254
"to add"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
To add means to increase or do something again, like adding more of something or continuing an action. This word is used in the Bible to describe growth or repetition.
Definition: : add/more[amount] 1) to add, increase, do again 1a) (Qal) to add, increase, do again 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to join, join oneself to 1b2) to be joined, be added to 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to add, increase 1c2) to do more, do again
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: add, [idiom] again, [idiom] any more, [idiom] cease, [idiom] come more, [phrase] conceive again, continue, exceed, [idiom] further, [idiom] gather together, get more, give more-over, [idiom] henceforth, increase (more and more), join, [idiom] longer (bring, do, make, much, put), [idiom] (the, much, yet) more (and more), proceed (further), prolong, put, be (strong-) er, [idiom] yet, yield. See also: Genesis 4:2; 2 Samuel 19:14; Psalms 10:18.
עַֽל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
עֻלְּ/כֶ֑ם
ʻôl
H5923
"yoke"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a yoke, which is a wooden beam placed over the necks of animals to help them pull heavy loads. In the Bible, it can also mean a burden or a responsibility, like in Matthew 11:30 where Jesus talks about His yoke being easy.
Definition: yoke
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: yoke. See also: Genesis 27:40; Isaiah 10:27; Isaiah 9:3.
אָבִ֗/י
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
יִסַּ֤ר
yâçar
H3256
"to discipline"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To discipline or correct someone, often by teaching or punishing them, as seen in Proverbs where parents are told to instruct their children. This word is used to describe God's correction of his people.
Definition: 1) to chasten, discipline, instruct, admonish 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to chasten, admonish 1a2) to instruct 1a3) to discipline 1b) (Niphal) to let oneself be chastened or corrected or admonished 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to discipline, correct 1c2) to chasten, chastise 1d) (Hiphil) to chasten 1e) (Nithpael) to teach
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: bind, chasten, chastise, correct, instruct, punish, reform, reprove, sore, teach. See also: Leviticus 26:18; Psalms 94:12; Psalms 2:10.
אֶתְ/כֶם֙
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בַּ/שּׁוֹטִ֔ים
shôwṭ
H7752
"whip"
Prep | N-mp
This word refers to a whip or scourge, used for punishment or chastisement, as seen in the book of Isaiah. It symbolizes correction or judgment.
Definition: 1) scourge, whip 1a) scourge (for chastisement) 1a1) of national judgment (fig) 1b) whip (for horse)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: scourge, whip. See also: 1 Kings 12:11; Job 9:23; Proverbs 26:3.
וַ/אֲנִ֖י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
בָּֽ/עֲקְרַבִּֽים
ʻaqrâb
H6137
"scorpion"
Prep | N-mp
Translates to scorpion, a symbol of danger and harm, as in Luke 10:19 where Jesus gives His disciples power over scorpions. This word represents a threat to safety and well-being. It is also used in Ezekiel 2:6 to describe a hazardous journey.
Definition: scorpion
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: scorpion. See also: Deuteronomy 8:15; 2 Chronicles 10:11; Ezekiel 2:6.
Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 10:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Rebellion against Rehoboam
9He asked them, “What message do you advise that we send back to these people who have spoken to me, saying, ‘Lighten the yoke your father put on us’?”
10The young men who had grown up with him replied, “This is how you should answer these people who said to you, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you must make it lighter.’ This is what you should tell them: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist!
11Whereas my father burdened you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. Whereas my father scourged you with whips, I will scourge you with scorpions.’”
12After three days, Jeroboam and all the people returned to Rehoboam, since the king had said, “Come back to me on the third day.” 13And the king answered them harshly. King Rehoboam rejected the advice of the eldersCross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 11:29 | Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. |
| 2 | Isaiah 47:6 | I was angry with My people; I profaned My heritage, and I placed them under your control. You showed them no mercy; even on the elderly you laid a most heavy yoke. |
| 3 | Revelation 9:10 | They had tails with stingers like scorpions, which had the power to injure people for five months. |
| 4 | Exodus 5:18 | Now get to work. You will be given no straw, yet you must deliver the full quota of bricks.” |
| 5 | Isaiah 58:6 | Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke? |
| 6 | Exodus 1:13–14 | They worked the Israelites ruthlessly and made their lives bitter with hard labor in brick and mortar, and with all kinds of work in the fields. Every service they imposed was harsh. |
| 7 | Exodus 5:5–9 | Pharaoh also said, “Look, the people of the land are now numerous, and you would be stopping them from their labor.” That same day Pharaoh commanded the taskmasters of the people and their foremen: “You shall no longer supply the people with straw for making bricks. They must go and gather their own straw. But require of them the same quota of bricks as before; do not reduce it. For they are lazy; that is why they are crying out, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to our God.’ Make the work harder on the men so they will be occupied and pay no attention to these lies.” |
| 8 | Jeremiah 28:13–14 | “Go and tell Hananiah that this is what the LORD says: ‘You have broken a yoke of wood, but in its place you have fashioned a yoke of iron.’ For this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘I have put a yoke of iron on the neck of all these nations to make them serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and they will serve him. I have even given him control of the beasts of the field.’” |
| 9 | Revelation 9:3 | And out of the smoke, locusts descended on the earth, and they were given power like that of the scorpions of the earth. |
| 10 | Luke 10:19 | Behold, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will harm you. |
2 Chronicles 10:11 Summary
In 2 Chronicles 10:11, Rehoboam is saying that he will make life even harder for the people than his father Solomon did. He is being very proud and arrogant, which is not what God wants from leaders, as seen in Proverbs 16:18 and 1 Peter 5:5. This verse teaches us that we should be careful not to 'add to the yoke' of others, but instead to 'lighten their load' and show them love and compassion, as seen in Matthew 11:28-30 and Galatians 6:2. By following Jesus' example of humility and service, we can learn to lead and serve others in a way that honors God, as seen in Mark 10:45 and John 13:15.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the phrase 'add to your yoke' mean in this context?
In 2 Chronicles 10:11, the phrase 'add to your yoke' means to increase the burden or oppression that the people were already experiencing under King Solomon's rule, as seen in the heavy taxation and forced labor described in 1 Kings 4:7 and 1 Kings 9:15. This is in contrast to the people's request to 'lighten the yoke' in 2 Chronicles 10:9.
Why does Rehoboam threaten to 'scourge you with scorpions'?
Rehoboam's threat to 'scourge you with scorpions' is a reference to a severe and painful form of punishment, as seen in 1 Kings 12:11, where it is used as a metaphor for the harsh treatment that the Israelites would experience under Rehoboam's rule. This is in contrast to the 'whips' used by his father Solomon, which were also a form of punishment, but not as severe as scorpions.
What is the significance of Rehoboam's statement 'My little finger is thicker than my father's waist'?
Rehoboam's statement 'My little finger is thicker than my father's waist' is a boastful claim that he is stronger and more powerful than his father Solomon, as seen in 2 Chronicles 10:10. However, this statement is also a reflection of his pride and arrogance, which ultimately leads to the division of the kingdom, as prophesied in 1 Kings 11:31-39.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of 2 Chronicles?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of 2 Chronicles, which explores the themes of kingship, leadership, and the consequences of sin. Rehoboam's actions in this verse demonstrate the importance of humility and wisdom in leadership, as seen in the contrast between his actions and those of his father Solomon, who is described as wise and just in 1 Kings 3:12 and 1 Kings 10:24.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be 'adding to the yoke' of others, rather than lightening their load, and how can I change my behavior to be more like Christ, who came to 'set the captives free' as seen in Luke 4:18?
- How can I balance the need for authority and discipline with the need for compassion and mercy, as seen in the contrast between Rehoboam's actions and those of King David, who is described as a 'man after God's own heart' in 1 Samuel 13:14?
- What are some ways that I can 'scourge' others with my words or actions, and how can I instead use my words to 'build up' and 'encourage' others, as seen in Ephesians 4:29 and 1 Thessalonians 5:11?
- How can I cultivate a spirit of humility and wisdom in my own life, rather than pride and arrogance, and what are some practical steps I can take to 'humble myself' before God, as seen in 1 Peter 5:6 and James 4:10?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 10:11
[See comments on 1 Kings 12:11].
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 10:11
But he forsook the counsel which the old men gave him, and took counsel with the young men that were brought up with him, that stood before him. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 10:11
(11) For whereas . . .—Literally, And now, my father . . . and I, I will add to your yoke.Whips . . . scorpions.—The whips . . . the scorpions.I will chastise you.—These words are found in the text of Kings, both here and in 2 Chronicles 10:14.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 10:11
11. For whereas … to your yoke] R.V. And now whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke (as 1 Kin.). with whips] A whip or flail was among the insignia of an Egyptian (and perhaps also of an Israelite) king. Cp. Erman, Ancient Egypt, Eng. Tr. p. 60 (where an illustration is given) and p. 63. with scorpions] The expression is most probably proverbial and metaphorical, but some authorities (e.g. Pesh.) take “scorpion” to be the name of a particular kind of scourge, the lash of which was provided with thorns or hooks.
Sermons on 2 Chronicles 10:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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True Freedom Comes Through Submission (Tamil) by Annie Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the true freedom that Jesus offers, contrasting it with the worldly definitions of freedom. It delves into the power of submission, using examples from the B |
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Prudence: The Discipline of Godly Speech by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of developing the skill of wisdom and prudence. The speaker highlights that God's intention for all mankind is to live in peac |
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7) Wisdom for Sisters (Kannada) by Annie Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking divine wisdom for our earthly lives, distinguishing between knowledge and wisdom. It highlights the need for obedience to God's wor |
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(The Foundation and the Building) the Secrets of Jesus Life by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the allure of materialism and the desire to imitate the extravagant lifestyles of others. He warns against being deceived by the external appe |
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Learning the Hard Way by Jimmy Allen | Jimmy Allen emphasizes the process of character formation through life's experiences, illustrating how our choices shape who we become. He draws parallels with the Apostle Paul's j |
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What God Requires - Walking Humbly Before God by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of walking humbly with God, focusing on righteousness, mercy, and obedience to God's will. It highlights the need to seek God's approval rathe |
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07 Pressing on to Greater Humility by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking to have the mind of Christ, not just as a study but as a deep longing. It challenges the common belief that the ultimate destinatio |