2 Chronicles 31:17
2 Chronicles 31:17 in Multiple Translations
and to the priests enrolled according to their families in the genealogy, as well as to the Levites twenty years of age or older, according to their duties and divisions.
Both to the genealogy of the priests by the house of their fathers, and the Levites from twenty years old and upward, in their charges by their courses;
and them that were reckoned by genealogy of the priests by their fathers’ houses, and the Levites from twenty years old and upward, in their offices by their courses;
And the families of the priests were listed by their fathers' names, but the Levites, of twenty years old and over, were listed in relation to their work in their divisions;
They also gave allowances to the priests listed by family in the genealogy, and to the Levites twenty years of age or older, according to the responsibilities of their divisions.
Both to the generation of the Priestes after the house of their fathers, and to the Leuites from twentie yeere olde and aboue, according to their charge in their courses:
and the genealogy of the priests by the house of their fathers, and of the Levites, from a son of twenty years and upward, in their charges, in their courses;
and those who were listed by genealogy of the priests by their fathers’ houses, and the Levites from twenty years old and upward, in their offices by their divisions;
Both to the genealogy of the priests by the house of their fathers, and the Levites from twenty years old and upward, in their charges, by their courses;
To the priests by their families, and to the Levites from the twentieth year and upward, by their classes and companies.
The names of the priests were on the scrolls where their clans’ names were written. They also distributed things to groups of other descendants of Levi, those who were at least 20 years old.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Chronicles 31:17
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 31:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אֵ֨ת
הִתְיַחֵ֤שׂ
הַ/כֹּהֲנִים֙
לְ/בֵ֣ית
אֲבוֹתֵי/הֶ֔ם
וְ/הַ֨/לְוִיִּ֔ם
מִ/בֶּ֛ן
עֶשְׂרִ֥ים
שָׁנָ֖ה
וּ/לְ/מָ֑עְלָ/ה
בְּ/מִשְׁמְרוֹתֵי/הֶ֖ם
בְּ/מַחְלְקוֹתֵי/הֶֽם
וְ/אֵ֨ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הִתְיַחֵ֤שׂ
yâchas
H3187
to enroll
V-Hithpael-Inf-a
הַ/כֹּהֲנִים֙
kôhên
H3548
priest
Art | N-mp
לְ/בֵ֣ית
bayith
H1004
place
Prep | N-ms
אֲבוֹתֵי/הֶ֔ם
ʼâb
H1
father
N-mp | Suff
וְ/הַ֨/לְוִיִּ֔ם
Lêvîyîy
H3881
Levi
Conj | Art | Ngmpa
מִ/בֶּ֛ן
bên
H1121
son
Prep | N-ms
עֶשְׂרִ֥ים
ʻesrîym
H6242
twenty
Adj
שָׁנָ֖ה
shâneh
H8141
year
N-fs
וּ/לְ/מָ֑עְלָ/ה
maʻal
H4605
above
Conj | Prep | Adv | Suff
בְּ/מִשְׁמְרוֹתֵי/הֶ֖ם
mishmereth
H4931
charge
Prep | N-fp | Suff
בְּ/מַחְלְקוֹתֵי/הֶֽם
machălôqeth
H4256
division
Prep | N-fp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Chronicles 31:17
וְ/אֵ֨ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
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.
הִתְיַחֵ֤שׂ
yâchas
H3187
"to enroll"
V-Hithpael-Inf-a
To enroll means to officially record or list someone's name, often for genealogical purposes. This word is used to describe the process of reckoning or numbering people in a family tree or genealogy.
Definition: (Hithpael) to reckon genealogically, enrol on a genealogy, enrol, be enrolled
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: (number after, number throughout the) genealogy (to be reckoned), be reckoned by genealogies. See also: 1 Chronicles 4:33; 2 Chronicles 12:15; Nehemiah 7:64.
הַ/כֹּהֲנִים֙
kôhên
H3548
"priest"
Art | N-mp
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
לְ/בֵ֣ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
אֲבוֹתֵי/הֶ֔ם
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-mp | 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.
וְ/הַ֨/לְוִיִּ֔ם
Lêvîyîy
H3881
"Levi"
Conj | Art | Ngmpa
A Levite is a descendant of Levi, one of Jacob's 12 sons, mentioned in Genesis 29:34. Levi's brothers include Reuben, Simeon, and Judah. His descendants played a key role in Israel's spiritual life.
Definition: Someone from the tribe of Levi living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.34; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Gershon (H1648), Kohath (H6955), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115) Another name of le.vi (לֵוִי "Levi" H3878) § Levite, of Levi "joined to" 1) the descendants of Levi, the 3rd son of Jacob by Leah 1a) the tribe descended from Levi specially set aside by God for His service
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: Leviite. See also: Exodus 4:14; 1 Chronicles 6:33; Ezra 6:20.
מִ/בֶּ֛ן
bên
H1121
"son"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
עֶשְׂרִ֥ים
ʻesrîym
H6242
"twenty"
Adj
This word means twenty, and is also used as an ordinal number, like twentieth, as seen in Genesis 31:38. It can refer to a specific age or quantity.
Definition: twenty, twentieth Aramaic equivalent: es.rin (עֶשְׂרִין "twenty" H6243)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: (six-) score, twenty(-ieth). See also: Genesis 6:3; 1 Kings 9:14; Ezra 2:19.
שָׁנָ֖ה
shâneh
H8141
"year"
N-fs
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
וּ/לְ/מָ֑עְלָ/ה
maʻal
H4605
"above"
Conj | Prep | Adv | Suff
Means above or higher, used to describe something's location or position. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Genesis 1:7, where God separates the waters above from the waters below. This word helps us understand God's creation.
Definition: subst 1) higher part, upper part adv 1a) above prep 1b) on the top of, above, on higher ground than with locative 1c) upwards, higher, above
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: above, exceeding(-ly), forward, on ([idiom] very) high, over, up(-on, -ward), very. See also: Genesis 6:16; 1 Samuel 30:25; Psalms 74:5.
בְּ/מִשְׁמְרוֹתֵי/הֶ֖ם
mishmereth
H4931
"charge"
Prep | N-fp | Suff
Mishmereth refers to a guard or watch, such as a sentry or a post, emphasizing the act of preservation or safekeeping, like a duty or obligation to protect something or someone.
Definition: 1) guard, charge, function, obligation, service, watch 1a) guard, watch, house of detention or confinement 1b) keeping, preserving 1c) charge, injunction 1d) office, function (ceremonial)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: charge, keep, or to be kept, office, ordinace, safeguard, ward, watch. See also: Genesis 26:5; Joshua 22:3; Isaiah 21:8.
בְּ/מַחְלְקוֹתֵי/הֶֽם
machălôqeth
H4256
"division"
Prep | N-fp | Suff
A division or section of people, including soldiers, priests, and Levites, as described in the Bible's accounts of the Israelites' military and priestly organizations.
Definition: 1) division, course, class, share, allotment 1a) division, part 1b) division, class, course 1b1) of priests, Levites (technical term of organisation) Aramaic equivalent: mach.le.qah (מַחְלְקָה "class" H4255)
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: company, course, division, portion. See also H5555 (סֶלַע הַמַּחְלְקוֹת). See also: Joshua 11:23; 1 Chronicles 27:12; Ezekiel 48:29.
Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 31:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Chronicles 31:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 31:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 31:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 31:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 31:17
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 31:17
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Chronicles 31:17
- Sermons on 2 Chronicles 31:17
Context — Hezekiah Organizes the Priests
15Under his authority, Eden, Miniamin, Jeshua, Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah faithfully distributed portions to their fellow priests in their cities, according to their divisions, old and young alike.
16In addition, they distributed portions to the males registered by genealogy who were three years of age or older—to all who would enter the house of the LORD for their daily duties for service in the responsibilities of their divisions—
17and to the priests enrolled according to their families in the genealogy, as well as to the Levites twenty years of age or older, according to their responsibilities and divisions.
18The genealogy included all the little ones, wives, sons, and daughters of the whole assembly. For they had faithfully consecrated themselves as holy. 19As for the priests, the descendants of Aaron, who lived on the farmlands around each of their cities or in any other city, men were designated by name to distribute a portion to every male among the priests and to every Levite listed by the genealogies.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 23:24 | These were the descendants of Levi by their families—the heads of families, registered individually by name—those twenty years of age or older who worked in the service of the house of the LORD. |
| 2 | 1 Chronicles 23:27 | For according to the final instructions of David, the Levites twenty years of age or older were counted, |
| 3 | Numbers 3:15 | “Number the Levites by their families and clans. You are to count every male a month old or more.” |
| 4 | 1 Chronicles 24:20–26 | Now these were the remaining descendants of Levi: From the sons of Amram: Shubael; from the sons of Shubael: Jehdeiah. As for Rehabiah, from his sons: The first was Isshiah. From the Izharites: Shelomoth; from the sons of Shelomoth: Jahath. From the sons of Hebron: Jeriah was the first, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, and Jekameam the fourth. From the sons of Uzziel: Micah; from the sons of Micah: Shamir. The brother of Micah: Isshiah; from the sons of Isshiah: Zechariah. The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. The son of Jaaziah: Beno. |
| 5 | Numbers 8:24 | “This applies to the Levites: Men twenty-five years of age or older shall enter to perform the service in the work at the Tent of Meeting. |
| 6 | Numbers 17:2–3 | “Speak to the Israelites and take from them twelve staffs, one from the leader of each tribe. Write each man’s name on his staff, and write Aaron’s name on the staff of Levi, because there must be one staff for the head of each tribe. |
| 7 | Numbers 4:42 | And the Merarites were numbered by their clans and families, |
| 8 | Ezra 2:59 | The following came up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addan, and Immer, but could not prove that their families were descended from Israel: |
| 9 | Numbers 4:46 | So Moses, Aaron, and the leaders of Israel numbered by their clans and families all the Levites |
| 10 | Numbers 4:3 | men from thirty to fifty years old—everyone who is qualified to serve in the work at the Tent of Meeting. |
2 Chronicles 31:17 Summary
This verse talks about how the priests and Levites were organized and received their portions, or food, based on their families and jobs. It's like a big team working together, with each person having their own role, as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:12-31. The Levites had to be at least twenty years old to receive their portions, which shows that maturity and responsibility are important for serving God, just like it says in Numbers 8:24. By looking at this verse, we can learn about the importance of working together and using our gifts and talents to serve God and others, as seen in Romans 12:3-8.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the genealogy in this verse?
The genealogy is important because it helps to establish the lineage and heritage of the priests and Levites, ensuring they are serving in their proper roles, as seen in Ezra 2:62 and Nehemiah 7:64.
Why are the Levites mentioned separately from the priests?
The Levites are mentioned separately because they have distinct duties and responsibilities, as outlined in Numbers 3:6-10 and Numbers 8:6-26, and this verse highlights their importance in the distribution of portions.
What is the age requirement for the Levites to receive portions?
According to this verse, the Levites must be twenty years of age or older to receive portions, emphasizing the importance of maturity and responsibility in their service, as seen in Numbers 4:3 and Numbers 8:24.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of 2 Chronicles 31?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of King Hezekiah's reforms and the restoration of the priesthood, highlighting the importance of faithful distribution and the organization of the priests and Levites, as seen in 2 Chronicles 31:1-21 and 2 Chronicles 30:1-27.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about the importance of organization and structure in the kingdom of God?
- How does the emphasis on genealogy and lineage relate to our own understanding of our spiritual heritage?
- In what ways can we, like the priests and Levites, faithfully serve in our own roles and responsibilities?
- What does this verse teach us about the value of maturity and experience in spiritual service?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 31:17
Both to the genealogy of the priests by the house of their fathers,.... As to the priests registered according to their families from the age before observed, a portion was given: so to the Levites,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 31:17
And brought in the offerings and the tithes and the dedicated things faithfully: over which Cononiah the Levite was ruler, and Shimei his brother was the next. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 31:17
(17) Both to the genealogy.—The verse is a parenthesis relating to the registration of the priests and Levites, suggested by the occurrence of the word “register” in 2 Chronicles 31:16. Translate, “And as to the register of the priests, it was according to their clans (Heb., father-houses); and the Levites from twenty years old and upwards were in their offices in their divisions.” For the latter statement, see 1 Chronicles 23:24.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 31:17
Verse 17. From twenty years old] Moses had ordered that the Levites should not begin their labour till they were thirty years of age; but David changed this order, and obliged them to begin at twenty.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 31:17
17. both to the genealogy of the priests by the house of their fathers] R.V. and them that were reckoned by genealogy of the priests by their fathers’ houses.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Chronicles 31:17
Both to the genealogy of the priests ... - Some prefer: “And as for the list of the priests, it was according to the houses of their fathers, and that of the Levites was from twenty years,” etc.
Sermons on 2 Chronicles 31:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Cost of Worship by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the humility and simplicity of Jesus Christ. He compares Jesus to the apostle Paul, who often said "finally" but continued to write more cha |