2 Kings 12:7
2 Kings 12:7 in Multiple Translations
So King Joash called Jehoiada and the other priests and said, “Why have you not repaired the damage to the temple? Now, therefore, take no more money from your constituency, but hand it over for the repair of the temple.”
Then king Jehoash called for Jehoiada the priest, and the other priests, and said unto them, Why repair ye not the breaches of the house? now therefore receive no more money of your acquaintance, but deliver it for the breaches of the house.
Then king Jehoash called for Jehoiada the priest, and for the other priests, and said unto them, Why repair ye not the breaches of the house? now therefore take no more money from your acquaintance, but deliver it for the breaches of the house.
Then King Jehoash sent for Jehoiada the priest, and the other priests, and said to them, Why have you not made good what is damaged in the house? now take no more money from your neighbours, but give it for the building up of the house.
So King Joash called together Jehoiada and the other priests and asked, “Why haven't you repaired the damage in the Temple? Don't use any more money you're given for yourselves, instead hand it over to others to repair the Temple.”
Then King Iehoash called for Iehoiada the Priest, and the other Priestes, and sayd vnto them, Why repaire yee not the ruines of the Temple? nowe therefore receiue no more money of your acquaintance, except yee deliuer it to repaire the ruines of the Temple.
and king Jehoash calleth to Jehoiada the priest, and to the priests, and saith unto them, 'Wherefore are ye not strengthening the breach of the house? and now, receive no money from your acquaintances, but for the breach of the house give it.'
Then King Jehoash called for Jehoiada the priest, and for the other priests, and said to them, “Why aren’t you repairing the damage to the house? Now therefore take no more money from your treasurers, but deliver it for repair of the damage to the house.”
Then king Jehoash called for Jehoiada the priest, and the other priests, and said to them, Why repair ye not the breaches of the house? now therefore receive no more money of your acquaintance, but deliver it for the breaches of the house.
And king Joas called Joiada the high priest and the priests, saying to them: Why do you not repair the temple? Take you therefore money no more according to your order, but restore it for the repairing of the temple.
So Joash summoned Jehoiada and the other priests and said to them, “◄Why are you not repairing things in the temple?/You should have been repairing things in the temple!► [RHQ] From now on, you must not keep the money that you receive from people who know you (OR, the treasurers). You must give it to the people who will be repairing things in the temple!”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 12:7
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 Kings 12:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְהִ֗י
בִּ/שְׁנַ֨ת
עֶשְׂרִ֧ים
וְ/שָׁלֹ֛שׁ
שָׁנָ֖ה
לַ/מֶּ֣לֶךְ
יְהוֹאָ֑שׁ
לֹֽא
חִזְּק֥וּ
הַ/כֹּהֲנִ֖ים
אֶת
בֶּ֥דֶק
הַ/בָּֽיִת
וַ/יְהִ֗י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בִּ/שְׁנַ֨ת
shâneh
H8141
year
Prep | N-fs
עֶשְׂרִ֧ים
ʻesrîym
H6242
twenty
Adj
וְ/שָׁלֹ֛שׁ
shâlôwsh
H7969
three
Conj | Adj
שָׁנָ֖ה
shâneh
H8141
year
N-fs
לַ/מֶּ֣לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Prep | N-ms
יְהוֹאָ֑שׁ
Yᵉhôwʼâsh
H3060
Jehoash
N-proper
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
חִזְּק֥וּ
châzaq
H2388
to strengthen
V-Piel-Perf-3cp
הַ/כֹּהֲנִ֖ים
kôhên
H3548
priest
Art | N-mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
בֶּ֥דֶק
bedeq
H919
breach
N-ms
הַ/בָּֽיִת
bayith
H1004
place
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 12:7
וַ/יְהִ֗י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
בִּ/שְׁנַ֨ת
shâneh
H8141
"year"
Prep | 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.
עֶשְׂרִ֧ים
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.
וְ/שָׁלֹ֛שׁ
shâlôwsh
H7969
"three"
Conj | Adj
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
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.
לַ/מֶּ֣לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
יְהוֹאָ֑שׁ
Yᵉhôwʼâsh
H3060
"Jehoash"
N-proper
Jehoash was the name of two Israelite kings, including a king of Israel who was the son of Jehoahaz and father of Jeroboam. His name means given by the Lord, and he is also referred to as Joash.
Definition: A king of the Kingdom of Israel, living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.13.9; son of: Jehoahaz (H3059); father of: Jeroboam (H3379H); also called Jehoash at 2Ki.13.10,25; 14.8,9,11,13,15,16,17; Another name of yo.ash (יוֹאָשׁ "Joash" H3101J) § Jehoash = "given by the Lord" 1) son of king Ahaziah and the 8th king of Judah 2) son of king Jehoahaz and the 12th king of the northern kingdom of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: Jehoash. Compare H3101 (יוֹאָשׁ). See also: 2 Kings 12:1; 2 Kings 13:25; 2 Kings 14:17.
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
חִזְּק֥וּ
châzaq
H2388
"to strengthen"
V-Piel-Perf-3cp
To strengthen means to be strong or courageous, and can also mean to seize or conquer, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: : strengthen/support/encourage 1) to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, grow strong 1a1a) to prevail, prevail upon 1a1b) to be firm, be caught fast, be secure 1a1c) to press, be urgent 1a1d) to grow stout, grow rigid, grow hard (bad sense) 1a1e) to be severe, be grievous 1a2) to strengthen 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make strong 1b2) to restore to strength, give strength 1b3) to strengthen, sustain, encourage 1b4) to make strong, make bold, encourage 1b5) to make firm 1b6) to make rigid, make hard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make strong, strengthen 1c2) to make firm 1c3) to display strength 1c4) to make severe 1c5) to support 1c6) to repair 1c7) to prevail, prevail upon 1c8) to have or take or keep hold of, retain, hold up, sustain, support 1c9) to hold, contain 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to strengthen oneself 1d2) to put forth strength, use one's strength 1d3) to withstand 1d4) to hold strongly with
Usage: Occurs in 266 OT verses. KJV: aid, amend, [idiom] calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand. See also: Genesis 19:16; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 27:14.
הַ/כֹּהֲנִ֖ים
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.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
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.
בֶּ֥דֶק
bedeq
H919
"breach"
N-ms
A breach is a gap or hole in something, like a building or ship. In the Bible, it is used to describe damage or weakness, and the need for repair, as in Nehemiah 6.
Definition: fissure, rent, breach, leak (in a building)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: breach, [phrase] calker. See also: 2 Kings 12:6; 2 Kings 12:13; Ezekiel 27:27.
הַ/בָּֽיִת
bayith
H1004
"place"
Art | 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.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 12:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 12:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 12:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 12:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 12:7
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 12:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 12:7
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 12:7
- Sermons on 2 Kings 12:7
Context — Joash Repairs the Temple
5Let every priest receive it from his constituency, and let it be used to repair any damage found in the temple.”
6By the twenty-third year of the reign of Joash, however, the priests had not yet repaired the damage to the temple.
7So King Joash called Jehoiada and the other priests and said, “Why have you not repaired the damage to the temple? Now, therefore, take no more money from your constituency, but hand it over for the repair of the temple.”
8So the priests agreed that they would not receive money from the people and that they would not repair the temple themselves. 9Then Jehoiada the priest took a chest, bored a hole in its lid, and set it beside the altar on the right side as one enters the house of the LORD. There the priests who guarded the threshold put all the money brought into the house of the LORD.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 24:16 | And Jehoiada was buried with the kings in the City of David, because he had done what was good in Israel for God and His temple. |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 24:5–14 | So he gathered the priests and Levites and said, “Go out to the cities of Judah and collect the money due annually from all Israel, to repair the house of your God. Do it quickly.” The Levites, however, did not make haste. So the king called Jehoiada the high priest and said, “Why have you not required the Levites to bring from Judah and Jerusalem the tax imposed by Moses the servant of the LORD and by the assembly of Israel for the Tent of the Testimony?” For the sons of that wicked woman Athaliah had broken into the house of God and had even used the sacred objects of the house of the LORD for the Baals. At the king’s command a chest was made and placed outside, at the gate of the house of the LORD. And a proclamation was issued in Judah and Jerusalem that they were to bring to the LORD the tax imposed by Moses the servant of God on Israel in the wilderness. All the officers and all the people rejoiced and brought their contributions, and they dropped them in the chest until it was full. Whenever the chest was brought by the Levites to the king’s overseers and they saw that there was a large amount of money, the royal scribe and the officer of the high priest would come and empty the chest and carry it back to its place. They did this daily and gathered the money in abundance. Then the king and Jehoiada would give the money to those who supervised the labor on the house of the LORD to hire stonecutters and carpenters to restore the house of the LORD, as well as workers in iron and bronze to repair the house of the LORD. So the workmen labored, and in their hands the repair work progressed. They restored the house of God according to its specifications, and they reinforced it. When they were finished, they brought the rest of the money to the king and Jehoiada to make with it the articles for the house of the LORD—utensils for the service and for the burnt offerings, dishes, and other objects of gold and silver. Throughout the days of Jehoiada, burnt offerings were presented regularly in the house of the LORD. |
| 3 | 2 Kings 11:4 | Then in the seventh year, Jehoiada sent for the commanders of hundreds, the Carites, and the guards, and had them brought into the house of the LORD. There he made a covenant with them and put them under oath. He showed them the king’s son |
| 4 | 1 Chronicles 21:3 | But Joab replied, “May the LORD multiply His troops a hundred times over. My lord the king, are they not all servants of my lord? Why does my lord want to do this? Why should he bring guilt on Israel?” |
| 5 | 2 Chronicles 23:1 | Then in the seventh year, Jehoiada strengthened himself and made a covenant with the commanders of hundreds—with Azariah son of Jeroham, Ishmael son of Jehohanan, Azariah son of Obed, Maaseiah son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat son of Zichri. |
| 6 | 2 Kings 12:2 | And Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the days he was instructed by Jehoiada the priest. |
2 Kings 12:7 Summary
In this verse, King Joash is concerned about the condition of the temple and instructs the priests to use the collected money to repair it. This shows that King Joash valued the importance of taking care of God's house, just as we are called to be good stewards of the resources God has given us (as seen in Matthew 25:14-30). The priests had a responsibility to care for the temple, and we have similar responsibilities in our own lives. By prioritizing what is truly important to God, we can be faithful stewards of the resources and opportunities He has given us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the condition of the temple during King Joash's reign?
The temple was in a state of disrepair, with damage that had not been fixed despite the priests' responsibility to do so, as seen in 2 Kings 12:6.
Why did King Joash call Jehoiada and the other priests?
King Joash called them to address the issue of the temple's damage and to instruct them to use the collected money for its repair, as stated in 2 Kings 12:7.
What was the priests' initial response to the king's instruction?
The priests agreed not to receive money from the people and not to repair the temple themselves, but instead, Jehoiada took a different approach, as seen in 2 Kings 12:9.
How does this verse relate to the concept of stewardship?
This verse highlights the importance of responsible stewardship, as the priests were entrusted with the care of the temple and its finances, similar to the principles found in Genesis 1:28 and Matthew 25:14-30.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I have been entrusted with resources or responsibilities, and how can I be a better steward of them?
- How can I prioritize the things that are truly important to God, just as King Joash prioritized the repair of the temple?
- In what ways can I support and participate in the work of God's kingdom, whether in my local church or community?
- What are some potential consequences of neglecting our responsibilities, as the priests did in this verse, and how can I avoid similar pitfalls?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 12:7
Then King Jehoash called for Jehoiada the priest, and the other priests,.... The common priests, Jehoiada being high priest: and said unto them, why repair ye not the breaches of the house?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 12:7
Then king Jehoash called for Jehoiada the priest, and the other priests, and said unto them, Why repair ye not the breaches of the house?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 12:7
i.e. The money which you have already received.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 12:7
2 Kings 12:7 Then king Jehoash called for Jehoiada the priest, and the [other] priests, and said unto them, Why repair ye not the breaches of the house? now therefore receive no [more] money of your acquaintance, but deliver it for the breaches of the house.Ver. 7. Then king Jehoash called for Jehoiada.] It was wonder that he should need quickening; but he was grown very old, and his work was done in a manner. Howbeit Josephus saith that he excited Joash, and would be called for among the rest, whom haply he could not so well prevail with. Why repair ye not the breaches of the house?] A temporary, then, we see may be the fore-horse in the team, the εργοδιωκτης, the ringleader of good exercises, and stir others up thereto, as Jehoash here did his best officers, and yet perish.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 12:7
(7) Now therefore receive no more money.—The account of the whole transaction is not very clear, and commentators disagree upon the question of the degree of blame attaching to the priests for their neglect. It is evident, however, that the king now took the control of the funds and the work out of their hands. Probably the revenues of the sanctuary had been in a very languishing condition during the late reigns; and the priesthood had used whatever offerings they received for their own support. They would now very naturally be unwilling to appropriate any part of the revenues which they had come to regard as their own. to the work of repair. From the account in Chronicles it would not appear that any money was collected for the purpose of restoration before the king took the matter into his own hands. The idea of Thenins, that Joash wished to humble the pride of the priests by diminishing their revenues, is not contained in either narrative. But it is in itself likely that the moral tone of the whole order had degenerated in the late period of apostasy. But deliver it for the breaches of the house.—Rather, For to the dilapidation of the house ye should give it; scil., and not apply it to any other purposes. The king’s words certainly seem to throw suspicion on the priests.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 12:7
7. Why repair ye not the breaches?] No answer is given to this question either here or in 2 Chronicles. There can be no doubt that with the decay of the house of the Lord, the decrease of the offerings had also taken place. The priests and Levites had perhaps found much difficulty in increasing the sums collected, and in apportioning what they received between their own maintenance and the restoration-fund. There seems to have been no blame attached to them by the king, and the explanation they offered, whatever it may have been, was so far satisfactory that the priests which kept the door of the house were placed in charge of the box that was provided for the offerings. now therefore receive [R.V. take] no more money] The collection which had at first been ordered (2 Chronicles 24:5) was now to cease. There was to be no going round to gather, but public offerings were to be made beside the altar when the worshippers came to Jerusalem. This seems to be the true principle, and calculated in all cases to stimulate bounty towards good works.
Sermons on 2 Kings 12:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Joash Repairs the Temple by C.I. Scofield | C.I. Scofield preaches on the failure of the priests to use temple funds for repairs and the subsequent restoration of the temple under Jehoiada's wise leadership. The sermon empha |
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Just Do It! by Mary Wilder Tileston | Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the importance of promptly fulfilling our duties and tasks, emphasizing that delaying them only leads to hindrances in our relationship with God |
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Burning for God by G.W. North | In this sermon, the preacher describes a vision of seeing the Son of Man, who is described as having a majestic appearance with white hair, fiery eyes, and feet like brass. The pre |