2 Chronicles 13:21 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 13:21 mean?

2 Chronicles 13:21 describes how Abijah, the king of Judah, became powerful, took fourteen wives, and had twenty-two sons and sixteen daughters. The verse highlights Abijah’s growing strength and the size of his family during his reign.

The verse is part of a historical account written to show the reign of King Abijah after his conflict with Jeroboam of Israel. The details about Abijah’s many wives and children reflect the customs of royal households in ancient times, where a large family was seen as a sign of status and strength. The focus is on Abijah’s increasing influence and legacy as king.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 13:21

• The word translated "mighty" is חָזַק (chazaq), which often means to become strong or powerful. Here, it emphasizes Abijah’s growing authority and success as a ruler.
• The verb "married" is נָשָׂא (nasa’), which literally means "to lift" or "to take." In this context, it refers to taking wives, a common way to describe marriage in ancient Hebrew.
• The word for "begat" is יָלַד (yalad), meaning to father or bring forth children. This highlights Abijah’s role in producing many heirs, which was important for dynastic stability.

Why 2 Chronicles 13:21 matters

• The verse clarifies that Abijah’s strength was not just military or political, but also shown in his large family, which was a sign of blessing and royal prosperity in that culture.
• By listing the exact number of wives and children, the writer emphasizes the scale of Abijah’s household, connecting his personal life to his public image as a powerful king.
• This detail helps set the stage for the succession of kings in Judah, showing that Abijah left behind a significant legacy through his many descendants.