2 Chronicles 17:14 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 17:14 mean?

2 Chronicles 17:14 lists the number of military leaders and soldiers from the tribe of Judah during King Jehoshaphat’s reign, specifically naming Adnah as the chief commander with 300,000 skilled warriors under him. The verse is part of a record showing the organization and strength of Judah’s army at that time.

This verse comes in a section where the chronicler is describing how King Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, strengthened his kingdom by organizing his army. The verse gives a concrete example by naming Adnah and detailing the size and valor of his forces, highlighting the kingdom’s preparedness and stability.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 17:14

• "house" (בַּיִת, bayith): This word refers to the family or clan groupings, showing that the military organization was structured around extended families or ancestral lines.
• "captains" and "chief" (שַׂר, sar): This term means a leader, commander, or prince. Its use for both “captains” and “chief” emphasizes the chain of command and the importance of leadership in Judah’s military.
• "men of valour" (גִּבּוֹר, gibbor; חַיִל, chayil): These words together describe not just physical strength but also bravery, skill, and reputation, indicating that these were elite, respected warriors.
• "thousands" (אֶלֶף, eleph): This word can mean a literal thousand or a military unit, so the number may reflect both actual headcount and organized divisions.

Why 2 Chronicles 17:14 matters

• The verse clarifies that Judah’s military was not just large but also carefully organized by family and led by notable commanders, which shows the administrative strength of Jehoshaphat’s rule.
• By naming Adnah and specifying the number of "mighty men of valour," the chronicler emphasizes the quality and readiness of Judah’s forces, not just their quantity.
• This detail connects to the wider passage, which is focused on Jehoshaphat’s reforms and efforts to secure his kingdom, providing context for his success and stability as a king.