And with them he sent Levites, even Shemaiah, and Nethaniah, and Zebadiah, and Asahel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehonathan, and Adonijah, and Tobijah, and Tobadonijah, Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, priests.

2 CHRONICLES 17:8KJV
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2 Chronicles 17:8 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 17:8 mean?

2 Chronicles 17:8 lists the names of Levites and priests whom King Jehoshaphat sent throughout Judah to teach the people. This verse highlights the specific individuals chosen for this important teaching mission, showing the organized effort to spread knowledge of God’s law.

King Jehoshaphat is taking steps to strengthen the spiritual life of his kingdom by sending out Levites (members of the tribe set apart for religious duties) and priests (those responsible for leading worship and sacrifices). The verse gives the names of these men, emphasizing that this was a well-planned and official campaign to instruct the people in their faith.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 17:8

  • לֵוִי (Levites, transliteration: Leviyyim, H3881): This word refers to members of the tribe of Levi, who were set apart for religious service. Their inclusion shows that teaching the law was not just for priests but for all Levites.
  • כֹּהֵן (priests, transliteration: kohanim, H3548): This term means those who performed sacrifices and led worship. Their presence alongside the Levites underlines the seriousness and authority of the teaching mission.

Why 2 Chronicles 17:8 matters

  • This verse shows that spiritual education was a priority for King Jehoshaphat, not just religious rituals or ceremonies.
  • Naming the individuals involved gives a sense of accountability and transparency in leadership, showing that this was a real, organized effort.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing how Jehoshaphat’s reforms were practical and involved many leaders, not just the king himself.

Where else these words appear

“Shemiramoth” Hebrew H8070 · used in 4 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 15:18 And with them their brethren of the second degree, Zechariah, Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah, and Maaseiah, and Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, the porters.
  • 1 Chronicles 15:20 And Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with psalteries on Alamoth;
  • 1 Chronicles 16:5 Asaph the chief, and next to him Zechariah, Jeiel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Mattithiah, and Eliab, and Benaiah, and Obededom: and Jeiel with psalteries and with harps; but Asaph made a sound with cymbals;

“Zebadiah” Hebrew H2069 · used in 9 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 8:15 And Zebadiah, and Arad, and Ader,
  • 1 Chronicles 12:7 And Joelah, and Zebadiah, the sons of Jeroham of Gedor.
  • 2 Chronicles 19:11 And, behold, Amariah the chief priest is over you in all matters of the LORD; and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, for all the king's matters: also the Levites shall be officers before you. Deal courageously, and the LORD shall be with the good.

“Asahel” Hebrew H6214 · used in 17 verses

  • 2 Samuel 2:18 And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe.
  • 2 Samuel 2:23 Howbeit he refused to turn aside: wherefore Abner with the hinder end of the spear smote him under the fifth rib, that the spear came out behind him; and he fell down there, and died in the same place: and it came to pass, that as many as came to the place where Asahel fell down and died stood still.
  • 2 Samuel 23:24 Asahel the brother of Joab was one of the thirty; Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem,

“Tobijah” Hebrew H2900 · used in 17 verses

  • Ezra 2:60 The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred fifty and two.
  • Nehemiah 6:1 Now it came to pass, when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had builded the wall, and that there was no breach left therein;(though at that time I had not set up the doors upon the gates;)
  • Nehemiah 7:62 The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred forty and two.