And what cause soever shall come to you of your brethren that dwell in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and judgments, ye shall even warn them that they trespass not against the LORD, and so wrath come upon you, and upon your brethren: this do, and ye shall not trespass.

2 CHRONICLES 19:10KJV
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2 Chronicles 19:10 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 19:10 mean?

2 Chronicles 19:10 instructs the judges of Israel to carefully handle any disputes that come before them, especially those involving serious matters like bloodshed, laws, or commandments. The verse emphasizes that the judges must warn the people not to sin against the LORD, so that God’s anger does not come upon them or their community.

Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, is speaking to the appointed judges in the cities. He is giving them guidance on how to judge fairly and responsibly, especially in difficult cases between fellow Israelites. The verse highlights the seriousness of their role, reminding them that their decisions have spiritual consequences for themselves and the whole nation.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 19:10

  • "cause" (רִיב, riv): This word means a dispute or legal case. It shows that the verse is about settling disagreements, not just criminal matters.
  • "warn" (זָהַר, zahar): This word means to caution or give notice. The judges are not just to decide cases, but also to actively warn people against wrongdoing.
  • "trespass" (חָטָא, chata): This word means to sin or miss the mark. The warning is specifically about avoiding sin against the LORD, not just breaking human laws.
  • "wrath" (קֶצֶף, qetsef): This word means anger or indignation, often used for God’s anger. The warning is that improper judgment or unaddressed sin could bring divine judgment on the people.

Why 2 Chronicles 19:10 matters

  • This verse clarifies that judges in ancient Israel were expected to be spiritual guides as well as legal authorities, responsible for the community’s relationship with God.
  • The verse connects legal decisions with spiritual consequences, showing that justice and faithfulness to God’s commands are closely linked in Israel’s society.
  • It highlights the shared responsibility: if the judges fail to warn or the people ignore the warning, both the leaders and the community could face God’s anger.

Where else these words appear

“warn” Hebrew H2094 · used in 19 verses

  • Exodus 18:20 And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.
  • Ezekiel 3:18 When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.
  • Ezekiel 33:5 He heard the sound of the trumpet, and took not warning; his blood shall be upon him. But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul.

“this” Hebrew H3541 · used in 21 verses

  • Genesis 15:5 And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.
  • Numbers 6:23 Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them,
  • 1 Kings 18:45 And it came to pass in the mean while, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode, and went to Jezreel.

“wrath” Hebrew H7110 · used in 29 verses

  • Numbers 1:53 But the Levites shall pitch round about the tabernacle of testimony, that there be no wrath upon the congregation of the children of Israel: and the Levites shall keep the charge of the tabernacle of testimony.
  • 2 Chronicles 24:18 And they left the house of the LORD God of their fathers, and served groves and idols: and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their trespass.
  • Isaiah 54:8 In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.

“trespass” Hebrew H816 · used in 32 verses

  • Leviticus 4:13 And if the whole congregation of Israel sin through ignorance, and the thing be hid from the eyes of the assembly, and they have done somewhat against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which should not be done, and are guilty;
  • Numbers 5:6 Speak unto the children of Israel, When a man or woman shall commit any sin that men commit, to do a trespass against the LORD, and that person be guilty;
  • Ezekiel 6:6 In all your dwellingplaces the cities shall be laid waste, and the high places shall be desolate; that your altars may be laid waste and made desolate, and your idols may be broken and cease, and your images may be cut down, and your works may be abolished.