Now therefore the wheat, and the barley, the oil, and the wine, which my lord hath spoken of, let him send unto his servants:

2 CHRONICLES 2:15KJV
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2 Chronicles 2:15 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 2:15 mean?

2 Chronicles 2:15 is a request for the delivery of wheat, barley, oil, and wine that had been promised. The speaker asks that these supplies be sent to his servants as agreed. This verse is about making sure the needed resources for a building project are provided.

King Hiram of Tyre is responding to King Solomon of Israel, who had asked for skilled workers and materials to help build the temple in Jerusalem. Hiram confirms he will provide the workers and asks Solomon to send the food supplies—wheat (חִטָּה, chittah), barley (שְׂעֹרָה, se'orah), oil (שֶׁמֶן, shemen), and wine (יַיִן, yayin)—as part of their agreement. This exchange highlights the practical arrangements and cooperation between the two kings for the temple's construction.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 2:15

  • חִטָּה (chittah) — "wheat": This word refers to a staple grain, showing the importance of basic food provisions in ancient agreements.
  • שְׂעֹרָה (se'orah) — "barley": Barley was another key grain, often used for both food and drink, underlining the practical needs of the workers.
  • שֶׁמֶן (shemen) — "oil": Usually olive oil, this was essential for cooking, lighting, and rituals, emphasizing the value of what Solomon was offering.
  • יַיִן (yayin) — "wine": Wine was a common drink and had social and religious significance, showing the completeness of the supplies.

Why 2 Chronicles 2:15 matters

  • This verse clarifies the terms of the agreement between Solomon and Hiram, showing that international cooperation in the ancient world often involved both skilled labor and food supplies.
  • The mention of specific foods highlights the practical, everyday needs that went into a massive project like building the temple, not just the spiritual or architectural aspects.
  • Understanding this exchange helps the reader see the broader context of 2 Chronicles 2, where planning, negotiation, and provision are all necessary for fulfilling a major task.

Where else these words appear

“wheat” Hebrew H2406 · used in 30 verses

  • Genesis 30:14 And Reuben went in the days of wheat harvest, and found mandrakes in the field, and brought them unto his mother Leah. Then Rachel said to Leah, Give me, I pray thee, of thy son's mandrakes.
  • 1 Samuel 6:13 And they of Bethshemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley: and they lifted up their eyes, and saw the ark, and rejoiced to see it.
  • Psalms 81:16 He should have fed them also with the finest of the wheat: and with honey out of the rock should I have satisfied thee.

“barley” Hebrew H8184 · used in 32 verses

  • Exodus 9:31 And the flax and the barley was smitten: for the barley was in the ear, and the flax was bolled.
  • Ruth 3:17 And she said, These six measures of barley gave he me; for he said to me, Go not empty unto thy mother in law.
  • 2 Chronicles 2:10 And, behold, I will give to thy servants, the hewers that cut timber, twenty thousand measures of beaten wheat, and twenty thousand measures of barley, and twenty thousand baths of wine, and twenty thousand baths of oil.

“wine” Hebrew H3196 · used in 134 verses

  • Genesis 9:21 And he drank of the wine, and was drunken; and he was uncovered within his tent.
  • 2 Chronicles 2:10 And, behold, I will give to thy servants, the hewers that cut timber, twenty thousand measures of beaten wheat, and twenty thousand measures of barley, and twenty thousand baths of wine, and twenty thousand baths of oil.
  • Isaiah 24:9 They shall not drink wine with a song; strong drink shall be bitter to them that drink it.