And their father gave them great gifts of silver, and of gold, and of precious things, with fenced cities in Judah: but the kingdom gave he to Jehoram; because he was the firstborn.

2 CHRONICLES 21:3KJV
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2 Chronicles 21:3 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 21:3 mean?

2 Chronicles 21:3 describes how Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, gave generous gifts of silver, gold, and valuable items, as well as fortified cities, to his sons. However, he gave the actual kingdom to Jehoram, his firstborn son, because Jehoram had the right of inheritance as the eldest.

Jehoshaphat is dividing his wealth and authority among his sons near the end of his reign. The verse highlights a common ancient practice: while younger sons received material wealth and positions of influence (like control over cities), the eldest son, Jehoram, received the throne itself. This sets the stage for the events that follow in the chapter, where Jehoram becomes king.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 21:3

  • "gave" (נָתַן, natan): This word appears twice, emphasizing both the giving of gifts to the sons and the giving of the kingdom to Jehoram. The repetition highlights the deliberate and formal nature of Jehoshaphat’s actions.
  • "gifts" (מַתָּנָה, mattanah): This word refers to presents or offerings, showing that Jehoshaphat’s gifts were substantial and intended to provide for his other sons without giving them the throne.
  • "fenced" (בָּצוּר, batsur): This word means fortified or walled, indicating that the cities given to the sons were protected and valuable, not just ordinary towns.
  • "firstborn" (בְּכוֹר, bekhor): This term is important because it explains why Jehoram received the kingdom. In ancient Israel, the firstborn son had special rights and responsibilities, including succession to the throne.

Why 2 Chronicles 21:3 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Jehoshaphat’s other sons were not left empty-handed; they received wealth and authority, but not the ultimate power of kingship.
  • The emphasis on Jehoram as the firstborn explains the succession and avoids confusion about why he became king, even if others received significant gifts.
  • This division of wealth and power helps explain later tensions and events in Judah’s royal family, as the distribution of authority sometimes led to rivalry or conflict.

Where else these words appear

“things” Hebrew H4030 · used in 4 verses

  • Genesis 24:53 And the servant brought forth jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment, and gave them to Rebekah: he gave also to her brother and to her mother precious things.
  • 2 Chronicles 32:23 And many brought gifts unto the LORD to Jerusalem, and presents to Hezekiah king of Judah: so that he was magnified in the sight of all nations from thenceforth.
  • Ezra 1:6 And all they that were about them strengthened their hands with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, and with beasts, and with precious things, beside all that was willingly offered.

“fenced” Hebrew H4694 · used in 8 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 11:10 And Zorah, and Aijalon, and Hebron, which are in Judah and in Benjamin fenced cities.
  • 2 Chronicles 11:23 And he dealt wisely, and dispersed of all his children throughout all the countries of Judah and Benjamin, unto every fenced city: and he gave them victual in abundance. And he desired many wives.
  • 2 Chronicles 14:6 And he built fenced cities in Judah: for the land had rest, and he had no war in those years; because the LORD had given him rest.

“gifts” Hebrew H4979 · used in 17 verses

  • Genesis 25:6 But unto the sons of the concubines, which Abraham had, Abraham gave gifts, and sent them away from Isaac his son, while he yet lived, eastward, unto the east country.
  • Numbers 18:29 Out of all your gifts ye shall offer every heave offering of the LORD, of all the best thereof, even the hallowed part thereof out of it.
  • Ecclesiastes 7:7 Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad; and a gift destroyeth the heart.

“Jehoram” Hebrew H3088 · used in 26 verses

  • 1 Kings 22:50 And Jehoshaphat slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father: and Jehoram his son reigned in his stead.
  • 2 Kings 9:17 And there stood a watchman on the tower in Jezreel, and he spied the company of Jehu as he came, and said, I see a company. And Joram said, Take an horseman, and send to meet them, and let him say, Is it peace?
  • 2 Chronicles 21:4 Now when Jehoram was risen up to the kingdom of his father, he strengthened himself, and slew all his brethren with the sword, and divers also of the princes of Israel.