My sons, be not now negligent: for the LORD hath chosen you to stand before him, to serve him, and that ye should minister unto him, and burn incense.

2 CHRONICLES 29:11KJV
Know the Bible

2 Chronicles 29:11 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 29:11 mean?

2 Chronicles 29:11 is a call from King Hezekiah to the Levites, urging them not to neglect their duties because God has specifically chosen them to serve in His presence, carry out ministry, and offer incense. The verse emphasizes the importance and honor of their role in the temple service.

King Hezekiah is speaking to the Levites during a time of temple restoration after a period of neglect and unfaithfulness in Judah. Hezekiah reminds them that their service is not just a task but a calling from the LORD (the God of Israel), highlighting both responsibility and privilege in their work. The verse sets the tone for the renewed dedication to proper worship in the chapters that follow.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 29:11

  • "sons" (בְּנִי, bəni): Hezekiah addresses the Levites as "sons," a term of closeness and encouragement, showing his personal concern and urging them as a father might.
  • "negligent" (שָׁלָה, shalah): This word means to be slack, idle, or careless. Hezekiah warns against any attitude of laziness or indifference in their sacred duties.
  • "chosen" (בָּחַר, bachar): The word means to select or appoint with purpose. Hezekiah stresses that their role is not accidental but a deliberate choice by God.
  • "stand" (עָמַד, amad): This verb means to stand or take one's place, often in the sense of serving before someone important. Here, it points to the Levites’ special position before God.
  • "serve" and "minister" (שָׁרַת, sharath): The same Hebrew word is used for both, meaning to serve or attend. This highlights the Levites’ active role in temple worship, not just a passive presence.
  • "incense" (קָטַר, qatar): This word refers to burning incense, a key act of worship symbolizing prayers rising to God. It underscores the sacredness of their ministry.

Why 2 Chronicles 29:11 matters

  • The verse clarifies that temple service was not just a job but a divinely appointed calling, countering any idea that it was routine or optional.
  • Hezekiah’s words reveal the urgency and seriousness of restoring proper worship, showing that spiritual neglect had real consequences for the community.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by marking a turning point: the Levites’ renewed commitment becomes the foundation for the spiritual revival that follows in Judah.

Where else these words appear

“negligent” Hebrew H7952 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Kings 4:28 Then she said, Did I desire a son of my lord? did I not say, Do not deceive me?

“serve” Hebrew H8334 · used in 92 verses

  • Genesis 39:4 And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.
  • 1 Samuel 3:1 And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.
  • Esther 1:10 On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven chamberlains that served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king,

“incense” Hebrew H6999 · used in 112 verses

  • Exodus 29:13 And thou shalt take all the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul that is above the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, and burn them upon the altar.
  • Leviticus 9:20 And they put the fat upon the breasts, and he burnt the fat upon the altar:
  • 2 Chronicles 28:3 Moreover he burnt incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burnt his children in the fire, after the abominations of the heathen whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel.