And of the sons of Elizaphan; Shimri, and Jeiel: and of the sons of Asaph; Zechariah, and Mattaniah:

2 CHRONICLES 29:13KJV
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2 Chronicles 29:13 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 29:13 mean?

2 Chronicles 29:13 lists specific men from two important Levitical families—Elizaphan and Asaph—who were chosen to help with the temple purification under King Hezekiah’s reforms. The verse names Shimri and Jeiel from Elizaphan’s descendants, and Zechariah and Mattaniah from Asaph’s descendants.

This verse is part of a record describing how King Hezekiah gathered Levites to restore proper worship in the Jerusalem temple after a period of neglect. The chronicler is giving a careful account of who participated, highlighting the involvement of both gatekeepers (Elizaphan’s line) and musicians (Asaph’s line), which shows the thoroughness and order of the temple’s renewal.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 29:13

  • בְּנֵי (bənê, “sons”): This word refers to male descendants or members of a family line. In this context, it emphasizes the importance of family heritage and continuity in temple service.
  • אֱלִיצָפָן (Elitzafan): The name Elizaphan points to a specific Levitical clan, traditionally associated with gatekeeping duties in the temple, which underlines their role in maintaining the sanctity of worship.
  • אָסָף (Asaf): Asaph is the ancestor of a prominent family of temple musicians. Mentioning his descendants here shows the inclusion of those responsible for music and praise in the purification process.

Why 2 Chronicles 29:13 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Hezekiah’s reforms involved a broad spectrum of Levitical families, not just priests, which highlights the collective responsibility in restoring temple worship.
  • By naming individuals and their family lines, the chronicler stresses accountability and the historical record, showing that real people took part in this significant spiritual renewal.
  • The mention of both gatekeepers and musicians points to the restoration of all aspects of temple life—not just sacrifices, but also order and praise—making the renewal complete.

Where else these words appear

“Shimri” Hebrew H8113 · used in 4 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 4:37 And Ziza the son of Shiphi, the son of Allon, the son of Jedaiah, the son of Shimri, the son of Shemaiah;
  • 1 Chronicles 11:45 Jediael the son of Shimri, and Joha his brother, the Tizite,
  • 1 Chronicles 26:10 Also Hosah, of the children of Merari, had sons; Simri the chief,(for though he was not the firstborn, yet his father made him the chief;)

“Elizaphan” Hebrew H469 · used in 6 verses

  • Exodus 6:22 And the sons of Uzziel; Mishael, and Elzaphan, and Zithri.
  • Leviticus 10:4 And Moses called Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Uzziel the uncle of Aaron, and said unto them, Come near, carry your brethren from before the sanctuary out of the camp.
  • Numbers 34:25 And the prince of the tribe of the children of Zebulun, Elizaphan the son of Parnach.

“Jeiel” Hebrew H3273 · used in 12 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 5:7 And his brethren by their families, when the genealogy of their generations was reckoned, were the chief, Jeiel, and Zechariah,
  • 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.
  • 2 Chronicles 26:11 Moreover Uzziah had an host of fighting men, that went out to war by bands, according to the number of their account by the hand of Jeiel the scribe and Maaseiah the ruler, under the hand of Hananiah, one of the king's captains.

“Mattaniah” Hebrew H4983 · used in 16 verses

  • 2 Kings 24:17 And the king of Babylon made Mattaniah his father's brother king in his stead, and changed his name to Zedekiah.
  • Ezra 10:26 And of the sons of Elam; Mattaniah, Zechariah, and Jehiel, and Abdi, and Jeremoth, and Eliah.
  • Nehemiah 11:22 The overseer also of the Levites at Jerusalem was Uzzi the son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Micha. Of the sons of Asaph, the singers were over the business of the house of God.