Then Hezekiah answered and said, Now ye have consecrated yourselves unto the LORD, come near and bring sacrifices and thank offerings into the house of the LORD. And the congregation brought in sacrifices and thank offerings; and as many as were of a free heart burnt offerings.

2 CHRONICLES 29:31KJV
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2 Chronicles 29:31 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 29:31 mean?

2 Chronicles 29:31 describes King Hezekiah inviting the people, after they have dedicated themselves to God, to come forward and bring sacrifices and offerings of thanks to the temple. The people respond by bringing these gifts, and those who felt moved freely also brought burnt offerings.

Hezekiah is speaking to the gathered people of Judah after a time of spiritual renewal and temple cleansing. He acknowledges that the people have now set themselves apart for God and encourages them to express their dedication through giving. The verse highlights both the formal offerings and the additional, voluntary burnt offerings brought by those whose hearts were willing, showing a mix of duty and heartfelt generosity in worship.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 29:31

  • "Consecrated" uses מָלֵא (male, "to fill") and יָד (yad, "hand"), a phrase often understood as "to fill the hand," meaning to be fully dedicated or set apart for service to God. This shows that the people were now ready and prepared for worship.
  • "Thank offerings" is תּוֹדָה (todah), meaning offerings given in gratitude. These are not required sacrifices but expressions of thankfulness, highlighting the people's voluntary praise.
  • "Free" is נָדָב (nadav), meaning willing or generous. The phrase "of a free heart" (לֵב, lev) points to offerings given out of genuine desire, not obligation, emphasizing the sincerity behind the people's actions.

Why 2 Chronicles 29:31 matters

  • The verse clarifies that worship involved both required and voluntary offerings, showing that heartfelt giving was valued alongside ritual obedience.
  • It highlights a key moment of revival under Hezekiah, where the people's response was not just outward but also deeply personal and willing.
  • The language of "consecration" and "free heart" connects this event to broader biblical themes of dedication and sincere worship, helping readers see the importance of both action and attitude in approaching God.

Where else these words appear

“free” Hebrew H5081 · used in 25 verses

  • Exodus 35:5 Take ye from among you an offering unto the LORD: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the LORD; gold, and silver, and brass,
  • Psalms 47:9 The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth belong unto God: he is greatly exalted.
  • Proverbs 17:7 Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.

“offerings” Hebrew H8426 · used in 30 verses

  • Leviticus 7:12 If he offer it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer with the sacrifice of thanksgiving unleavened cakes mingled with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil, and cakes mingled with oil, of fine flour, fried.
  • Nehemiah 12:38 And the other company of them that gave thanks went over against them, and I after them, and the half of the people upon the wall, from beyond the tower of the furnaces even unto the broad wall;
  • Psalms 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

“Hezekiah” Hebrew H3169 · used in 42 verses

  • 2 Kings 20:10 And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees: nay, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees.
  • 2 Chronicles 31:8 And when Hezekiah and the princes came and saw the heaps, they blessed the LORD, and his people Israel.
  • 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.

“near” Hebrew H5066 · used in 112 verses

  • Genesis 18:23 And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?
  • Deuteronomy 25:9 Then shall his brother's wife come unto him in the presence of the elders, and loose his shoe from off his foot, and spit in his face, and shall answer and say, So shall it be done unto that man that will not build up his brother's house.
  • 2 Kings 2:5 And the sons of the prophets that were at Jericho came to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he answered, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace.