2 Chronicles 29:33 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 29:33 mean?

2 Chronicles 29:33 reports that, as part of the religious ceremonies, the people brought six hundred oxen and three thousand sheep as consecrated offerings. This verse highlights the large number of animals dedicated to God during this significant moment of worship and rededication.

King Hezekiah is leading a revival of worship in Jerusalem after a period of neglect. The verse is part of a detailed account describing how the people responded by bringing many animals for sacrifice, showing their renewed commitment. The numbers emphasize the scale and seriousness of the people's participation in restoring proper worship at the temple.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 29:33

• "things" (קָדֵשׁ, qāḏēš): This word means "holy" or "consecrated." Here, it refers to animals set apart for a sacred purpose, not just any livestock.
• "oxen" (בָּקָר, bāqār): This term specifically means cattle or oxen, animals often used for significant sacrifices.
• "sheep" (צֹאן, ṣōʾn): This word covers sheep and sometimes goats, both common in sacrificial rituals. The large number here shows the people's generosity and seriousness.

Why 2 Chronicles 29:33 matters

• This verse clears up any idea that only a few offerings were made; it shows a massive, communal effort to restore worship.
• The verse connects to the wider passage by illustrating the people's enthusiastic response to Hezekiah's reforms, not just in words but in action and sacrifice.
• The use of "consecrated" animals underlines that these offerings were not casual but specially set apart, highlighting the seriousness of the occasion and the people's renewed dedication.