But the priests were too few, so that they could not flay all the burnt offerings: wherefore their brethren the Levites did help them, till the work was ended, and until the other priests had sanctified themselves: for the Levites were more upright in heart to sanctify themselves than the priests.

2 CHRONICLES 29:34KJV
Know the Bible

2 Chronicles 29:34 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 29:34 mean?

2 Chronicles 29:34 explains that there were not enough priests available to prepare all the burnt offerings during Hezekiah’s temple restoration, so the Levites stepped in to help until more priests had properly purified themselves. The verse notes that the Levites were more diligent in making themselves ritually clean than the priests at that time.

This verse is part of the account of King Hezekiah’s effort to restore worship in Jerusalem after a period of neglect. The chronicler describes how the priests (the main officials for sacrifices) were too few and had not all completed the required purification, so their fellow Levites—another group set apart for temple duties—assisted with the work. The verse highlights the Levites’ eagerness and readiness to serve, contrasting it with the slower preparation of the priests.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 29:34

  • "Priests" (כֹּהֵן, kohen): This word refers specifically to the descendants of Aaron, who were responsible for offering sacrifices. Their limited number and lack of readiness is a key detail in the story.
  • "Levites" (לֵוִי, levi): The Levites were another tribe set apart for temple service, but not normally for offering sacrifices. Their willingness to help here shows flexibility in temple roles during a time of need.
  • "Sanctified" (קָדַשׁ, qadash): This word means to make holy or ritually clean. The verse points out that the Levites were more "upright in heart" (יָשָׁר לֵב, yashar lev) in sanctifying themselves, suggesting a sincere commitment to purity and readiness for service.

Why 2 Chronicles 29:34 matters

  • This verse clarifies that ritual purity was essential for temple service, and not everyone was ready when worship was restored, even among the priests.
  • The verse highlights the Levites’ dedication, showing that spiritual readiness and willingness to serve can sometimes come from unexpected places.
  • In the context of Hezekiah’s reforms, this detail emphasizes the urgency and scale of the revival, as well as the cooperation needed among different groups to restore proper worship.

Where else these words appear

“flay” Hebrew H6584 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 37:23 And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him;
  • 1 Samuel 27:10 And Achish said, Whither have ye made a road to day? And David said, Against the south of Judah, and against the south of the Jerahmeelites, and against the south of the Kenites.
  • Job 1:17 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.

“few” Hebrew H4592 · used in 92 verses

  • Genesis 18:4 Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:
  • 1 Samuel 14:29 Then said Jonathan, My father hath troubled the land: see, I pray you, how mine eyes have been enlightened, because I tasted a little of this honey.
  • Proverbs 10:20 The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.

“upright” Hebrew H3477 · used in 119 verses

  • Exodus 15:26 And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.
  • 2 Chronicles 28:1 Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: but he did not that which was right in the sight of the LORD, like David his father:
  • Proverbs 2:7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.

“work” Hebrew H4399 · used in 149 verses

  • Genesis 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
  • Numbers 28:26 Also in the day of the firstfruits, when ye bring a new meat offering unto the LORD, after your weeks be out, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work:
  • 2 Chronicles 24:12 And the king and Jehoiada gave it to such as did the work of the service of the house of the LORD, and hired masons and carpenters to repair the house of the LORD, and also such as wrought iron and brass to mend the house of the LORD.