And Kore the son of Imnah the Levite, the porter toward the east, was over the freewill offerings of God, to distribute the oblations of the LORD, and the most holy things.

2 CHRONICLES 31:14KJV
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2 Chronicles 31:14 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 31:14 mean?

2 Chronicles 31:14 describes how Kore, the son of Imnah, who was a Levite and a gatekeeper stationed on the east side, was put in charge of managing the freewill offerings to God. Kore’s role was to distribute the offerings and the most sacred things that were brought for the LORD.

This verse is part of a record showing how King Hezekiah organized the temple services and ensured that the offerings from the people were handled properly. Kore’s specific responsibility was to oversee the voluntary gifts and sacred items, making sure they were distributed as intended for worship and temple needs.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 31:14

  • "Offerings" (נְדָבוֹת, nedavot): This word refers to freewill or voluntary offerings, not required by law but given out of devotion. It highlights that these gifts were given willingly by the people.
  • "Oblations" (תְּרוּמוֹת, terumot): This term means contributions or offerings that are set apart for a special purpose, often for the priests or temple service. It shows that Kore managed not just general gifts but also those with a specific sacred use.
  • "Most holy things" (קֹדֶשׁ הַקֳּדָשִׁים, kodesh hakodashim): This phrase refers to items or offerings considered especially sacred, reserved for particular religious functions. It emphasizes the high level of trust and responsibility given to Kore.

Why 2 Chronicles 31:14 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the management of offerings in the temple was organized and entrusted to specific, trustworthy individuals, showing the seriousness with which worship was handled.
  • By naming Kore and his duties, the verse highlights the importance of proper stewardship in religious life, ensuring that offerings were used as intended.
  • The verse connects to the broader reforms of Hezekiah, illustrating how he restored proper worship practices and accountability in the temple after a period of neglect.

Where else these words appear

“Kore” Hebrew H6981 · used in 3 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 9:19 And Shallum the son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his brethren, of the house of his father, the Korahites, were over the work of the service, keepers of the gates of the tabernacle: and their fathers, being over the host of the LORD, were keepers of the entry.
  • 1 Chronicles 26:1 Concerning the divisions of the porters: Of the Korhites was Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph.

“Imnah” Hebrew H3232 · used in 4 verses

  • Genesis 46:17 And the sons of Asher; Jimnah, and Ishuah, and Isui, and Beriah, and Serah their sister: and the sons of Beriah; Heber, and Malchiel.
  • Numbers 26:44 Of the children of Asher after their families: of Jimna, the family of the Jimnites: of Jesui, the family of the Jesuites: of Beriah, the family of the Beriites.
  • 1 Chronicles 7:30 The sons of Asher; Imnah, and Isuah, and Ishuai, and Beriah, and Serah their sister.

“offerings” Hebrew H5071 · used in 25 verses

  • Exodus 35:29 The children of Israel brought a willing offering unto the LORD, every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all manner of work, which the LORD had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses.
  • Numbers 29:39 These things ye shall do unto the LORD in your set feasts, beside your vows, and your freewill offerings, for your burnt offerings, and for your meat offerings, and for your drink offerings, and for your peace offerings.
  • Ezra 8:28 And I said unto them, Ye are holy unto the LORD; the vessels are holy also; and the silver and the gold are a freewill offering unto the LORD God of your fathers.

“porter” Hebrew H7778 · used in 37 verses

  • 2 Samuel 18:26 And the watchman saw another man running: and the watchman called unto the porter, and said, Behold another man running alone. And the king said, He also bringeth tidings.
  • 1 Chronicles 16:38 And Obededom with their brethren, threescore and eight; Obededom also the son of Jeduthun and Hosah to be porters:
  • Ezra 7:7 And there went up some of the children of Israel, and of the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, unto Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king.