Beside their genealogy of males, from three years old and upward, even unto every one that entereth into the house of the LORD, his daily portion for their service in their charges according to their courses;

2 CHRONICLES 31:16KJV
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2 Chronicles 31:16 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 31:16 mean?

2 Chronicles 31:16 describes how the daily portions of food and supplies were distributed to all males, aged three and up, who entered the house of the LORD to serve in their assigned duties. This verse shows the careful organization of temple service, ensuring that every eligible male received what he needed for his work at the temple.

This verse is part of a passage explaining how King Hezekiah reestablished proper worship and support for the priests and Levites in Jerusalem. The verse focuses on the practical arrangements for those serving in the temple, highlighting the age range and the fairness of the daily distribution. The system was based on genealogical records and organized shifts, reflecting order and care in temple life.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 31:16

  • "genealogy" (יָחַשׂ, yaḥas): This word refers to the official family records used to determine who was eligible for temple service. It underscores the importance of lineage in temple duties.
  • "males" (זָכָר, zakhar): The verse specifically mentions males, showing that the temple service roles described here were limited to men according to the customs of the time.
  • "daily" (יוֹם, yom): This word means "day" and in this context refers to the regular, daily portions given out. It highlights the ongoing, routine nature of the support provided.
  • "service" (עֲבֹדָה, avodah): This word means "work" or "service," referring to the religious duties performed in the temple. It clarifies that these provisions were for those actively serving.

Why 2 Chronicles 31:16 matters

  • This verse clarifies that temple service was highly organized, with careful records and fair distribution to support those serving, even down to young boys starting at age three.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of every eligible person being provided for, showing a sense of community responsibility and care within the temple system.
  • By connecting the daily portions to specific duties and shifts, the verse highlights the structured and ongoing nature of worship and work in the temple, reflecting Hezekiah’s reforms to restore faithful practice.

Where else these words appear

“genealogy” Hebrew H3187 · used in 20 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 4:33 And all their villages that were round about the same cities, unto Baal. These were their habitations, and their genealogy.
  • 1 Chronicles 7:9 And the number of them, after their genealogy by their generations, heads of the house of their fathers, mighty men of valour, was twenty thousand and two hundred.
  • 2 Chronicles 31:18 And to the genealogy of all their little ones, their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, through all the congregation: for in their set office they sanctified themselves in holiness:

“courses” Hebrew H4256 · used in 36 verses

  • Joshua 11:23 So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war.
  • 1 Chronicles 27:5 The third captain of the host for the third month was Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, a chief priest: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.
  • 1 Chronicles 28:13 Also for the courses of the priests and the Levites, and for all the work of the service of the house of the LORD, and for all the vessels of service in the house of the LORD.

“charges” Hebrew H4931 · used in 69 verses

  • Genesis 26:5 Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.
  • Numbers 8:26 But shall minister with their brethren in the tabernacle of the congregation, to keep the charge, and shall do no service. Thus shalt thou do unto the Levites touching their charge.
  • 1 Chronicles 25:8 And they cast lots, ward against ward, as well the small as the great, the teacher as the scholar.

“males” Hebrew H2145 · used in 80 verses

  • Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
  • Leviticus 12:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a woman have conceived seed, and born a man child: then she shall be unclean seven days; according to the days of the separation for her infirmity shall she be unclean.
  • Numbers 31:35 And thirty and two thousand persons in all, of women that had not known man by lying with him.