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:

2 CHRONICLES 31:18KJV
Know the Bible

2 Chronicles 31:18 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 31:18 mean?

2 Chronicles 31:18 describes how the families of the priests and Levites—including their children, wives, sons, and daughters—were all included in the official records and cared for as part of the religious community, because the priests and Levites were faithfully carrying out their sacred duties. The verse emphasizes that these families were recognized and supported because the priests and Levites had set themselves apart for service in holiness.

This verse is part of a section where King Hezekiah is organizing the temple worship and ensuring that everyone involved, including the families of those serving, is provided for. The focus is on the thoroughness and fairness of the arrangements, showing that the entire household of those serving God was valued and included in the community’s support.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 31:18

  • "Genealogy" (יָחַשׂ, yakhash): This word refers to the official family records or registries. Its use here shows the careful attention to detail in making sure every family member was accounted for.
  • "Set office" (אֱמוּנָה, emunah): This word often means "faithfulness" or "trustworthiness," but here it refers to the assigned duties or responsibilities. It highlights that the priests and Levites were recognized for faithfully performing their roles.
  • "Sanctified" (קָדַשׁ, qadash): This word means to set apart or make holy. The verse points out that the priests and Levites dedicated themselves to their sacred work, which is why their families were included in the community’s care.
  • "Holiness" (קֹדֶשׁ, qodesh): This word means "set apart" or "sacred." It underscores the special status of the priests and Levites, and by extension, their families.

Why 2 Chronicles 31:18 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the care and support extended to the priests and Levites included their entire households, not just the individuals serving directly in the temple.
  • It highlights the importance of order and fairness in the religious community, showing that everyone connected to the service of God was valued.
  • The verse connects to the broader reforms of Hezekiah, illustrating his commitment to restoring proper worship and community support for those dedicated to spiritual service.

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 31:17 Both to the genealogy of the priests by the house of their fathers, and the Levites from twenty years old and upward, in their charges by their courses;

“ones” Hebrew H2945 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 34:29 And all their wealth, and all their little ones, and their wives took they captive, and spoiled even all that was in the house.
  • Numbers 16:27 So they gat up from the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, on every side: and Dathan and Abiram came out, and stood in the door of their tents, and their wives, and their sons, and their little children.
  • Deuteronomy 31:12 Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law:

“office” Hebrew H530 · used in 49 verses

  • Exodus 17:12 But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.
  • Psalms 88:11 Shall thy lovingkindness be declared in the grave? or thy faithfulness in destruction?
  • Psalms 119:138 Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful.

“congregation” Hebrew H6951 · used in 116 verses

  • Genesis 28:3 And God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a multitude of people;
  • 1 Kings 8:22 And Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven:
  • Nehemiah 7:66 The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three hundred and threescore,