Also of the sons of Aaron the priests, which were in the fields of the suburbs of their cities, in every several city, the men that were expressed by name, to give portions to all the males among the priests, and to all that were reckoned by genealogies among the Levites.

2 CHRONICLES 31:19KJV
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2 Chronicles 31:19 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 31:19 mean?

2 Chronicles 31:19 describes how the sons of Aaron, who were priests living in the fields around their cities, received their assigned portions of food and resources. Specific men, named and recorded, were responsible for distributing these portions to all the male priests and to Levites who were listed by genealogy.

This verse is part of a record showing how King Hezekiah organized the support and care of the priests and Levites during his religious reforms. The verse highlights the practical steps taken to ensure that even those priests and Levites living outside the main city centers, in the surrounding areas, were provided for in an orderly and fair way.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 31:19

  • "fields" (שָׂדֶה, sadeh): This word refers to the open land or countryside around the cities, showing that the priests did not all live in the main city but were spread out in rural areas.
  • "suburbs" (מִגְרָשׁ, migrash): This term means the pasturelands or outskirts around a city, emphasizing that the priests’ homes and responsibilities extended beyond city walls.
  • "expressed" (נָתַן, nathan): Here, this word means those who were specifically named or appointed, showing that the distribution was organized and based on official records.
  • "genealogies" (יָחַשׂ, yachas): This word refers to being registered by family line, which was important for determining who was eligible to receive the portions as Levites.

Why 2 Chronicles 31:19 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the care and support of priests and Levites was not limited to those serving at the temple in Jerusalem but included those living and working in outlying areas.
  • It shows the importance of record-keeping and organization in the religious life of Israel, ensuring fairness and accountability in distributing resources.
  • The verse connects to the broader reforms of Hezekiah, highlighting his efforts to restore proper worship and support for all those serving in religious roles, not just the most visible leaders.

Where else these words appear

“portions” Hebrew H4490 · used in 14 verses

  • Exodus 29:26 And thou shalt take the breast of the ram of Aaron's consecration, and wave it for a wave offering before the LORD: and it shall be thy part.
  • 1 Samuel 1:5 But unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah: but the LORD had shut up her womb.
  • Esther 2:9 And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the king's house: and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women.

“genealogies” 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;

“expressed” Hebrew H5344 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 30:28 And he said, Appoint me thy wages, and I will give it.
  • 2 Kings 18:21 Now, behold, thou trustest upon the staff of this bruised reed, even upon Egypt, on which if a man lean, it will go into his hand, and pierce it: so is Pharaoh king of Egypt unto all that trust on him.
  • Job 41:2 Canst thou put an hook into his nose? or bore his jaw through with a thorn?

“suburbs” Hebrew H4054 · used in 67 verses

  • Leviticus 25:34 But the field of the suburbs of their cities may not be sold; for it is their perpetual possession.
  • Joshua 21:25 And out of the half tribe of Manasseh, Tanach with her suburbs, and Gathrimmon with her suburbs; two cities.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:67 And they gave unto them, of the cities of refuge, Shechem in mount Ephraim with her suburbs; they gave also Gezer with her suburbs,