And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things brought they in abundantly.

2 CHRONICLES 31:5KJV
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2 Chronicles 31:5 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 31:5 mean?

2 Chronicles 31:5 describes how, after a command was given, the Israelites responded by bringing large amounts of their first and best produce—grain, wine, oil, honey, and other crops—as well as a tenth (tithe) of everything, offering it generously. This verse shows the people's eager and abundant giving in response to leadership.

In context, this verse comes during King Hezekiah’s reforms, when he called the people of Judah and Israel to return to proper worship and support for the temple and its priests. The verse highlights the immediate and enthusiastic response of the people, showing their willingness to follow the command and support the religious life of their nation.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 31:5

  • "Firstfruits" (רֵאשִׁית, re’shith) refers to the earliest and best part of the harvest, given as an offering to God. This word emphasizes that the people were not just giving leftovers, but the very first and finest of their crops.
  • "Tithe" (מַעֲשֵׂר, ma‘aser) means a tenth part. The use of this word shows that the people were following the specific instruction to set aside a tenth of all their produce, which was a key part of Israelite law for supporting the Levites and the temple.
  • "Abundance" (הַרְבֵּה, harbeh) and "abundantly" (לָרֹב, larov) both stress the great quantity and generosity of what was given. The repetition underlines that the people's giving was not minimal or reluctant, but overflowing.

Why 2 Chronicles 31:5 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that the people gave only a little or reluctantly; the language stresses their generosity and eagerness.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing the positive results of Hezekiah’s reforms and the people's renewed commitment to their faith.
  • It highlights the importance of both leadership and community response in restoring religious practices, showing that genuine change involves both command and willing participation.

Where else these words appear

“oil” Hebrew H3323 · used in 23 verses

  • Numbers 18:12 All the best of the oil, and all the best of the wine, and of the wheat, the firstfruits of them which they shall offer unto the LORD, them have I given thee.
  • 2 Kings 18:32 Until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of corn and wine, a land of bread and vineyards, a land of oil olive and of honey, that ye may live, and not die: and hearken not unto Hezekiah, when he persuadeth you, saying, The LORD will deliver us.
  • Jeremiah 31:12 Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the LORD, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd: and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all.

“tithe” Hebrew H4643 · used in 27 verses

  • Genesis 14:20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.
  • Deuteronomy 12:6 And thither ye shall bring your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, and your tithes, and heave offerings of your hand, and your vows, and your freewill offerings, and the firstlings of your herds and of your flocks:
  • Nehemiah 10:38 And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes: and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure house.

“wine” Hebrew H8492 · used in 38 verses

  • Genesis 27:28 Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine:
  • 2 Chronicles 32:28 Storehouses also for the increase of corn, and wine, and oil; and stalls for all manner of beasts, and cotes for flocks.
  • Jeremiah 31:12 Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the LORD, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd: and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all.

“corn” Hebrew H1715 · used in 40 verses

  • Genesis 27:28 Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine:
  • Nehemiah 5:2 For there were that said, We, our sons, and our daughters, are many: therefore we take up corn for them, that we may eat, and live.
  • Lamentations 2:12 They say to their mothers, Where is corn and wine? when they swooned as the wounded in the streets of the city, when their soul was poured out into their mothers' bosom.