And Hezekiah had exceeding much riches and honour: and he made himself treasuries for silver, and for gold, and for precious stones, and for spices, and for shields, and for all manner of pleasant jewels;

2 CHRONICLES 32:27KJV
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2 Chronicles 32:27 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 32:27 mean?

2 Chronicles 32:27 describes how King Hezekiah became extremely wealthy and honored, gathering large amounts of silver, gold, precious stones, spices, shields, and other valuable items, and building special storage places to keep them. The verse highlights the abundance of material blessings and treasures that Hezekiah accumulated during his reign.

The chronicler is recounting the reign of Hezekiah, king of Judah, after his successful leadership during a time of crisis. This verse comes after the account of Hezekiah’s faithfulness and God’s deliverance from Assyria, showing the prosperity that followed. The focus is on the visible signs of Hezekiah’s success and the respect he earned, as seen in the wealth and honor he was able to gather and store.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 32:27

  • The word "exceeding" (מְאֹד, me'od) means "very" or "greatly," emphasizing just how much wealth and honor Hezekiah had—far beyond the ordinary.
  • "Treasuries" (אוֹצָר, 'otsar) refers to storehouses or vaults, not just simple containers, suggesting a significant and organized accumulation of wealth.
  • "Pleasant" (חֶמְדָּה, chemdah) describes the jewels as desirable or delightful, highlighting not just their value but their beauty and appeal.
  • "Riches" (עֹשֶׁר, osher) and "honour" (כָּבוֹד, kavod) together stress both material wealth and the respect or glory that came with it, showing Hezekiah’s status in both possessions and reputation.

Why 2 Chronicles 32:27 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Hezekiah’s prosperity was not just spiritual or military, but also very tangible and material, with wealth that could be seen and measured.
  • The detailed list of treasures and the mention of special treasuries underline how Hezekiah’s reign was marked by stability and abundance after a period of national crisis.
  • By connecting Hezekiah’s wealth and honor to his earlier faithfulness, the chronicler sets up a contrast with later events in Hezekiah’s life, helping the reader see both the blessings and the challenges that come with success.

Where else these words appear

“spices” Hebrew H1314 · used in 25 verses

  • Exodus 25:6 Oil for the light, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet incense,
  • 1 Chronicles 9:29 Some of them also were appointed to oversee the vessels, and all the instruments of the sanctuary, and the fine flour, and the wine, and the oil, and the frankincense, and the spices.
  • Song of Solomon 4:14 Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices:

“pleasant” Hebrew H2532 · used in 25 verses

  • Genesis 27:15 And Rebekah took goodly raiment of her eldest son Esau, which were with her in the house, and put them upon Jacob her younger son:
  • Jeremiah 3:19 But I said, How shall I put thee among the children, and give thee a pleasant land, a goodly heritage of the hosts of nations? and I said, Thou shalt call me, My father; and shalt not turn away from me.
  • Daniel 11:8 And shall also carry captives into Egypt their gods, with their princes, and with their precious vessels of silver and of gold; and he shall continue more years than the king of the north.

“riches” Hebrew H6239 · used in 36 verses

  • Genesis 31:16 For all the riches which God hath taken from our father, that is ours, and our children's: now then, whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do.
  • 2 Chronicles 18:1 Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honour in abundance, and joined affinity with Ahab.
  • Proverbs 22:1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

“precious” Hebrew H3368 · used in 36 verses

  • 1 Samuel 3:1 And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.
  • 2 Chronicles 3:6 And he garnished the house with precious stones for beauty: and the gold was gold of Parvaim.
  • Proverbs 6:26 For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life.