Even to the artificers and builders gave they it, to buy hewn stone, and timber for couplings, and to floor the houses which the kings of Judah had destroyed.

2 CHRONICLES 34:11KJV
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2 Chronicles 34:11 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 34:11 mean?

2 Chronicles 34:11 describes how money was given to skilled workers and builders to purchase cut stone and timber for repairing the temple buildings that earlier kings of Judah had damaged. The verse highlights the practical steps taken to restore the temple during King Josiah’s reign.

This verse is set during a time when King Josiah of Judah is leading a major temple restoration project. The officials are distributing funds to those skilled in construction and craftsmanship, making sure they have the materials needed to fix what previous rulers had let fall into ruin. The focus is on careful stewardship and the physical rebuilding of the temple.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 34:11

  • "Artificers" (חָרָשׁ, ḥārāsh): This word refers to skilled craftsmen or artisans, not just general laborers. The restoration involved experts in their trade, showing the care taken in the work.
  • "Builders" (בָּנָה, bānāh): This term means those who construct or build, emphasizing the active rebuilding, not just maintenance.
  • "Destroyed" (שָׁחַת, shāḥat): This word often means to ruin or corrupt. The verse points out that the temple was not just neglected but actively damaged by previous kings, making the restoration more significant.

Why 2 Chronicles 34:11 matters

  • The verse clarifies that the restoration was thorough, involving both skilled artisans and builders, not just a superficial repair.
  • By mentioning the damage caused by earlier kings, the verse highlights the contrast between Josiah’s faithfulness and the neglect or harm done by his predecessors.
  • This detail connects to the larger story of Josiah’s reforms, showing his commitment to restoring proper worship and respect for the temple.

Where else these words appear

“couplings” Hebrew H4226 · used in 2 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 22:3 And David prepared iron in abundance for the nails for the doors of the gates, and for the joinings; and brass in abundance without weight;

“hewn” Hebrew H4274 · used in 3 verses

  • 2 Kings 12:12 And to masons, and hewers of stone, and to buy timber and hewed stone to repair the breaches of the house of the LORD, and for all that was laid out for the house to repair it.
  • 2 Kings 22:6 Unto carpenters, and builders, and masons, and to buy timber and hewn stone to repair the house.

“floor” Hebrew H7136 · used in 27 verses

  • Genesis 24:12 And he said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham.
  • Numbers 23:15 And he said unto Balak, Stand here by thy burnt offering, while I meet the LORD yonder.
  • Nehemiah 3:6 Moreover the old gate repaired Jehoiada the son of Paseah, and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah; they laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, and the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.

“artificers” Hebrew H2796 · used in 32 verses

  • Exodus 28:11 With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet, shalt thou engrave the two stones with the names of the children of Israel: thou shalt make them to be set in ouches of gold.
  • 1 Chronicles 14:1 Now Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and timber of cedars, with masons and carpenters, to build him an house.
  • Isaiah 44:13 The carpenter stretcheth out his rule; he marketh it out with a line; he fitteth it with planes, and he marketh it out with the compass, and maketh it after the figure of a man, according to the beauty of a man; that it may remain in the house.