And they have gathered together the money that was found in the house of the LORD, and have delivered it into the hand of the overseers, and to the hand of the workmen.

2 CHRONICLES 34:17KJV
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2 Chronicles 34:17 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 34:17 mean?

2 Chronicles 34:17 reports that the money collected in the temple of the LORD has been gathered and handed over to those in charge of overseeing and carrying out the temple repairs. The verse shows a careful process of collecting and distributing funds for the restoration work under King Josiah.

In this scene, officials are giving an account to King Josiah’s secretary about the progress of the temple repairs. The verse highlights the practical steps being taken: the money found in the temple is entrusted to the overseers (those supervising the project) and the workmen (those actually doing the repairs). This careful handling of resources shows the seriousness and organization behind Josiah’s reforms.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 34:17

  • "Money" (כֶּסֶף, keseph) refers specifically to silver, which was commonly used as currency. The mention of silver emphasizes the real, valuable resources being managed for the temple’s restoration.
  • "Overseers" (פָּקִיד, paqid) means those appointed to supervise or manage. Their role was to ensure the work was done properly and honestly, highlighting the accountability in the process.
  • "Workmen" (עָשָׂה, asah and מְלָאכָה, melakhah) together point to those actively engaged in the labor and the work itself. This distinction shows both the managers and the workers were trusted with the funds.

Why 2 Chronicles 34:17 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that temple funds were handled casually; instead, it shows a system of accountability and trust during Josiah’s reforms.
  • The verse connects to the wider story of Josiah’s efforts to restore proper worship and repair the temple, showing how resources were managed with integrity.
  • It emphasizes the importance of both leadership (overseers) and ordinary workers in carrying out meaningful religious reforms, highlighting teamwork and trust.

Where else these words appear

“together” Hebrew H5413 · used in 19 verses

  • Exodus 9:33 And Moses went out of the city from Pharaoh, and spread abroad his hands unto the LORD: and the thunders and hail ceased, and the rain was not poured upon the earth.
  • Job 3:24 For my sighing cometh before I eat, and my roarings are poured out like the waters.
  • Ezekiel 22:21 Yea, I will gather you, and blow upon you in the fire of my wrath, and ye shall be melted in the midst thereof.

“workmen” Hebrew H4399 · used in 149 verses

  • Genesis 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
  • Numbers 28:26 Also in the day of the firstfruits, when ye bring a new meat offering unto the LORD, after your weeks be out, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work:
  • 2 Chronicles 24:12 And the king and Jehoiada gave it to such as did the work of the service of the house of the LORD, and hired masons and carpenters to repair the house of the LORD, and also such as wrought iron and brass to mend the house of the LORD.