And his princes gave willingly unto the people, to the priests, and to the Levites: Hilkiah and Zechariah and Jehiel, rulers of the house of God, gave unto the priests for the passover offerings two thousand and six hundred small cattle, and three hundred oxen.

2 CHRONICLES 35:8KJV
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2 Chronicles 35:8 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 35:8 mean?

2 Chronicles 35:8 describes how the leaders and officials of Judah, including Hilkiah, Zechariah, and Jehiel—who were in charge of the temple—gave generous offerings of animals to the priests for the Passover celebration. These gifts included 2,600 small animals (such as lambs or goats) and 300 oxen, ensuring there were enough sacrifices for the festival.

This verse is set during King Josiah’s great Passover in Jerusalem, where the leaders are supporting the priests and Levites so the people can properly observe the feast. The verse highlights the willingness and generosity of those in authority, showing their commitment to making the Passover a success for everyone involved.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 35:8

  • "gave willingly" (נְדָבָה, nedavah): This word means a freewill or voluntary offering, emphasizing that the leaders were not forced but chose to give generously out of their own desire.
  • "rulers" (נָשִׂיא, nasi): This term refers to high-ranking officials or leaders, underlining that those with authority took the initiative to provide for the religious needs of the community.
  • "offerings" (פֶּסַח, pesach): This is the Hebrew word for the Passover sacrifice, reminding the reader that these animals were specifically for the central ritual of the festival.

Why 2 Chronicles 35:8 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the Passover celebration under Josiah was a community effort, not just a royal or priestly event, with leaders actively supporting the people’s worship.
  • The mention of specific numbers and types of animals shows the scale and seriousness of the preparations, highlighting the importance placed on observing Passover correctly.
  • By naming the leaders and their roles, the verse connects the practical organization of worship to real people, showing how spiritual renewal involved both leadership and generosity.

Where else these words appear

“Jehiel” Hebrew H3171 · used in 14 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 15:18 And with them their brethren of the second degree, Zechariah, Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah, and Maaseiah, and Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, the porters.
  • 1 Chronicles 27:32 Also Jonathan David's uncle was a counsellor, a wise man, and a scribe: and Jehiel the son of Hachmoni was with the king's sons:
  • 2 Chronicles 31:13 And Jehiel, and Azaziah, and Nahath, and Asahel, and Jerimoth, and Jozabad, and Eliel, and Ismachiah, and Mahath, and Benaiah, were overseers under the hand of Cononiah and Shimei his brother, at the commandment of Hezekiah the king, and Azariah the ruler of the house of God.

“willingly” Hebrew H5071 · used in 25 verses

  • Exodus 35:29 The children of Israel brought a willing offering unto the LORD, every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all manner of work, which the LORD had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses.
  • Numbers 29:39 These things ye shall do unto the LORD in your set feasts, beside your vows, and your freewill offerings, for your burnt offerings, and for your meat offerings, and for your drink offerings, and for your peace offerings.
  • Ezra 8:28 And I said unto them, Ye are holy unto the LORD; the vessels are holy also; and the silver and the gold are a freewill offering unto the LORD God of your fathers.

“Hilkiah” Hebrew H2518 · used in 31 verses

  • 2 Kings 18:18 And when they had called to the king, there came out to them Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:13 And Shallum begat Hilkiah, and Hilkiah begat Azariah,
  • Ezra 7:1 Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah,

“Zechariah” Hebrew H2148 · used in 43 verses

  • 2 Kings 14:29 And Jeroboam slept with his fathers, even with the kings of Israel; and Zachariah his son reigned in his stead.
  • 1 Chronicles 26:14 And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counsellor, they cast lots; and his lot came out northward.
  • Ezra 8:16 Then sent I for Eliezer, for Ariel, for Shemaiah, and for Elnathan, and for Jarib, and for Elnathan, and for Nathan, and for Zechariah, and for Meshullam, chief men; also for Joiarib, and for Elnathan, men of understanding.