And they gave the money, being told, into the hands of them that did the work, that had the oversight of the house of the LORD: and they laid it out to the carpenters and builders, that wrought upon the house of the LORD,

2 KINGS 12:11KJV
Know the Bible

2 Kings 12:11 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 12:11 mean?

2 Kings 12:11 describes how the collected money for temple repairs was carefully handed over to those responsible for overseeing the work on the house of the LORD. These overseers then distributed the funds to the carpenters and builders who were actually doing the repair work on the temple.

This verse is set during the reign of King Joash of Judah, who initiated a project to repair the temple in Jerusalem. The verse shows a system of accountability: the money was counted and entrusted to supervisors, who then paid the skilled workers. The process highlights the organized and transparent way the temple repairs were managed.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 12:11

  • "gave" (נָתַן, natan): This word means to give or hand over. The verse emphasizes that the money was not just collected but actively entrusted to responsible people.
  • "told" (תָּכַן, takan): Often understood as "counted" or "weighed," this word shows that the money was carefully accounted for before being distributed, highlighting honesty and accuracy.
  • "oversight" (פָּקַד, paqad): This word refers to those who had the responsibility or supervision over the temple repairs, indicating an organized leadership structure.
  • "carpenters" (חָרָשׁ, charash) and "builders" (בָּנָה, banah): These words specify the skilled tradesmen actually doing the physical work, showing that the money was used directly for its intended purpose.

Why 2 Kings 12:11 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that the temple funds were handled carelessly or without oversight; it shows a deliberate process of accountability and transparency.
  • The verse highlights the importance of both leadership (those with oversight) and skilled labor (carpenters and builders) in accomplishing a major project.
  • Within the wider story, it demonstrates King Joash’s commitment to restoring proper worship and care for the temple, setting an example of responsible stewardship.

Where else these words appear

“told” Hebrew H8505 · used in 13 verses

  • 1 Samuel 2:3 Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.
  • Proverbs 21:2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.
  • Ezekiel 18:25 Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?

“carpenters” 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 22:15 Moreover there are workmen with thee in abundance, hewers and workers of stone and timber, and all manner of cunning men for every manner of work.
  • 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.

“work” 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 24:13 So the workmen wrought, and the work was perfected by them, and they set the house of God in his state, and strengthened it.