Moreover they reckoned not with the men, into whose hand they delivered the money to be bestowed on workmen: for they dealt faithfully.

2 KINGS 12:15KJV
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2 Kings 12:15 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 12:15 mean?

2 Kings 12:15 says that the people who were given money to pay the workers on the temple repairs were not required to give an account for how they spent it, because they were completely trustworthy. The verse highlights the honesty and faithfulness of those overseeing the restoration work.

King Joash was repairing the temple in Jerusalem, and money collected from the people was handed over to supervisors and workers. The verse notes that these men were so reliable that no one felt the need to check up on them or count the money after it was given out. This detail shows the high level of integrity expected and found among those involved in the temple project.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 12:15

  • "reckoned" (חָשַׁב, chashav): This word means to count, calculate, or account for. The verse points out that no accounting was done, underlining the trust placed in these men.
  • "faithfully" (אֱמוּנָה, emunah): This word means faithfulness, reliability, or trustworthiness. The use of אֱמוּנָה (emunah) emphasizes that the workers acted with complete integrity, making further oversight unnecessary.

Why 2 Kings 12:15 matters

  • The verse clears up any suspicion about corruption or misuse of funds during the temple repairs, showing that the workers were above reproach.
  • It highlights the importance of trust and faithfulness in handling communal resources, especially in religious or sacred projects.
  • This detail connects to the wider passage by showing that the restoration of the temple was not just a physical project, but also a moral one, relying on the character of those involved.

Where else these words appear

“faithfully” Hebrew H530 · used in 49 verses

  • Exodus 17:12 But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.
  • Psalms 88:11 Shall thy lovingkindness be declared in the grave? or thy faithfulness in destruction?
  • Psalms 119:138 Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful.

“reckoned” Hebrew H2803 · used in 122 verses

  • Genesis 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
  • 2 Chronicles 26:15 And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers and upon the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones withal. And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong.
  • Isaiah 2:22 Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?

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