And Shaphan the scribe came to the king, and brought the king word again, and said, Thy servants have gathered the money that was found in the house, and have delivered it into the hand of them that do the work, that have the oversight of the house of the LORD.

2 KINGS 22:9KJV
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2 Kings 22:9 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 22:9 mean?

2 Kings 22:9 describes how Shaphan the scribe returned to King Josiah and reported that the money collected at the temple had been gathered by the king’s servants and handed over to those responsible for repairing and maintaining the house of the LORD. The verse highlights the careful handling and distribution of temple funds for restoration work.

In this scene, Shaphan, who serves as a royal secretary or record-keeper, is giving an account to King Josiah about the progress of the temple repairs. The money mentioned was found in the temple during Josiah’s reign, a time when the temple was being restored after years of neglect. The verse shows the chain of responsibility: the servants collected the money, and it was given directly to the overseers in charge of the temple’s upkeep.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 22:9

  • שָׁפָן (Shaphan): This is the name of the scribe, a trusted official in Josiah’s court. His role as scribe (סֹפֵר, sofer) meant he was responsible for official records and communication.
  • יָד (yad, “hand”): The phrase “delivered it into the hand” is a Hebrew way of saying the money was entrusted directly to those doing the work, emphasizing personal responsibility and trust.
  • פָּקַד (paqad, “oversight”): The word translated “oversight” refers to those appointed to supervise or manage the temple repairs, showing there was organized leadership in the restoration effort.

Why 2 Kings 22:9 matters

  • This verse shows the integrity and transparency in handling temple funds, which was important for restoring trust after years of neglect and possible corruption.
  • The careful reporting by Shaphan sets the stage for the discovery of the Book of the Law in the following verses, a turning point in Josiah’s reforms.
  • The verse highlights the importance of proper stewardship and accountability among those serving in the temple, connecting practical actions to spiritual renewal in the larger story.

Where else these words appear

“gathered” 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.

“Shaphan” Hebrew H8227 · used in 28 verses

  • Leviticus 11:5 And the coney, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you.
  • 2 Chronicles 34:15 And Hilkiah answered and said to Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD. And Hilkiah delivered the book to Shaphan.
  • Jeremiah 36:11 When Michaiah the son of Gemariah, the son of Shaphan, had heard out of the book all the words of the LORD,

“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.