2 Chronicles 31:17
New International Version
And they distributed to the priests enrolled by their families in the genealogical records and likewise to the Levites twenty years old or more, according to their responsibilities and their divisions.

New Living Translation
They distributed gifts to the priests who were listed by their families in the genealogical records, and to the Levites twenty years old or older who were listed according to their jobs and their divisions.

English Standard Version
The enrollment of the priests was according to their fathers’ houses; that of the Levites from twenty years old and upward was according to their offices, by their divisions.

Berean Standard Bible
and to the priests enrolled according to their families in the genealogy, as well as to the Levites twenty years of age or older, according to their duties and divisions.

King James Bible
Both to the genealogy of the priests by the house of their fathers, and the Levites from twenty years old and upward, in their charges by their courses;

New King James Version
and to the priests who were written in the genealogy according to their father’s house, and to the Levites from twenty years old and up according to their work, by their divisions,

New American Standard Bible
as well as the priests who were enrolled genealogically according to their fathers’ households, and the Levites from twenty years old and upward, by their duties and their divisions.

NASB 1995
as well as the priests who were enrolled genealogically according to their fathers’ households, and the Levites from twenty years old and upwards, by their duties and their divisions.

NASB 1977
as well as the priests who were enrolled genealogically according to their fathers’ households, and the Levites from twenty years old and upwards, by their duties and their divisions.

Legacy Standard Bible
as well as the priests who were recorded genealogically according to their fathers’ households, and the Levites from twenty years old and upwards, by their responsibilities and their divisions.

Amplified Bible
as well as the priests who were registered genealogically according to their fathers’ households, and the Levites from twenty years old and upward, by their duties and by their divisions.

Christian Standard Bible
They distributed also to those recorded by genealogy of the priests by their ancestral families and the Levites twenty years old and above, by their responsibilities in their divisions;

Holman Christian Standard Bible
They distributed also to those recorded by genealogy of the priests by their ancestral families and the Levites 20 years old and above, by their responsibilities in their divisions;

American Standard Version
and them that were reckoned by genealogy of the priests by their fathers' houses, and the Levites from twenty years old and upward, in their offices by their courses;

Contemporary English Version
The priests were listed in the official records by clans, and the Levites 20 years old and older were listed by their duties.

English Revised Version
and them that were reckoned by genealogy of the priests by their fathers' houses, and the Levites from twenty years old and upward, in their charges by their courses;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
They were to distribute offerings to the priests who were enrolled by families and to the Levites who were at least 20 years old. Distribution was based on the way they served in their divisions.

Good News Translation
The priests were assigned their duties by clans, and the Levites twenty years of age or older were assigned theirs by work groups.

International Standard Version
as well as the priests who were enrolled in the genealogies according to their ancestral households.

Majority Standard Bible
and to the priests enrolled according to their families in the genealogy, as well as to the Levites twenty years of age or older, according to their duties and divisions.

NET Bible
They made disbursements to the priests listed in the genealogical records by their families, and to the Levites twenty years old and up, according to their duties as assigned to their divisions,

New Heart English Bible
This is the enrollment of the priests by their fathers' houses, and the Levites from twenty years old and upward, in their offices by their divisions;

Webster's Bible Translation
Both to the genealogy of the priests by the house of their fathers, and the Levites from twenty years old and upward, in their charges, by their courses;

World English Bible
and those who were listed by genealogy of the priests by their fathers’ houses, and the Levites from twenty years old and upward, in their offices by their divisions;
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and the genealogy of the priests by the house of their fathers, and of the Levites, from a son of twenty years and upward, in their charges, in their divisions;

Young's Literal Translation
and the genealogy of the priests by the house of their fathers, and of the Levites, from a son of twenty years and upward, in their charges, in their courses;

Smith's Literal Translation
And the enrolling of the priests for the house of their fathers, and the Levites from the son of twenty years and above, in their watches, by their divisions:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
To the priests by their families, and to the Levites from the twentieth year and upward, by their classes and companies.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And so, for the priests, by their families, and for the Levites, from the twentieth year and upward, by their orders and companies,

New American Bible
The priests were inscribed in their family records according to their ancestral houses, as were the Levites twenty years of age and over according to their various offices and divisions.

New Revised Standard Version
The enrollment of the priests was according to their ancestral houses; that of the Levites from twenty years old and upwards was according to their offices, by their divisions.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And oil and wine were given to the priests and the Levites according to the house of their fathers, from twenty years old and upward, in their charges by their divisions;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the accounting day by day for their services in their stations, in their divisions, and oil and wine was given to the Priests and for the Levites, for the house of their fathers, from a son twenty years old and above, in their stations, in their divisions.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
and them that were reckoned by genealogy of the priests by their fathers' houses, and the Levites from twenty years old and upward, in their charges by their courses;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
This is the distribution of the priests according to the houses of their families; and the Levites in their daily courses from twenty years old and upward were in their order,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Hezekiah Organizes the Priests
16In addition, they distributed portions to the males registered by genealogy who were three years of age or older—to all who would enter the house of the LORD for their daily duties for service in the responsibilities of their divisions— 17and to the priests enrolled according to their families in the genealogy, as well as to the Levites twenty years of age or older, according to their duties and divisions. 18The genealogy included all the little ones, wives, sons, and daughters in the whole assembly. For they had faithfully consecrated themselves as holy.…

Cross References
Nehemiah 12:44-47
And on that same day men were appointed over the rooms that housed the supplies, contributions, firstfruits, and tithes. The portions specified by the Law for the priests and Levites were gathered into these storerooms from the fields of the villages, because Judah rejoiced over the priests and Levites who were serving. / They performed the service of their God and the service of purification, along with the singers and gatekeepers, as David and his son Solomon had prescribed. / For long ago, in the days of David and Asaph, there were directors for the singers and for the songs of praise and thanksgiving to God. ...

1 Chronicles 23:3-5
The Levites thirty years of age or older were counted, and the total number of men was 38,000. / “Of these,” said David, “24,000 are to oversee the work of the house of the LORD, 6,000 are to be officers and judges, / 4,000 are to be gatekeepers, and 4,000 are to praise the LORD with the instruments I have made for giving praise.”

1 Chronicles 24:1-19
These were the divisions of the descendants of Aaron. The sons of Aaron were Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. / But Nadab and Abihu died before their father did, and they had no sons; so Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests. / With the help of Eleazar’s descendant Zadok and Ithamar’s descendant Ahimelech, David divided them according to the offices of their service. ...

1 Chronicles 25:1-7
Additionally, David and the commanders of the army set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to prophesy with the accompaniment of lyres, harps, and cymbals. The following is the list of the men who performed this service: / From the sons of Asaph: Zaccur, Joseph, Nethaniah, and Asarelah. These sons of Asaph were under the direction of Asaph, who prophesied under the direction of the king. / From the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah—six in all—under the direction of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with the harp, giving thanks and praise to the LORD. ...

1 Chronicles 26:12-19
These divisions of the gatekeepers, through their chief men, had duties for ministering in the house of the LORD, just as their relatives did. / They cast lots for each gate, according to their families, young and old alike. / The lot for the East Gate fell to Shelemiah. Then lots were cast for his son Zechariah, a wise counselor, and the lot for the North Gate fell to him. ...

1 Chronicles 9:10-13
From the priests: Jedaiah, Jehoiarib, and Jachin; / Azariah son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the chief official of God’s temple; / Adaiah son of Jeroham, the son of Pashhur, the son of Malchijah; Maasai son of Adiel, the son of Jahzerah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Meshillemith, the son of Immer; ...

1 Chronicles 9:22-34
The number of those chosen to be gatekeepers at the thresholds was 212. They were registered by genealogy in their villages. David and Samuel the seer had appointed them to their positions of trust. / So they and their descendants were assigned to guard the gates of the house of the LORD—the house called the Tent. / The gatekeepers were stationed on the four sides: east, west, north, and south. ...

1 Chronicles 28:13
for the divisions of the priests and Levites, for all the work of service in the house of the LORD, and for all the articles of service in the house of the LORD:

1 Chronicles 28:21
The divisions of the priests and Levites are ready for all the service of the house of God, and every willing man of every skill will be at your disposal for the work. The officials and all the people are fully at your command.”

Ezra 6:18
They also appointed the priests by their divisions and the Levites by their groups to the service of God in Jerusalem, according to what is written in the Book of Moses.

Numbers 3:5-10
Then the LORD said to Moses, / “Bring the tribe of Levi and present them to Aaron the priest to assist him. / They are to perform duties for him and for the whole congregation before the Tent of Meeting, attending to the service of the tabernacle. ...

Numbers 8:23-26
And the LORD said to Moses, / “This applies to the Levites: Men twenty-five years of age or older shall enter to perform the service in the work at the Tent of Meeting. / But at the age of fifty, they must retire from performing the work and no longer serve. ...

Numbers 18:21-24
Behold, I have given to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work they do, the service of the Tent of Meeting. / No longer may the Israelites come near to the Tent of Meeting, or they will incur guilt and die. / The Levites are to perform the work of the Tent of Meeting, and they must bear their iniquity. This is a permanent statute for the generations to come. The Levites will not receive an inheritance among the Israelites. ...

Acts 6:1-6
In those days when the disciples were increasing in number, the Grecian Jews among them began to grumble against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. / So the Twelve summoned all the disciples and said, “It is unacceptable for us to neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. / Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility to them ...

1 Timothy 5:17-18
Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. / For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages.”


Treasury of Scripture

Both to the genealogy of the priests by the house of their fathers, and the Levites from twenty years old and upward, in their charges by their courses;

genealogy

Numbers 3:15,20
Number the children of Levi after the house of their fathers, by their families: every male from a month old and upward shalt thou number them…

Numbers 4:38,42,46
And those that were numbered of the sons of Gershon, throughout their families, and by the house of their fathers, …

Numbers 17:2,3
Speak unto the children of Israel, and take of every one of them a rod according to the house of their fathers, of all their princes according to the house of their fathers twelve rods: write thou every man's name upon his rod…

twenty

Numbers 4:3
From thirty years old and upward even until fifty years old, all that enter into the host, to do the work in the tabernacle of the congregation.

Numbers 8:24
This is it that belongeth unto the Levites: from twenty and five years old and upward they shall go in to wait upon the service of the tabernacle of the congregation:

1 Chronicles 23:24,27
These were the sons of Levi after the house of their fathers; even the chief of the fathers, as they were counted by number of names by their polls, that did the work for the service of the house of the LORD, from the age of twenty years and upward…

by their courses

2 Chronicles 31:2
And Hezekiah appointed the courses of the priests and the Levites after their courses, every man according to his service, the priests and Levites for burnt offerings and for peace offerings, to minister, and to give thanks, and to praise in the gates of the tents of the LORD.

1 Chronicles 24:20-31
And the rest of the sons of Levi were these: Of the sons of Amram; Shubael: of the sons of Shubael; Jehdeiah…

1 Chronicles 25:1-26:32
Moreover David and the captains of the host separated to the service of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals: and the number of the workmen according to their service was: …

Jump to Previous
Charges Courses Distributed Divisions Duties Enrolled Enrollment Families Fathers Genealogical Genealogy House Households Houses Levites Names Offices Priests Reckoned Records Relation Twenty Upward Upwards
Jump to Next
Charges Courses Distributed Divisions Duties Enrolled Enrollment Families Fathers Genealogical Genealogy House Households Houses Levites Names Offices Priests Reckoned Records Relation Twenty Upward Upwards
2 Chronicles 31
1. The people go forward in destroying idolatry
2. Hezekiah orders the courses of the priests and Levites,
4. and provides for their work and maintenance
5. The people's forwardness in offerings and tithes
11. Hezekiah appoints officers to dispose of the tithes
20. The sincerity of Hezekiah














and to the priests
The term "priests" refers to the descendants of Aaron, who were set apart for the sacred duties of the temple. In Hebrew, the word is "kohen," which signifies one who mediates between God and the people. The role of the priest was crucial in maintaining the spiritual health of Israel, offering sacrifices, and teaching the Law. This highlights the importance of spiritual leadership and the need for those who are dedicated to serving God and His people.

enrolled according to their families in the genealogy
The phrase emphasizes the importance of lineage and order in the service of God. The genealogical records ensured that only those who were truly descendants of Aaron could serve as priests. This reflects the biblical principle of order and the importance of heritage and legacy in God's plan. It also underscores the meticulous care taken to preserve the purity and integrity of the priestly line.

as well as to the Levites
The Levites, from the tribe of Levi, were set apart for the service of the tabernacle and later the temple. Unlike the priests, they did not perform sacrifices but assisted in various other duties. The Hebrew root "Levi" means "joined" or "attached," signifying their special role in being joined to the service of God. This highlights the diversity of roles within the body of believers and the importance of each member's contribution to the whole.

twenty years of age or older
This age requirement for the Levites indicates a level of maturity and readiness for service. In biblical times, reaching the age of twenty was often associated with the beginning of adult responsibilities. This reflects the principle that serving God requires a certain level of maturity and preparedness, both spiritually and practically.

according to their duties and divisions
The organization of the Levites into duties and divisions shows the structured and orderly nature of temple service. Each group had specific responsibilities, ensuring that the work of the temple was carried out efficiently and effectively. This mirrors the New Testament teaching on the body of Christ, where each member has a unique role to play, contributing to the overall mission of the Church. It emphasizes the value of order, discipline, and cooperation in fulfilling God's purposes.

(17) Both to the genealogy.--The verse is a parenthesis relating to the registration of the priests and Levites, suggested by the occurrence of the word "register" in 2Chronicles 31:16. Translate, "And as to the register of the priests, it was according to their clans (Heb., father-houses); and the Levites from twenty years old and upwards were in their offices in their divisions." For the latter statement, see 1Chronicles 23:24.

Verse 17. - It is hard to feel certain as to the exact construction of this and the following verse. Keil would translate here," And concerning the catalogue of the priests, it was according, etc.; and the Levites, they were from twenty years," etc. And arrived at ver. 18, and unable to proceed in like manner with it, he reverts to the "to give" of ver. 15, as what is to stand before the words," to the genealogy [or, 'catalogue'] of all their little ones." He thus treats both vers. 16 and 17 as parenthetical. It seems quite as probable that the "to give" should be shown before ver. 17 as well as ver. 18. On the whole, this seems to suit best the entire passage. The significant וְאֵת, at the beginning of ver. 17, neutralizes then the מִלְבַד of ver. 16, and connects vers. 15 and 17. (On the words, from twenty years old, comp. 1 Chronicles 23:27. See also Numbers 4:3; Numbers 8:24.)

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
They also distributed
וְאֵ֨ת (wə·’êṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Direct object marker
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

to the priests
הַכֹּהֲנִים֙ (hak·kō·hă·nîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3548: Priest

enrolled according to
אֲבוֹתֵיהֶ֔ם (’ă·ḇō·w·ṯê·hem)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 1: Father

families
לְבֵ֣ית (lə·ḇêṯ)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

in the genealogy,
הִתְיַחֵ֤שׂ (hiṯ·ya·ḥêś)
Verb - Hitpael - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3188: A pedigree, family list

and to the Levites
וְהַ֨לְוִיִּ֔ם (wə·hal·wî·yim)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 3881: Levites -- descendant of Levi

twenty
עֶשְׂרִ֥ים (‘eś·rîm)
Number - common plural
Strong's 6242: Twenty, twentieth

years of age
מִבֶּ֛ן (mib·ben)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

or older,
וּלְמָ֑עְלָה (ū·lə·mā·‘ə·lāh)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Adverb | third person feminine singular
Strong's 4605: The upper part, with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top

according their duties
בְּמִשְׁמְרוֹתֵיהֶ֖ם (bə·miš·mə·rō·w·ṯê·hem)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 4931: A guard, watch, charge, function

[and] divisions.
בְּמַחְלְקוֹתֵיהֶֽם׃ (bə·maḥ·lə·qō·w·ṯê·hem)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 4256: Division, course


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OT History: 2 Chronicles 31:17 And those who were reckoned by genealogy (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr)
2 Chronicles 31:16
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