2 Chronicles 31:4
New International Version
He ordered the people living in Jerusalem to give the portion due the priests and Levites so they could devote themselves to the Law of the LORD.

New Living Translation
In addition, he required the people in Jerusalem to bring a portion of their goods to the priests and Levites, so they could devote themselves fully to the Law of the LORD.

English Standard Version
And he commanded the people who lived in Jerusalem to give the portion due to the priests and the Levites, that they might give themselves to the Law of the LORD.

Berean Standard Bible
Moreover, he commanded the people living in Jerusalem to make a contribution for the priests and Levites so that they could devote themselves to the Law of the LORD.

King James Bible
Moreover he commanded the people that dwelt in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might be encouraged in the law of the LORD.

New King James Version
Moreover he commanded the people who dwelt in Jerusalem to contribute support for the priests and the Levites, that they might devote themselves to the Law of the LORD.

New American Standard Bible
Also he told the people who lived in Jerusalem to give the portion due to the priests and the Levites, so that they might devote themselves to the Law of the LORD.

NASB 1995
Also he commanded the people who lived in Jerusalem to give the portion due to the priests and the Levites, that they might devote themselves to the law of the LORD.

NASB 1977
Also he commanded the people who lived in Jerusalem to give the portion due to the priests and the Levites, that they might devote themselves to the law of the LORD.

Legacy Standard Bible
Also he said to the people who lived in Jerusalem to give the portion due to the priests and the Levites, that they might be strong in the law of Yahweh.

Amplified Bible
He also told (ordered) the people living in Jerusalem to give the portion that was due to the priests and Levites, so that they might [be free to] devote themselves to the Law of the LORD.

Christian Standard Bible
He told the people who lived in Jerusalem to give a contribution for the priests and Levites so that they could devote their energy to the law of the LORD.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He told the people who lived in Jerusalem to give a contribution for the priests and Levites so that they could devote their energy to the law of the LORD.

American Standard Version
Moreover he commanded the people that dwelt in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might give themselves to the law of Jehovah.

Contemporary English Version
He told the people of Jerusalem to bring the offerings that were to be given to the priests and Levites, so that they would have time to serve the LORD with their work.

English Revised Version
Moreover he commanded the people that dwelt in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might give themselves to the law of the LORD.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He told the people living in Jerusalem to give the priests and Levites the portions they were due so that they could devote themselves to the LORD's Teachings.

Good News Translation
In addition, the king told the people of Jerusalem to bring the offerings to which the priests and the Levites were entitled, so that they could give all their time to the requirements of the Law of the LORD.

International Standard Version
Hezekiah also directed the people who lived in Jerusalem to give what was due to the priests and descendants of Levi, so they could be strengthened in the LORD's Law.

Majority Standard Bible
Moreover, he commanded the people living in Jerusalem to make a contribution for the priests and Levites so that they could devote themselves to the Law of the LORD.

NET Bible
He ordered the people living in Jerusalem to contribute the portion prescribed for the priests and Levites so they might be obedient to the law of the LORD.

New Heart English Bible
Moreover he commanded the people who lived in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might give themselves to the law of the LORD.

Webster's Bible Translation
Moreover, he commanded the people that dwelt in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might be encouraged in the law of the LORD.

World English Bible
Moreover he commanded the people who lived in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might give themselves to Yahweh’s law.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And he commands to the people, to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to give the portion of the priests and of the Levites, so that they are strengthened in the Law of YHWH;

Young's Literal Translation
And he saith to the people, to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to give the portion of the priests, and of the Levites, so that they are strengthened in the law of Jehovah;

Smith's Literal Translation
And he will say to the people, to those inhabiting Jerusalem, to give the portion of the priests and the Levites so that they shall be strengthened in the law of Jehovah.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
He commanded also the people that dwelt in Jerusalem, to give to the priests, and the Levites their portion, that they might attend to the law of the Lord.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And now he instructed the people living in Jerusalem that they were to give portions to the priests and Levites, so that they would be able to attend to the law of the Lord.

New American Bible
He also commanded the people living in Jerusalem to provide for the support of the priests and Levites, that they might firmly adhere to the law of the LORD.

New Revised Standard Version
He commanded the people who lived in Jerusalem to give the portion due to the priests and the Levites, so that they might devote themselves to the law of the LORD.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Moreover he commanded the people who dwelt in Jerusalem to give the portion due to the priests and the Levites, that they might be encouraged in the law of the LORD.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he said to Israel who dwell in Jerusalem to render the right of the Priests and of the Levites, because he strengthened them in the Torah of LORD JEHOVAH.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Moreover he commanded the people that dwelt in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might give themselves to the law of the LORD.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And they told the people who dwelt in Jerusalem, to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might be strong in the ministry of the house of the Lord.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Contributions for Worship
3The king contributed from his own possessions for the regular morning and evening burnt offerings and for the burnt offerings on the Sabbaths, New Moons, and appointed feasts, as written in the Law of the LORD. 4Moreover, he commanded the people living in Jerusalem to make a contribution for the priests and Levites so that they could devote themselves to the Law of the LORD. 5As soon as the order went out, the Israelites generously provided the firstfruits of the grain, new wine, oil, and honey, and of all the produce of the field, and they brought in an abundance—a tithe of everything.…

Cross References
Nehemiah 13:10-12
I also learned that because the portions for the Levites had not been given to them, all the Levites and singers responsible for performing the service had gone back to their own fields. / So I rebuked the officials and asked, “Why has the house of God been neglected?” Then I gathered the Levites and singers together and stationed them at their posts, / and all Judah brought a tenth of the grain, new wine, and oil into the storerooms.

Numbers 18:8-21
Then the LORD said to Aaron, “Behold, I have put you in charge of My offerings. As for all the sacred offerings of the Israelites, I have given them to you and your sons as a portion and a permanent statute. / A portion of the most holy offerings reserved from the fire will be yours. From all the offerings they render to Me as most holy offerings, whether grain offerings or sin offerings or guilt offerings, that part belongs to you and your sons. / You are to eat it as a most holy offering, and every male may eat it. You shall regard it as holy. ...

Malachi 3:8-10
Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you ask, ‘How do we rob You?’ In tithes and offerings. / You are cursed with a curse, yet you—the whole nation—are still robbing Me. / Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this,” says the LORD of Hosts. “See if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure.

Deuteronomy 14:28-29
At the end of every three years, bring a tenth of all your produce for that year and lay it up within your gates. / Then the Levite (because he has no portion or inheritance among you), the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow within your gates may come and eat and be satisfied. And the LORD your God will bless you in all the work of your hands.

1 Corinthians 9:13-14
Do you not know that those who work in the temple eat of its food, and those who serve at the altar partake of its offerings? / In the same way, the Lord has prescribed that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.

Galatians 6:6
Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word must share in all good things with his instructor.

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.”

Leviticus 27:30-33
Thus any tithe from the land, whether from the seed of the land or the fruit of the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD. / If a man wishes to redeem part of his tithe, he must add a fifth to its value. / Every tenth animal from the herd or flock that passes under the shepherd’s rod will be holy to the LORD. ...

Hebrews 7:5
Now the law commands the sons of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people—that is, from their brothers—though they too are descended from Abraham.

Matthew 10:10
Take no bag for the road, or second tunic, or sandals, or staff; for the worker is worthy of his provisions.

Luke 10:7
Stay at the same house, eating and drinking whatever you are offered. For the worker is worthy of his wages. Do not move around from house to house.

1 Corinthians 16:1-2
Now about the collection for the saints, you are to do as I directed the churches of Galatia: / On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a portion of his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will be needed.

Acts 6:4
and will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

Romans 15:27
They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual blessings, they are obligated to minister to them with material blessings.

Philippians 4:15-17
And as you Philippians know, in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church but you partnered with me in the matter of giving and receiving. / For even while I was in Thessalonica, you provided for my needs again and again. / Not that I am seeking a gift, but I am looking for the fruit that may be credited to your account.


Treasury of Scripture

Moreover he commanded the people that dwelled in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might be encouraged in the law of the LORD.

the portion

2 Chronicles 31:16
Beside their genealogy of males, from three years old and upward, even unto every one that entereth into the house of the LORD, his daily portion for their service in their charges according to their courses;

Leviticus 27:30-33
And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD'S: it is holy unto the LORD…

Numbers 18:8-21,26-28
And the LORD spake unto Aaron, Behold, I also have given thee the charge of mine heave offerings of all the hallowed things of the children of Israel; unto thee have I given them by reason of the anointing, and to thy sons, by an ordinance for ever…

that they might

Nehemiah 13:10-13
And I perceived that the portions of the Levites had not been given them: for the Levites and the singers, that did the work, were fled every one to his field…

1 Corinthians 9:9-14
For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? …

Galatians 6:6
Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

the law

Malachi 2:7
For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.

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Addition Commanded Devote Due Dwelt Encouraged Inhabitants Jerusalem Keeping Levites Moreover Ordered Orders Part Portion Priests Right Strengthened Strong Theirs Themselves
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Addition Commanded Devote Due Dwelt Encouraged Inhabitants Jerusalem Keeping Levites Moreover Ordered Orders Part Portion Priests Right Strengthened Strong Theirs Themselves
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














Moreover, he commanded
This phrase indicates a directive from a position of authority. The "he" refers to King Hezekiah, a reformer king of Judah known for his dedication to restoring proper worship. The Hebrew root for "commanded" is צָוָה (tsavah), which implies a strong, authoritative order. This reflects Hezekiah's commitment to reestablishing the religious practices that had been neglected, demonstrating his leadership in aligning the nation with God's statutes.

the people living in Jerusalem
This phrase identifies the specific group addressed by Hezekiah's command. Jerusalem, the spiritual and political center of Judah, was home to the temple and the heart of Jewish worship. The inhabitants of Jerusalem were expected to lead by example in religious observance. Historically, Jerusalem was the city chosen by God for His name to dwell, making its residents particularly responsible for upholding the covenantal laws.

to give the portion due
The "portion due" refers to the tithes and offerings prescribed by Mosaic Law. The Hebrew word for "portion" is חֵלֶק (chelek), meaning a share or allotment. This system of giving was established to support the Levitical priesthood, who had no inheritance of land and relied on these contributions for sustenance. This practice underscores the principle of stewardship and the community's role in supporting those dedicated to spiritual service.

to the priests and Levites
The priests and Levites were the religious leaders and temple workers in Israel. The Levites, from the tribe of Levi, were set apart for temple service, while the priests, descendants of Aaron, performed the sacrifices and rituals. This distinction highlights the organized structure of worship in ancient Israel, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a dedicated and supported clergy to ensure the proper observance of God's laws.

so that they could devote themselves
This phrase indicates the purpose behind the command: to enable the priests and Levites to focus entirely on their spiritual duties. The Hebrew root for "devote" is חָזַק (chazaq), meaning to be strong or to hold fast. This devotion was essential for maintaining the spiritual health of the nation, as the priests and Levites were responsible for teaching the Law and leading worship.

to the Law of the LORD
The "Law of the LORD" refers to the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, which contain God's commandments and instructions for His people. The Hebrew word for "Law" is תּוֹרָה (torah), meaning instruction or teaching. This underscores the centrality of God's Word in the life of Israel and the necessity for religious leaders to be fully engaged in its study and application. Hezekiah's reforms aimed to restore the nation's focus on God's covenant, ensuring that the Law remained the guiding principle for both personal and communal life.

(4) Moreover.--Literally, And he said to the people, to wit, to the dwellers in Jerusalem. (Comp. 2Chronicles 24:8; 1Chronicles 21:17.)

The portion of the priests and the Levites.--The firstfruits and tithes, ordained in Exodus 23:19; Leviticus 27:30-33; Numbers 18:12; Numbers 18:20-24; Deufc. 26 . . .

Verse 4. - He commanded... to give the portion of the priests... that they might be encouraged. Hezekiah's object was to send impulses of energy through the whole nation. The portions here spoken of are described originally in Exodus 23:19; Numbers 18:11-27; Deuteronomy 14:22, 23. After our word "encouraged," we may probably supply the words "to teach;" for see our ch. 2 Chronicles 17:9.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Moreover, he commanded
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

the people
לָעָם֙ (lā·‘ām)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

living
לְיוֹשְׁבֵ֣י (lə·yō·wō·šə·ḇê)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

in Jerusalem
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֔ם (yə·rū·šā·lim)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel

to make
לָתֵ֕ת (lā·ṯêṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

a contribution
מְנָ֥ת (mə·nāṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 4521: An allotment

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

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

so that
לְמַ֥עַן (lə·ma·‘an)
Conjunction
Strong's 4616: Purpose -- intent

they could devote themselves
יֶחֶזְק֖וּ (ye·ḥez·qū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 2388: To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer

to the Law
בְּתוֹרַ֥ת (bə·ṯō·w·raṯ)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8451: Direction, instruction, law

of the LORD.
יְהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel


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OT History: 2 Chronicles 31:4 Moreover he commanded the people who lived (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr)
2 Chronicles 31:3
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