2 Kings 12:4
And Jehoash said to the priests, All the money of the dedicated things that is brought into the house of the LORD, even the money of every one that passeth the account, the money that every man is set at, and all the money that cometh into any man's heart to bring into the house of the LORD,
Original Language Analysis
הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֗ים
to the priests
H3548
הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֗ים
to the priests
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
4 of 27
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
כֹּל֩
H3605
כֹּל֩
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 27
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
כֶּ֗סֶף
All the money
H3701
כֶּ֗סֶף
All the money
Strong's:
H3701
Word #:
6 of 27
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
הַקֳּדָשִׁ֜ים
of the dedicated things
H6944
הַקֳּדָשִׁ֜ים
of the dedicated things
Strong's:
H6944
Word #:
7 of 27
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 27
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לְהָבִ֖יא
that is brought
H935
לְהָבִ֖יא
that is brought
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
9 of 27
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
בֵּ֥ית
into the house
H1004
בֵּ֥ית
into the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
10 of 27
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
11 of 27
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כֶּ֗סֶף
All the money
H3701
כֶּ֗סֶף
All the money
Strong's:
H3701
Word #:
12 of 27
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
עוֹבֵ֔ר
that passeth
H5674
עוֹבֵ֔ר
that passeth
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
13 of 27
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
אִ֔ישׁ
into any man's
H376
אִ֔ישׁ
into any man's
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
14 of 27
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
כֶּ֗סֶף
All the money
H3701
כֶּ֗סֶף
All the money
Strong's:
H3701
Word #:
15 of 27
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
נַפְשׁ֖וֹת
that every man
H5315
נַפְשׁ֖וֹת
that every man
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
16 of 27
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
18 of 27
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
כֶּ֗סֶף
All the money
H3701
כֶּ֗סֶף
All the money
Strong's:
H3701
Word #:
19 of 27
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
20 of 27
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יַֽעֲלֶה֙
that cometh
H5927
יַֽעֲלֶה֙
that cometh
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
21 of 27
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
עַ֣ל
H5921
עַ֣ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
22 of 27
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
לֶב
heart
H3820
לֶב
heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
23 of 27
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
אִ֔ישׁ
into any man's
H376
אִ֔ישׁ
into any man's
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
24 of 27
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
לְהָבִ֖יא
that is brought
H935
לְהָבִ֖יא
that is brought
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
25 of 27
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
Cross References
2 Kings 22:4Go up to Hilkiah the high priest, that he may sum the silver which is brought into the house of the LORD, which the keepers of the door have gathered of the people:Exodus 35:5Take ye from among you an offering unto the LORD: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the LORD; gold, and silver, and brass,Exodus 35:29The children of Israel brought a willing offering unto the LORD, every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all manner of work, which the LORD had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses.Exodus 35:22And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing hearted, and brought bracelets, and earrings, and rings, and tablets, all jewels of gold: and every man that offered offered an offering of gold unto the LORD.
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 12 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Joash Repairs the Temple) reflects the historical reality of progressive political instability and external threats, particularly from Aram (Syria) and later Assyria. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 12 regarding religious reform and temple restoration?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And Jehoash said to the priests, All the money of the dedicated things that is brought into the house of the LORD, even the money of every one that passeth the account, the money that every man is set at, and all the money that cometh into any man's heart to bring into the house of the LORD,
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 12: Religious reform and temple restoration. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. This passage occurs during the decline toward Israel's exile, demonstrating how persistent covenant unfaithfulness leads to national disaster.
The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.