2 Kings 12:5

Authorized King James Version

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Let the priests take it to them, every man of his acquaintance: and let them repair the breaches of the house, wheresoever any breach shall be found.

Original Language Analysis

יִקְח֤וּ take H3947
יִקְח֤וּ take
Strong's: H3947
Word #: 1 of 16
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
לָהֶם֙ H0
לָהֶם֙
Strong's: H0
Word #: 2 of 16
הַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים Let the priests H3548
הַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים Let the priests
Strong's: H3548
Word #: 3 of 16
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
אִ֖ישׁ it to them every man H376
אִ֖ישׁ it to them every man
Strong's: H376
Word #: 4 of 16
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)
מֵאֵ֣ת H853
מֵאֵ֣ת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 5 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מַכָּר֑וֹ of his acquaintance H4378
מַכָּר֑וֹ of his acquaintance
Strong's: H4378
Word #: 6 of 16
an acquaintance
וְהֵ֗ם H1992
וְהֵ֗ם
Strong's: H1992
Word #: 7 of 16
they (only used when emphatic)
יְחַזְּקוּ֙ and let them repair H2388
יְחַזְּקוּ֙ and let them repair
Strong's: H2388
Word #: 8 of 16
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 9 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בָּֽדֶק׃ the breaches H919
בָּֽדֶק׃ the breaches
Strong's: H919
Word #: 10 of 16
a gap or leak (in a building or a ship)
הַבַּ֔יִת of the house H1004
הַבַּ֔יִת of the house
Strong's: H1004
Word #: 11 of 16
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
לְכֹ֛ל H3605
לְכֹ֛ל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 12 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁר H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 13 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יִמָּצֵ֥א shall be found H4672
יִמָּצֵ֥א shall be found
Strong's: H4672
Word #: 14 of 16
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
שָׁ֖ם H8033
שָׁ֖ם
Strong's: H8033
Word #: 15 of 16
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
בָּֽדֶק׃ the breaches H919
בָּֽדֶק׃ the breaches
Strong's: H919
Word #: 16 of 16
a gap or leak (in a building or a ship)

Analysis & Commentary

Let the priests take it to them, every man of his acquaintance: and let them repair the breaches of the house, wheresoever any breach shall be found.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 12: Religious reform and temple restoration. 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.

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

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