2 Kings 12:7

Authorized King James Version

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Then king Jehoash called for Jehoiada the priest, and the other priests, and said unto them, Why repair ye not the breaches of the house? now therefore receive no more money of your acquaintance, but deliver it for the breaches of the house.

Original Language Analysis

וַיִּקְרָא֩ called H7121
וַיִּקְרָא֩ called
Strong's: H7121
Word #: 1 of 24
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
הַמֶּ֨לֶךְ Then king H4428
הַמֶּ֨לֶךְ Then king
Strong's: H4428
Word #: 2 of 24
a king
יְהוֹאָ֜שׁ Jehoash H3060
יְהוֹאָ֜שׁ Jehoash
Strong's: H3060
Word #: 3 of 24
jehoash, the name of two israelite kings
לִיהֽוֹיָדָ֤ע for Jehoiada H3077
לִיהֽוֹיָדָ֤ע for Jehoiada
Strong's: H3077
Word #: 4 of 24
jehojada, the name of three israelites
וְלַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים and the other priests H3548
וְלַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים and the other priests
Strong's: H3548
Word #: 5 of 24
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
וְלַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים and the other priests H3548
וְלַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים and the other priests
Strong's: H3548
Word #: 6 of 24
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר and said H559
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר and said
Strong's: H559
Word #: 7 of 24
to say (used with great latitude)
אֲלֵהֶ֔ם H413
אֲלֵהֶ֔ם
Strong's: H413
Word #: 8 of 24
near, with or among; often in general, to
מַדּ֛וּעַ H4069
מַדּ֛וּעַ
Strong's: H4069
Word #: 9 of 24
what (is) known?; i.e., (by implication) (adverbially) why?
אֵֽינְכֶ֥ם H369
אֵֽינְכֶ֥ם
Strong's: H369
Word #: 10 of 24
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
מְחַזְּקִ֖ים unto them Why repair H2388
מְחַזְּקִ֖ים unto them Why repair
Strong's: H2388
Word #: 11 of 24
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 #: 12 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לְבֶ֥דֶק it for the breaches H919
לְבֶ֥דֶק it for the breaches
Strong's: H919
Word #: 13 of 24
a gap or leak (in a building or a ship)
הַבַּ֖יִת of the house H1004
הַבַּ֖יִת of the house
Strong's: H1004
Word #: 14 of 24
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
וְעַתָּ֗ה H6258
וְעַתָּ֗ה
Strong's: H6258
Word #: 15 of 24
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
אַל H408
אַל
Strong's: H408
Word #: 16 of 24
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תִּקְחוּ now therefore receive H3947
תִּקְחוּ now therefore receive
Strong's: H3947
Word #: 17 of 24
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
כֶ֙סֶף֙ no more money H3701
כֶ֙סֶף֙ no more money
Strong's: H3701
Word #: 18 of 24
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
מֵאֵ֣ת H853
מֵאֵ֣ת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 19 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מַכָּֽרֵיכֶ֔ם of your acquaintance H4378
מַכָּֽרֵיכֶ֔ם of your acquaintance
Strong's: H4378
Word #: 20 of 24
an acquaintance
כִּֽי H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 21 of 24
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לְבֶ֥דֶק it for the breaches H919
לְבֶ֥דֶק it for the breaches
Strong's: H919
Word #: 22 of 24
a gap or leak (in a building or a ship)
הַבַּ֖יִת of the house H1004
הַבַּ֖יִת of the house
Strong's: H1004
Word #: 23 of 24
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
תִּתְּנֻֽהוּ׃ but deliver H5414
תִּתְּנֻֽהוּ׃ but deliver
Strong's: H5414
Word #: 24 of 24
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

Analysis & Commentary

Then king Jehoash called for Jehoiada the priest, and the other priests, and said unto them, Why repair ye not the breaches of the house? now therefore receive no more money of your acquaintance, but deliver it for the breaches of the house.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 12: Religious reform and temple restoration. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. 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.

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