2 Kings 12:9
But Jehoiada the priest took a chest, and bored a hole in the lid of it, and set it beside the altar, on the right side as one cometh into the house of the LORD: and the priests that kept the door put therein all the money that was brought into the house of the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
הַכֹּֽהֲנִים֙
and the priests
H3548
הַכֹּֽהֲנִים֙
and the priests
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
3 of 28
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
וַיִּקֹּ֥ב
and bored
H5344
וַיִּקֹּ֥ב
and bored
Strong's:
H5344
Word #:
6 of 28
to puncture, literally (to perforate, with more or less violence) or figuratively (to specify, designate, libel)
בְּדַלְתּ֑וֹ
in the lid
H1817
בְּדַלְתּ֑וֹ
in the lid
Strong's:
H1817
Word #:
8 of 28
something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door
וְנָֽתְנוּ
of it and set
H5414
וְנָֽתְנוּ
of it and set
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
9 of 28
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֹתוֹ֩
H853
אֹתוֹ֩
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 28
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בִיָּמִ֗ין
on the right side
H3225
בִיָּמִ֗ין
on the right side
Strong's:
H3225
Word #:
13 of 28
the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south
אִישׁ֙
as one
H376
אִישׁ֙
as one
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
15 of 28
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)
בֵית
into the house
H1004
בֵית
into the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
16 of 28
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
17 of 28
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וְנָֽתְנוּ
of it and set
H5414
וְנָֽתְנוּ
of it and set
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
18 of 28
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
שָׁ֤מָּה
H8033
שָׁ֤מָּה
Strong's:
H8033
Word #:
19 of 28
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
הַכֹּֽהֲנִים֙
and the priests
H3548
הַכֹּֽהֲנִים֙
and the priests
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
20 of 28
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
שֹֽׁמְרֵ֣י
that kept
H8104
שֹֽׁמְרֵ֣י
that kept
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
21 of 28
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
הַסַּ֔ף
the door
H5592
הַסַּ֔ף
the door
Strong's:
H5592
Word #:
22 of 28
a vestibule (as a limit); also a dish (for holding blood or wine)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
23 of 28
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
24 of 28
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַכֶּ֖סֶף
therein all the money
H3701
הַכֶּ֖סֶף
therein all the money
Strong's:
H3701
Word #:
25 of 28
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
Cross References
Mark 12:41And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.Psalms 84:10For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.Jeremiah 35:4And I brought them into the house of the LORD, into the chamber of the sons of Hanan, the son of Igdaliah, a man of God, which was by the chamber of the princes, which was above the chamber of Maaseiah the son of Shallum, the keeper of the door:1 Chronicles 15:24And Shebaniah, and Jehoshaphat, and Nethaneel, and Amasai, and Zechariah, and Benaiah, and Eliezer, the priests, did blow with the trumpets before the ark of God: and Obed-edom and Jehiah were doorkeepers for the ark.Luke 21:1And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.
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
But Jehoiada the priest took a chest, and bored a hole in the lid of it, and set it beside the altar, on the right side as one cometh into the house of the LORD: and the priests that kept the door put therein all the money that was brought 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.