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2 Chronicles 11:6

2 Chronicles 11:6 in Multiple Translations

He built up Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa,

He built even Beth-lehem, and Etam, and Tekoa,

He built Beth-lehem, and Etam, and Tekoa,

He was the builder of Beth-lehem and Etam and Tekoa

He built up Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa,

Hee buylt also Beth-lehem, and Etam, and Tekoa,

yea, he buildeth Beth-Lehem and Etam, and Tekoa,

He built Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa,

He built even Beth-lehem, and Etam, and Tekoa,

And he built Bethlehem, and Etam, and Thecue,

In the area that belonged to the tribes of Judah and Benjamin they built walls around Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa,

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Chronicles 11:6

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

2 Chronicles 11:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יִּ֧בֶן אֶת בֵּֽית לֶ֛חֶם וְ/אֶת עֵיטָ֖ם וְ/אֶת תְּקֽוֹעַ
וַ/יִּ֧בֶן bânâh H1129 to build Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
בֵּֽית Bêyth Lechem H1035 Bethlehem N-proper
לֶ֛חֶם Bêyth Lechem H1035 Bethlehem N-proper
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM
עֵיטָ֖ם ʻÊyṭâm H5862 Etam N-proper
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM
תְּקֽוֹעַ Tᵉqôwaʻ H8620 Tekoa N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Chronicles 11:6

וַ/יִּ֧בֶן bânâh H1129 "to build" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בֵּֽית Bêyth Lechem H1035 "Bethlehem" N-proper
Beth-lehem means house of bread, a place in Zebulun. The name describes a location known for its food production, later becoming famous as Jesus' birthplace in the New Testament.
Definition: § Beth-lehem = "house of bread (food)" a place in Zebulun
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Bethlehem. See also: Genesis 35:19; 1 Samuel 17:15; Jeremiah 41:17.
לֶ֛חֶם Bêyth Lechem H1035 "Bethlehem" N-proper
Beth-lehem means house of bread, a place in Zebulun. The name describes a location known for its food production, later becoming famous as Jesus' birthplace in the New Testament.
Definition: § Beth-lehem = "house of bread (food)" a place in Zebulun
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Bethlehem. See also: Genesis 35:19; 1 Samuel 17:15; Jeremiah 41:17.
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
עֵיטָ֖ם ʻÊyṭâm H5862 "Etam" N-proper
Etam was a fortified town in Judah, built by King Rehoboam, located between Bethlehem and Tekoa. Its name means lair of wild beasts, indicating a strong and secure place. It is mentioned in the Bible as a strategic location.
Definition: § Etam = "lair of wild beasts" a town in Judah fortified and garrisoned by king Rehoboam of Judah and located between Bethlehem and Tekoa
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Etam. See also: Judges 15:8; 1 Chronicles 4:3; 2 Chronicles 11:6.
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
תְּקֽוֹעַ Tᵉqôwaʻ H8620 "Tekoa" N-proper
Tekoa refers to a place in Palestine, specifically a town in the hill country of Judah near Hebron. It was rebuilt by king Rehoboam and was the birthplace of Amos. The town was also known as Tekoah.
Definition: Tekoa or Tekoah = "a stockade" town founded by Ashur son of Hezron in the hill country of Judah near Hebron rebuilt by king Rehoboam of Judah; birthplace of Amos Also named: te.qo.i (תְּקוֹעִי "Tekoa" H8621)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Tekoa, Tekoah. See also: 2 Samuel 14:2; 2 Chronicles 11:6; Jeremiah 6:1.

Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 11:6

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Nehemiah 3:5 Next to him, the Tekoites made repairs, but their nobles did not put their shoulders to the work under their supervisors.
2 Amos 1:1 These are the words of Amos, who was among the sheepherders of Tekoa—what he saw concerning Israel two years before the earthquake, in the days when Uzziah was king of Judah and Jeroboam son of Jehoash was king of Israel.
3 1 Chronicles 4:32 And their villages were Etam, Ain, Rimmon, Tochen, and Ashan—five towns—
4 2 Samuel 14:2 So Joab sent to Tekoa to bring a wise woman from there. He told her, “Please pretend to be a mourner; put on clothes for mourning and do not anoint yourself with oil. Act like a woman who has mourned for the dead a long time.
5 Judges 15:8 And he struck them ruthlessly with a great slaughter, and then went down and stayed in the cave at the rock of Etam.
6 1 Samuel 17:12 Now David was the son of a man named Jesse, an Ephrathite from Bethlehem of Judah who had eight sons in the days of Saul. And Jesse was old and well along in years.
7 Matthew 2:5–6 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah, for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of My people Israel.’ ”
8 Nehemiah 3:27 And next to them, the Tekoites repaired another section, from a point opposite the great tower that juts out to the wall of Ophel.
9 Genesis 35:19 So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem).
10 2 Chronicles 20:20 Early in the morning they got up and left for the Wilderness of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood up and said, “Hear me, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be upheld; believe in His prophets, and you will succeed.”

2 Chronicles 11:6 Summary

This verse tells us that Rehoboam built up some cities in Judah, including Bethlehem, to make them stronger and safer. This was an important part of being a good king, as we see in other verses like Nehemiah 4:1-23. Just like Rehoboam, we need to build up our own spiritual defenses, like reading the Bible and praying, to stay strong in our faith (see Ephesians 6:10-18). By trusting in God and preparing ourselves, we can be confident in His sovereignty and protection, as promised in Psalm 91:1-16.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Rehoboam build up these cities?

Rehoboam built up these cities for defense in Judah, as mentioned in 2 Chronicles 11:5, to protect his kingdom from potential threats, following the Lord's instruction to not fight against his brothers in 2 Chronicles 11:4.

What is the significance of Bethlehem in the Bible?

Bethlehem is a significant city in the Bible, as it is the birthplace of Jesus Christ, as prophesied in Micah 5:2 and fulfilled in Matthew 2:1, and also an important city in the history of Israel, as seen in Ruth 1:1-2.

How does this verse relate to the rest of 2 Chronicles?

This verse is part of the narrative of Rehoboam's reign in Judah, which is a key part of the history of the divided kingdom, as described in 1 Kings 12:1-33 and 2 Chronicles 10:1-11:4.

What can we learn from Rehoboam's actions in this verse?

We can learn the importance of preparation and defense, as well as the need to trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Proverbs 21:31 and Psalm 20:7-8.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can build up my own spiritual defenses, just as Rehoboam built up these cities?
  2. How can I trust in God's sovereignty, even when faced with uncertainty or danger, as Rehoboam did in 2 Chronicles 11:4?
  3. What are some significant cities or places in my own life, and how can I use them for God's glory?
  4. How can I balance preparation and defense with trust in God's providence, as seen in Matthew 6:25-34?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 11:6

He built even Bethlehem,.... The place of our Lord's birth, about six miles from Jerusalem: and Etam; another city in the tribe of Judah; see 1 Chronicles 4:32, there was a rock of this name, Jude

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 11:6

He built even Bethlehem, and Etam, and Tekoa, No JFB commentary on these verses.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 11:6

(6) He built even.—And he built—i.e., fortified. Beth-lehem.—Beit-lahm, on a rocky eminence, two hours south of Jerusalem (Genesis 35:19; Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:6). The birthplace of David and of Christ. Etam.—Ain Attân; different from the place mentioned in 1 Chronicles 4:32 and Judges 15:8, which lay in Simeonite territory. Tekoa.—Teku’a; ruins on a hill two hours south of Bethlehem. (See Joshua 15:59, Note.)

Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 11:6

6. Etam] Probably represented by some ruins a little to the S.W. of Beth-lehem, by which is a spring called Ain ‘Atân. Cp. 1 Chronicles 4:3 Bädeker, p. 132.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Chronicles 11:6

See Josh. 15 and notes at Joshua 15:33-36, notes; Joshua 15:48-51, notes; Joshua 15:58-59, notes. For Adullam see 1 Samuel 22:1 note. It was in the near neighborhood of Socoh Joshua 15:35; but its site cannot be actually fixed.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 11:6

6. Beth-lehem — The city of David and of Christ. See on Rth 1:1; Matthew 2:1. Etam — Identified by Dr. Robinson with the ruined village Urtas, about a mile south of Beth-lehem.

Sermons on 2 Chronicles 11:6

SermonDescription
David Shirley Progress of Redemption #04 by David Shirley In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of the word of God and how it can change people's lives. The sermon takes place in Judea, a Persian province, around 430 BC. T
William MacDonald Greenwood Hills Conference 1989-01 Nehemiah 1 by William MacDonald In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not being idle in the work of the Lord. He highlights the need for accountability in our assemblies and on the foreign fiel
T. Austin-Sparks The Work and the Workers by T. Austin-Sparks T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the dynamic nature of God's work through history, illustrating how divine movements are often marked by both intrinsic fullness and progressive recovery
Zac Poonen (Through the Bible) Amos & Obadiah by Zac Poonen This sermon delves into the book of Amos, highlighting the historical context of the prophet's message to Israel, the significance of Amos being the first to write down a prophetic
Stephen Kaung Ephraim Is a Cake Not Turned by Stephen Kaung In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance between life and knowledge. He warns against being extreme in either direction, as it can lead to neg
Charles Alexander The Incarnation Part 11 - "The Last Two Prophecies" by Charles Alexander Charles Alexander delves into the second chapter of Matthew, exploring the prophetic scriptures that foretold the birth and identity of Jesus Christ. He highlights the reactions of
John Gill Concerning the Place of the Messiah's Birth. by John Gill John Gill emphasizes the prophetic significance of Bethlehem as the birthplace of the Messiah, citing Micah 5:2 to affirm that Jesus fulfills this prophecy. He argues that the expe

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