2 Chronicles 12:8
2 Chronicles 12:8 in Multiple Translations
Nevertheless, they will become his servants, so that they may learn the difference between serving Me and serving the kings of other lands.”
Nevertheless they shall be his servants; that they may know my service, and the service of the kingdoms of the countries.
Nevertheless they shall be his servants, that they may know my service, and the service of the kingdoms of the countries.
But still they will become his servants, so that they may see how different my yoke is from the yoke of the kingdoms of the lands.
Even so they will become his subjects, so that they can learn the difference between serving me and serving the kings of earth.”
Neuerthelesse they shalbe his sernants: so shall they knowe my seruice, and the seruice of the kingdomes of the earth.
but they become servants to him, and they know My service, and the service of the kingdoms of the lands.'
Nevertheless they will be his servants, that they may know my service, and the service of the kingdoms of the countries.”
Nevertheless they shall be his servants; that they may know my service, and the service of the kingdoms of the countries.
But yet they shall serve him, that they may know the difference between my service, and the service of a kingdom of the earth.
but they will conquer Jerusalem and force the people there to do what Shishak wants them to do. As a result, the people of Jerusalem will learn that it is better to serve me than to serve the kings of other countries.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Chronicles 12:8
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 12:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֥י
יִהְיוּ
ל֖/וֹ
לַ/עֲבָדִ֑ים
וְ/יֵדְעוּ֙
עֲב֣וֹדָתִ֔/י
וַ/עֲבוֹדַ֖ת
מַמְלְכ֥וֹת
הָ/אֲרָצֽוֹת
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יִהְיוּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
ל֖/וֹ
Prep | Suff
לַ/עֲבָדִ֑ים
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
Prep | N-mp
וְ/יֵדְעוּ֙
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
עֲב֣וֹדָתִ֔/י
ʻăbôdâh
H5656
service
N-fs | Suff
וַ/עֲבוֹדַ֖ת
ʻăbôdâh
H5656
service
Conj | N-fs
מַמְלְכ֥וֹת
mamlâkâh
H4467
kingdom
N-fp
הָ/אֲרָצֽוֹת
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Chronicles 12:8
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
יִהְיוּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
ל֖/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
לַ/עֲבָדִ֑ים
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
Prep | N-mp
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
וְ/יֵדְעוּ֙
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
עֲב֣וֹדָתִ֔/י
ʻăbôdâh
H5656
"service"
N-fs | Suff
This Hebrew word means service or work, including serving God or others. It appears in various forms in the Bible, such as in Exodus and Deuteronomy, to describe labor or ministry.
Definition: : service[as_servant/slave] 1) labour, service 1a) labour, work 1b) labour (of servant or slave) 1c) labour, service (of captives or subjects) 1d) service (of God)
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: act, bondage, [phrase] bondservant, effect, labour, ministering(-try), office, service(-ile, -itude), tillage, use, work, [idiom] wrought. See also: Genesis 29:27; Numbers 18:6; Psalms 104:14.
וַ/עֲבוֹדַ֖ת
ʻăbôdâh
H5656
"service"
Conj | N-fs
This Hebrew word means service or work, including serving God or others. It appears in various forms in the Bible, such as in Exodus and Deuteronomy, to describe labor or ministry.
Definition: : service[as_servant/slave] 1) labour, service 1a) labour, work 1b) labour (of servant or slave) 1c) labour, service (of captives or subjects) 1d) service (of God)
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: act, bondage, [phrase] bondservant, effect, labour, ministering(-try), office, service(-ile, -itude), tillage, use, work, [idiom] wrought. See also: Genesis 29:27; Numbers 18:6; Psalms 104:14.
מַמְלְכ֥וֹת
mamlâkâh
H4467
"kingdom"
N-fp
This word refers to a kingdom or dominion, describing a ruler's power or territory. In the Bible, it is used to describe the kingdoms of Israel and other nations, as well as God's sovereignty. It emphasizes a ruler's authority and control.
Definition: 1) kingdom, dominion, reign, sovereignty 1a) kingdom, realm 1b) sovereignty, dominion 1c) reign
Usage: Occurs in 113 OT verses. KJV: kingdom, king's, reign, royal. See also: Genesis 10:10; 2 Chronicles 22:9; Psalms 46:7.
הָ/אֲרָצֽוֹת
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cp
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 12:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Chronicles 12:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 12:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 12:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 12:8
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 12:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 12:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 12:8
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 12:8
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Chronicles 12:8
- Sermons on 2 Chronicles 12:8
Context — Shishak Raids Jerusalem
6So the leaders of Israel and the king humbled themselves and said, “The LORD is righteous.”
7When the LORD saw that they had humbled themselves, the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah, saying, “They have humbled themselves; I will not destroy them, but will soon grant them deliverance. My wrath will not be poured out on Jerusalem through Shishak.
8Nevertheless, they will become his servants, so that they may learn the difference between serving Me and serving the kings of other lands.”
9So King Shishak of Egypt attacked Jerusalem and seized the treasures of the house of the LORD and of the royal palace. He took everything, including the gold shields that Solomon had made. 10Then King Rehoboam made bronze shields in their place and committed them to the care of the captains of the guard on duty at the entrance to the royal palace.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 28:47–48 | Because you did not serve the LORD your God with joy and gladness of heart in all your abundance, you will serve your enemies the LORD will send against you in famine, thirst, nakedness, and destitution. He will place an iron yoke on your neck until He has destroyed you. |
| 2 | Isaiah 26:13 | O LORD our God, other lords besides You have had dominion, but Your name alone do we confess. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 10:24 | Correct me, O LORD, but only with justice— not in Your anger, or You will bring me to nothing. |
| 4 | Judges 3:1 | These are the nations that the LORD left to test all the Israelites who had not known any of the wars in Canaan, |
| 5 | Hosea 8:10 | Though they hire allies among the nations, I will now round them up, and they will begin to diminish under the oppression of the king of princes. |
| 6 | Nehemiah 9:36 | So here we are today as slaves in the land You gave our fathers to enjoy its fruit and goodness— here we are as slaves! |
2 Chronicles 12:8 Summary
[This verse, 2 Chronicles 12:8, means that even though the Israelites were disobedient to God, He still had a plan to teach them a lesson by allowing them to be servants of other kings, so they could learn the difference between serving Him and serving others. Serving God is the only way to true freedom, as written in Galatians 5:1, and He promises to deliver His people from their enemies, as seen in Exodus 18:8-10. By serving God, we can experience true freedom and prosperity, as stated in Joshua 1:8-9, and we should strive to serve Him above all else, as written in Matthew 6:24.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be servants of other kings?
Being servants of other kings, as mentioned in 2 Chronicles 12:8, means being under their authority and control, which is a consequence of disobedience to God, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:47-48, where it is written that Israel will serve their enemies if they do not obey God's commands.
Why did God allow the Israelites to be servants of other kings?
God allowed the Israelites to be servants of other kings so that they may learn the difference between serving Him and serving the kings of other lands, as stated in 2 Chronicles 12:8, and to understand that serving God is the only way to true freedom, as written in Galatians 5:1.
Is being a servant of other kings a permanent condition?
No, being a servant of other kings is not a permanent condition, as God promises to deliver His people from their enemies and give them rest, as seen in Exodus 18:8-10 and Deuteronomy 12:10.
What can we learn from the Israelites' experience of being servants of other kings?
We can learn that disobedience to God's commands has consequences, but God's mercy and forgiveness are always available, as written in 1 John 1:9, and that serving God is the key to true freedom and prosperity, as stated in Joshua 1:8-9.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be serving 'other kings' in my life, and how can I turn back to serving God?
- How can I learn to distinguish between serving God and serving the world, and what are the consequences of serving the wrong master?
- In what ways can I apply the lesson of 2 Chronicles 12:8 to my own life, and how can I ensure that I am serving God above all else?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to humble myself and acknowledge God's sovereignty, just like the leaders of Israel did in 2 Chronicles 12:6?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 12:8
Nevertheless, they shall be his servants,.... tributaries to the king of Egypt: that they may know my service, and the service of the kingdoms of the countries; the difference between them, how easy
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 12:8
Nevertheless they shall be his servants; that they may know my service, and the service of the kingdoms of the countries. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 12:8
That they may experimentally know and feel the difference between my yoke and the yoke of a foreign and idolatrous prince, and what mischief they have done to themselves by forsaking me and my service.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 12:8
2 Chronicles 12:8 Nevertheless they shall be his servants; that they may know my service, and the service of the kingdoms of the countries.Ver. 8. That they may know my service.] Know by woeful experience, the worth of my work and wages by the want thereof, and the contrary miseries. They that serve not God with cheerfulness "in the abundance of all things, shall serve their enemies" another while "in want of all."
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 12:8
(8) Nevertheless they shall be.—For they shall become servants (i.e., tributaries) to him; scil., for a while. That they may know (or, discern) my service, and the service of the kingdoms.—That they may learn by experience the difference between the easy yoke of their God, and the heavy burden of foreign tyranny, which was entailed upon them by deserting Him. Kingdoms of the countries.—See 1 Chronicles 29:30.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 12:8
Verse 8. They shall be his servants] They shall be preserved, and serve their enemies, that they may see the difference between the service of God and that of man. While they were pious, they found the service of the Lord to be perfect freedom; when they forsook the Lord, they found the fruit to be perfect bondage. A sinful life is both expensive and painful.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 12:8
8. that they may know my service, etc.] That they may learn the difference between my service and other service.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Chronicles 12:8
That they may know my service, and the service of the kingdom - i. e., that they may contrast the light burthen of the theocracy with the heavy yoke of a foreign monarch.
Sermons on 2 Chronicles 12:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
He Did Not Set His Heart by Russell Kelfer | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, and his reign as king. The sermon emphasizes the importance of humbling oneself before God and th |
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(Basics) 17. Dead Works by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of being a cheerful giver in the eyes of God. He references 2 Corinthians 9:7, which states that God loves a cheerful giver. T |
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Desiring God - Lesson 3 by John Piper | In this sermon, Pastor John Piper discusses the concept of Christian hedonism, which is the belief that our highest duty is to pursue delight in God. He argues that there are bibli |
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An Ambition to Please God by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of having an ambition as Christians, focusing on pleasing God whether in heaven or on earth. It highlights the need to prioritize pleasing God |
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A Time for Everything by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the destructive power of one sentence spoken by a carnal Christian. He warns against being a tail bearer or gossip, as revealing secrets can |
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Feel by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prioritizing emotions and affections in the pursuit of maximum joy in God. He acknowledges that he may not have suffered as |
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The Self-Centered Person's Attitude to God by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen addresses the self-centered person's attitude towards God, emphasizing that legalistic service stems from a desire for reward rather than genuine love. He illustrates th |