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2 Chronicles 13:4

2 Chronicles 13:4 in Multiple Translations

Then Abijah stood on Mount Zemaraim in the hill country of Ephraim and said, “Hear me, O Jeroboam and all Israel!

¶ And Abijah stood up upon mount Zemaraim, which is in mount Ephraim, and said, Hear me, thou Jeroboam, and all Israel;

And Abijah stood up upon mount Zemaraim, which is in the hill-country of Ephraim, and said, Hear me, O Jeroboam and all Israel:

And Abijah took up his position on Mount Zemaraim, in the hill-country of Ephraim, and said, Give ear to me, O Jeroboam and all Israel:

Abijah stood on Mount Zemaraim, in the hill country of Ephraim, and said, “Listen to me, Jeroboam and all of Israel!

And Abiiah stood vp vpon mount Zemeraim, which is in mount Ephraim, and sayde, O Ieroboam, and all Israel, heare you me,

And Abijah riseth up on the hill of Zemaraim that [is] in the hill-country of Ephraim, and saith, 'Hear me, Jeroboam and all Israel!

Abijah stood up on Mount Zemaraim, which is in the hill country of Ephraim, and said, “Hear me, Jeroboam and all Israel:

And Abijah stood upon mount Zemaraim, which is in mount Ephraim, and said, Hear me, thou Jeroboam, and all Israel;

And Abia stood upon mount Semeron, which was in Ephraim, and said: Hear me, O Jeroboam, and all Israel:

Abijah stood on the top of Zemaraim Mountain, which is in the hilly area that belonged to the tribe of Ephraim, and he shouted, “Jeroboam and all you other people of Israel, listen to me!

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Chronicles 13:4

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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 13:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יָּ֣קָם אֲבִיָּ֗ה מֵ/עַל֙ לְ/הַ֣ר צְמָרַ֔יִם אֲשֶׁ֖ר בְּ/הַ֣ר אֶפְרָ֑יִם וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר שְׁמָע֖וּ/נִי יָרָבְעָ֥ם וְ/כָל יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
וַ/יָּ֣קָם qûwm H6965 -kamai Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֲבִיָּ֗ה ʼĂbîyâh H29 Abijah N-proper
מֵ/עַל֙ ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Prep
לְ/הַ֣ר har H2022 mountain Prep | N-ms
צְמָרַ֔יִם Tsᵉmârayim H6787 Zemaraim N-proper
אֲשֶׁ֖ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
בְּ/הַ֣ר har H2022 mountain Prep | N-ms
אֶפְרָ֑יִם ʼEphrayim H669 Ephraim N-proper
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שְׁמָע֖וּ/נִי shâmaʻ H8085 to hear V-Qal-Impv-2mp | Suff
יָרָבְעָ֥ם Yârobʻâm H3379 Jeroboam N-proper
וְ/כָל kôl H3605 all Conj | N-ms
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Chronicles 13:4

וַ/יָּ֣קָם qûwm H6965 "-kamai" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
אֲבִיָּ֗ה ʼĂbîyâh H29 "Abijah" N-proper
Abijah was the name of several people in the Bible, including a king of Judah and a son of Samuel. The name Abijah means 'Jehovah is my father', showing devotion to God. It is mentioned in books like 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles.
Definition: A woman living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.18.2; daughter of: Zechariah (H2148C); married to Ahaz (H0271); mother of: Hezekiah (H2396); also called Abijah at 2Ch.29.1; Another name of a.vi (אֲבִי "Abi" H0021) § Abia or Abiah or Abijah = "Jehovah is (my) father" 1) king of Judah, son and successor of Rehoboam 2) second son of Samuel 3) son of Jeroboam the first, king of Israel 4) son of Becher, a Benjamite 5) head of a priestly house (one of the 24 Levite groups) 6) head of a priestly house (after the exile) 7) wife of Hezron 8) mother of Hezekiah (cf H021)
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: Abiah, Abijah. See also: 1 Samuel 8:2; 2 Chronicles 13:3; Nehemiah 12:17.
מֵ/עַל֙ ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
לְ/הַ֣ר har H2022 "mountain" Prep | N-ms
A mountain or hill, sometimes used to describe a spiritual high point. In the Bible, it can refer to a real mountain or a figurative one. The word is often translated as hill or mount.
Definition: : mount/hill hill, mountain, hill country, mount
Usage: Occurs in 486 OT verses. KJV: hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion. See also: Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 3:12; Judges 18:13.
צְמָרַ֔יִם Tsᵉmârayim H6787 "Zemaraim" N-proper
Zemaraim is a place in Palestine, possibly a hill in the region of Ephraim, with a name that means double fleece of wool.
Definition: § Zemaraim = "double fleece of wool" a hill in Ephraim
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Zemaraim. See also: Joshua 18:22; 2 Chronicles 13:4.
אֲשֶׁ֖ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בְּ/הַ֣ר har H2022 "mountain" Prep | N-ms
A mountain or hill, sometimes used to describe a spiritual high point. In the Bible, it can refer to a real mountain or a figurative one. The word is often translated as hill or mount.
Definition: : mount/hill hill, mountain, hill country, mount
Usage: Occurs in 486 OT verses. KJV: hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion. See also: Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 3:12; Judges 18:13.
אֶפְרָ֑יִם ʼEphrayim H669 "Ephraim" N-proper
Ephraim means doubly fruitful, referring to Joseph's son and the tribe that descended from him. The tribe of Ephraim was a significant part of Israel's history. Ephraim is also the name of a region in the Bible.
Definition: Ephraim = "double ash-heap: I shall be doubly fruitful" the country of the tribe of Ephraim Also named: Ephraim (Ἐφραίμ "Ephraim" G2187)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: Ephraim, Ephraimites. See also: Genesis 41:52; 1 Chronicles 27:20; Psalms 60:9.
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
שְׁמָע֖וּ/נִי shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" V-Qal-Impv-2mp | Suff
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
יָרָבְעָ֥ם Yârobʻâm H3379 "Jeroboam" N-proper
Jeroboam means the people will contend, the name of two Israelite kings. The first Jeroboam was the king of the northern kingdom of Israel after Solomon's death, mentioned in 2 Kings 13:13.
Definition: A king of the Kingdom of Israel, living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.13.13; son of: Joash (H3101J); father of: Zechariah (H2148P) § Jeroboam = "the people will contend" 1) the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel when the kingdom split at the death of Solomon and the 10 tribes split off from Judah and Benjamin and the kingdom under Solomon's son Rehoboam; idolatry was introduced at the beginning of his reign 2) the 8th king of the northern kingdom of Israel, son of Joash, and 4th in the dynasty of Jehu; during his reign the Syrian invaders were repelled and the kingdom restored to its former borders but the idolatry of the kingdom was maintained
Usage: Occurs in 95 OT verses. KJV: Jeroboam. See also: 1 Kings 11:26; 1 Kings 22:53; Amos 7:11.
וְ/כָל kôl H3605 "all" Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 13:4

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Joshua 18:22 Beth-arabah, Zemaraim, Bethel,
2 2 Chronicles 15:2 So he went out to meet Asa and said to him, “Listen to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin. The LORD is with you when you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you.
3 Genesis 10:18 the Arvadites, the Zemarites, and the Hamathites. Later the Canaanite clans were scattered,
4 Judges 9:7 When this was reported to Jotham, he climbed to the top of Mount Gerizim, raised his voice, and cried out: “Listen to me, O leaders of Shechem, and may God listen to you.

2 Chronicles 13:4 Summary

[Abijah stood on Mount Zemaraim and spoke to Jeroboam and all Israel, reminding them of their shared history and covenant with God. This was a bold move, but Abijah trusted in God's power and sovereignty, as seen in Psalm 20:7. By speaking out, Abijah was calling the people to remember their loyalty to God, just as Jesus would later call people to repentance and faith, as in Mark 1:15. This event shows us the importance of standing up for what is right and trusting in God, even when it's hard.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Abijah choose to speak from Mount Zemaraim?

Abijah likely chose to speak from Mount Zemaraim because of its strategic location in the hill country of Ephraim, allowing him to address both Jeroboam and all of Israel, as seen in 2 Chronicles 13:4, similar to how Jesus often spoke from mountainous regions, as in Matthew 5:1-2.

What is the significance of Abijah addressing 'all Israel'?

By addressing all Israel, Abijah is reminding them of their shared heritage and covenant with God, as established in Deuteronomy 29:10-15, and is calling them to remember their loyalty to the one true God, as commanded in Deuteronomy 6:13-15.

How does this event relate to the larger story of the kingdom of Israel?

This event is part of the ongoing struggle between the kingdoms of Judah and Israel, which began with the division of the kingdom after the death of Solomon, as described in 1 Kings 12:1-33, and would continue until the Assyrian conquest of Israel in 2 Kings 17:1-23.

What can we learn from Abijah's bold declaration to Jeroboam and Israel?

We can learn the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of overwhelming opposition, as Abijah did, and trusting in God's power and sovereignty, as seen in Psalm 20:7 and Proverbs 29:25.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I need to stand up for what is right, even if it's difficult?
  2. How can I, like Abijah, trust in God's power and sovereignty when faced with challenges or opposition?
  3. What are some ways I can remind myself and others of our shared heritage and covenant with God, as Abijah did with Israel?
  4. How can I apply the principle of loyalty to God, as commanded in Deuteronomy 6:13-15, in my own life and relationships?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 13:4

And Abijah stood upon Mount Zemaraim, which is in Mount Ephraim,.... Which might have its name from a city of Benjamin of this name, to which it was near, though within the borders of Ephraim, Joshua

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 13:4

And Abijah stood up upon mount Zemaraim, which is in mount Ephraim, and said, Hear me, thou Jeroboam, and all Israel; Abijah stood up upon mount Zemaraim.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 13:4

Upon Mount Zemaraim; some commodious place whence his voice might be heard by Jeroboam, and some of his host, who possibly were pitched in the valley. Or the two armies being pitched near to one another, Abijah might desire a parley, before they fight; whereupon Jeroboam, and some of his commanders and soldiers, might draw near to him, and stand below him at the bottom of the hill, where they might hear his speech; which Jeroboam was the more willing to do, that in the mean time he might cause an ambushment to come behind Abijah and his army, as he did, , whilst he was quietly standing before them, and seemed to hearken to any terms of accommodation which might be offered.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 13:4

2 Chronicles 13:4 And Abijah stood up upon mount Zemaraim, which [is] in mount Ephraim, and said, Hear me, thou Jeroboam, and all Israel;Ver. 4. And Abijah stood upon mount Zemaraim.] As Jotham likewise had done upon mount Gerizim. It is probable that Abijah had, by his heralds or messengers, desired a parley: else he could not have delivered himself without danger.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 13:4

(4) And Abijah stood up upon mount Zemaraim.—While the two hosts were facing each other, king Abijah addressed his foes from mount Zemaraim. as Jotham addressed the Shechemites from the top of Gerizim in the days of the judges (Judges 9:7). Upon.—Literally, from upon to mount Zemaraim; a mark of the chronicler’s hand. Mount Zemaraim is otherwise unknown A city so called is mentioned (Joshua 18:22) as near Bethel, and probably lay a little to the south of it, on the northern frontier of Judah, perhaps upon this mountain. Mount Ephraim.—The hill country of Ephraim.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 13:4

Verse 4. Stood up upon Mount Zemaraim] "Which was a mount of the tribe of the house of Ephraim."-Targum. Jarchi thinks that Abijah went to the confines of the tribe of Ephraim to attack Jeroboam. It could not be Shomeron, the mount on which Samaria was built in the days of Omri king of Israel, 1Kg 16:24.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 13:4

4. Abijah stood up] it was natural that Abijah should attempt a conference before beginning civil war, both because his was the weaker side numerically and because he had a telling appeal to make to the revolted tribes (2 Chronicles 13:8; 2 Chronicles 13:12). It was equally natural that Jeroboam should break off the conference after using it to cover his stratagem (2 Chronicles 13:13). Zemaraim] A Zemaraim is mentioned in Joshua 18:22 as one of the cities of Benjamin, whereas here Mount Zemaraim is assigned to Ephraim. The natural inference is that the battle took place on the border of the two kingdoms.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 13:4

4. Stood up upon mount Zemaraim — A general standing upon an eminence, could, like Jotham on Mount Gerizim, speak so as to be heard by a vast audience below. See note on Judges 9:7. The locality of Mount Zemaraim is uncertain.

Sermons on 2 Chronicles 13:4

SermonDescription
Hans R. Waldvogel Audio Sermon: Seeking God by Hans R. Waldvogel This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking and finding God with our whole hearts, highlighting the transformative power of truly knowing God. It challenges listeners to not s
Chuck Smith (The Word for Today) Isaiah 20:1 - Part 3 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the importance of standing up for righteousness in a fallen world. He introduces his new book, "Standing Up in a Fallen World," which i
Hans Peter Royer Don't Take Away the Job From Jesus by Hans Peter Royer In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing that God is the master and we are His servants. He highlights the tendency for us to try to make God follow our
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) 2 Chronicles 14-18 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God wants to use our lives and bless us abundantly. He highlights the importance of having a heart completely devoted to God, as He is
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) 2 Chronicles 28-36 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the speaker tells the story of Balaam and his donkey from the Bible. Balaam is tempted by the king's offer of wealth and power, but his donkey keeps veering off the
Billy Ingram The Hand of God by Billy Ingram In this sermon, the preacher describes a powerful spiritual experience where the spirit of God swept through an auditorium, causing intense emotions and a desire for repentance. Th
Chuck Smith Chosen Vessel - a Commitment to Holiness by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living close to God and not being influenced by the ways of the world. He refers to Paul's instructions to the Ephesians, u

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