2 Chronicles 17:12
2 Chronicles 17:12 in Multiple Translations
Jehoshaphat grew stronger and stronger, and he built fortresses and store cities in Judah
¶ And Jehoshaphat waxed great exceedingly; and he built in Judah castles, and cities of store.
And Jehoshaphat waxed great exceedingly; and he built in Judah castles and cities of store.
Jehoshaphat became greater and greater, and made strong towers and store-towns in Judah.
Jehoshaphat grew increasingly powerful, and he built fortresses and storehouse towns in Judah.
So Iehoshaphat prospered and grewe vp on hie: and he built in Iudah palaces and cities of store.
And Jehoshaphat is going on and becoming very great, and he buildeth in Judah palaces and cities of store,
Jehoshaphat grew great exceedingly; and he built fortresses and store cities in Judah.
And Jehoshaphat became exceedingly great; and he built in Judah castles, and cities of store.
And Josaphat grew, and became exceeding great: and he built in Juda houses like towers, and walled cities.
Jehoshaphat continued to become more powerful/influential. His workers built forts and places to store supplies in various towns in Judah.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Chronicles 17:12
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 17:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְהִ֧י
יְהוֹשָׁפָ֛ט
הֹלֵ֥ךְ
וְ/גָדֵ֖ל
עַד
לְ/מָ֑עְלָ/ה
וַ/יִּ֧בֶן
בִּֽ/יהוּדָ֛ה
בִּירָנִיּ֖וֹת
וְ/עָרֵ֥י
מִסְכְּנֽוֹת
וַ/יְהִ֧י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוֹשָׁפָ֛ט
Yᵉhôwshâphâṭ
H3092
Jehoshaphat
N-proper
הֹלֵ֥ךְ
hâlak
H1980
to go
V-Qal
וְ/גָדֵ֖ל
gâdêl
H1432
growing
Conj | V-Qal
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
לְ/מָ֑עְלָ/ה
maʻal
H4605
above
Prep | Adv | Suff
וַ/יִּ֧בֶן
bânâh
H1129
to build
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בִּֽ/יהוּדָ֛ה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
Judah
Prep | N-proper
בִּירָנִיּ֖וֹת
bîyrânîyth
H1003
fortress
N-fp
וְ/עָרֵ֥י
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Conj | N-fp
מִסְכְּנֽוֹת
miçkᵉnâh
H4543
storage
N-fp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Chronicles 17:12
וַ/יְהִ֧י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
יְהוֹשָׁפָ֛ט
Yᵉhôwshâphâṭ
H3092
"Jehoshaphat"
N-proper
Jehoshaphat was a king of Judah who ruled for 25 years and was known for his piety and prosperity. His name means Jehovah has judged, and he is mentioned in 2 Kings 9:2 as the son of King Asa. He was one of the best kings of Judah in the Bible.
Definition: A man of the Kingdom of Israel, living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.9.2; son of: Nimshi (H5250); father of: Jehu (H3058H) § Jehoshaphat = "Jehovah has judged" 1) son of king Asa and himself king of Judah for 25 years; one of the best, most pious, and prosperous kings of Judah 2) son of Nimshi and father of king Jehu of the northern kingdom of Israel 3) son of Ahilud and chronicler under David and Solomon 4) son of Paruah and one of the 12 commissary officers under Solomon 5) a priest and trumpeter in the time of David 6) symbolical name of a valley near Jerusalem which is the place of ultimate judgment; maybe the deep ravine which separates Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives through which the Kidron flowed
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: Jehoshaphat. Compare H3146 (יוֹשָׁפָט). See also: 2 Samuel 8:16; 2 Chronicles 17:5; Joel 4:12.
הֹלֵ֥ךְ
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
V-Qal
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
וְ/גָדֵ֖ל
gâdêl
H1432
"growing"
Conj | V-Qal
This Hebrew word means growing or becoming great, like a child growing up or something increasing in size. It is used in the Bible to describe things that are large or impressive. In the KJV, it is translated as 'great' or 'grew'.
Definition: becoming great, growing up
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: great, grew. See also: Genesis 26:13; 2 Chronicles 17:12; Ezekiel 16:26.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
לְ/מָ֑עְלָ/ה
maʻal
H4605
"above"
Prep | Adv | Suff
Means above or higher, used to describe something's location or position. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Genesis 1:7, where God separates the waters above from the waters below. This word helps us understand God's creation.
Definition: subst 1) higher part, upper part adv 1a) above prep 1b) on the top of, above, on higher ground than with locative 1c) upwards, higher, above
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: above, exceeding(-ly), forward, on ([idiom] very) high, over, up(-on, -ward), very. See also: Genesis 6:16; 1 Samuel 30:25; Psalms 74:5.
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.
בִּֽ/יהוּדָ֛ה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
"Judah"
Prep | N-proper
Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.
Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob
Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.
בִּירָנִיּ֖וֹת
bîyrânîyth
H1003
"fortress"
N-fp
A fortress is a strong, secure place, like the one in 2 Samuel 5:7, where David captures the stronghold of Zion. It provides protection from enemies.
Definition: fortress, fortified place
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: castle. See also: 2 Chronicles 17:12; 2 Chronicles 27:4.
וְ/עָרֵ֥י
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Conj | N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
מִסְכְּנֽוֹת
miçkᵉnâh
H4543
"storage"
N-fp
This word refers to a storage place or supply house, like the one Joseph managed in Egypt. It is also used to describe treasure houses in 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles.
Definition: supply, storage, storage house, magazine
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: store(-house), treasure. See also: Exodus 1:11; 2 Chronicles 8:6; 2 Chronicles 32:28.
Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 17:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Chronicles 17:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 17:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 17:12
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 17:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 17:12
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 17:12
- Sermons on 2 Chronicles 17:12
Context — Jehoshaphat Reigns in Judah
10And the dread of the LORD fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that surrounded Judah, so that they did not make war against Jehoshaphat.
11Some Philistines also brought gifts and silver as tribute to Jehoshaphat, and the Arabs brought him 7,700 rams and 7,700 goats from their flocks.
12Jehoshaphat grew stronger and stronger, and he built fortresses and store cities in Judah
13and kept vast supplies in the cities of Judah. He also had warriors in Jerusalem who were mighty men of valor. 14These are their numbers according to the houses of their fathers: From Judah, the commanders of thousands: Adnah the commander, and with him 300,000 mighty men of valor;Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 8:2–6 | Solomon rebuilt the cities Hiram had given him and settled Israelites there. Then Solomon went to Hamath-zobah and captured it. He built Tadmor in the wilderness, in addition to all the store cities that he had built in Hamath. He rebuilt Upper and Lower Beth-horon as fortified cities with walls, gates, and bars, as well as Baalath, all the store cities that belonged to Solomon, and all the cities for his chariots and horses —whatever he desired to build in Jerusalem, Lebanon, and throughout the land of his dominion. |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 14:6–7 | Because the land was at peace, Asa built fortified cities in Judah. In those days no one made war with him, because the LORD had given him rest. So he said to the people of Judah, “Let us build these cities and surround them with walls and towers, with doors and bars. The land is still ours because we have sought the LORD our God. We have sought Him and He has given us rest on every side.” So they built and prospered. |
| 3 | 2 Chronicles 32:5 | Then Hezekiah worked resolutely to rebuild all the broken sections of the wall and to raise up towers on it. He also built an outer wall and reinforced the supporting terraces of the City of David, and he produced an abundance of weapons and shields. |
| 4 | 2 Chronicles 32:27–29 | Hezekiah had very great riches and honor, and he made treasuries for his silver, gold, precious stones, spices, shields, and all kinds of valuable articles. He also made storehouses for the harvest of grain and new wine and oil, stalls for all kinds of livestock, and pens for the flocks. He made cities for himself, and he acquired herds of sheep and cattle in abundance, for God gave him very great wealth. |
| 5 | 2 Chronicles 18:1 | Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honor in abundance, and he allied himself with Ahab by marriage. |
| 6 | 2 Chronicles 27:4 | He also built cities in the hill country of Judah and fortresses and towers in the forests. |
| 7 | 2 Chronicles 26:6–9 | Uzziah went out to wage war against the Philistines, and he tore down the walls of Gath, Jabneh, and Ashdod. Then he built cities near Ashdod and among the Philistines. God helped him against the Philistines, against the Arabs living in Gur-baal, and against the Meunites. The Ammonites brought tribute to Uzziah, and his fame spread as far as the border of Egypt, for he had become exceedingly powerful. Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the Corner Gate, the Valley Gate, and the angle in the wall, and he fortified them. |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 11:5–12 | Rehoboam continued to live in Jerusalem, and he built up cities for defense in Judah. He built up Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa, Beth-zur, Soco, Adullam, Gath, Mareshah, Ziph, Adoraim, Lachish, Azekah, Zorah, Aijalon, and Hebron, the fortified cities in Judah and Benjamin. He strengthened their fortresses and put officers in them, with supplies of food, oil, and wine. He also put shields and spears in all the cities and strengthened them greatly. So Judah and Benjamin belonged to him. |
| 9 | 1 Chronicles 29:25 | The LORD highly exalted Solomon in the sight of all Israel and bestowed on him royal majesty such as had not been bestowed on any king in Israel before him. |
2 Chronicles 17:12 Summary
In 2 Chronicles 17:12, we see that Jehoshaphat became increasingly powerful and influential, and he used this strength to build fortresses and store cities in Judah. This shows us that when we trust in God and seek to follow Him, He can give us the strength and resources we need to accomplish great things (as seen in Philippians 4:13). Just like Jehoshaphat, we can use our abilities and resources to build up and secure the things that God has entrusted to us, and to provide for those around us. By trusting in God's strength and provision, we can become stronger and more effective in our own lives and ministries, just as the apostle Paul encourages in Ephesians 6:10.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for Jehoshaphat to have grown 'stronger and stronger' in 2 Chronicles 17:12?
This phrase indicates that Jehoshaphat's power and influence increased over time, likely due to his faithfulness to God, as seen in 2 Chronicles 17:3-6, where he walked in the ways of David his father and sought the Lord.
Why did Jehoshaphat build fortresses and store cities in Judah?
Jehoshaphat built these fortresses and store cities to secure Judah's borders and provide for the people's needs, demonstrating his wise leadership and provision for his people, much like Solomon in 1 Kings 9:19.
How does this verse relate to the surrounding context of 2 Chronicles 17:10-14?
This verse is part of a larger section describing Jehoshaphat's reign, highlighting his military strength, economic prosperity, and the fear of the Lord that rested upon him, as seen in 2 Chronicles 17:10, where the dread of the Lord fell upon all the kingdoms surrounding Judah.
What can we learn from Jehoshaphat's example in this verse?
We can learn the importance of trusting in God's strength and provision, as Jehoshaphat did, and seeking to build up and secure the things that God has entrusted to us, just as the apostle Paul encourages believers to be strong in the Lord in Ephesians 6:10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I can trust God to make me 'stronger and stronger', just like Jehoshaphat?
- How can I use my resources and abilities to build up and secure the things that God has entrusted to me, whether in my family, church, or community?
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate wise leadership and provision for those around me, following Jehoshaphat's example?
- How can I cultivate a deeper fear of the Lord in my own life, so that others may take notice and be drawn to God?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 17:12
And Jehoshaphat waxed great exceedingly,.... In wealth and riches, power and authority, in his forces and fortifications: and he built in Judah castles, and cities of stores; castles for the defence
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 17:12
And Jehoshaphat waxed great exceedingly; and he built in Judah castles, and cities of store. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 17:12
2 Chronicles 17:12 And Jehoshaphat waxed great exceedingly; and he built in Judah castles, and cities of store.Ver. 12. And Jehoshaphat waxed great exceedingly.] Heb., He was going and growing. "By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life." And he built in Judah castles.] Bironeoth, πυργους, turres. So did the Burgundians, and thence had their names And cities of store.] Granaries; in the Hebrew they have their name from their utility or usefulness.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 17:12
(12) And Jehoshaphat waxed great.—Literally, And Jehoshaphat was going on and waxing great, i.e., became greater and greater. (Comp. 1 Chronicles 11:9.) Exceedingly.—‘Ad lĕ ?mΰ’lah. This phrase occurs again in 2 Chronicles 16:12; 2 Chronicles 26:8, and nowhere else in the Old Testament. (See on 1 Chronicles 14:2.) And he built.—Like his predecessors—Solomon, Rehoboam, Asa—he displayed his wealth and power in great public works. The records of the Assyrian and Babylonian sovereigns are largely taken up with similar accounts of temple and palace building. Castles.—Biranξyτth, a derivative from birah (1 Chronicles 29:1; 1 Chronicles 29:19; comp. Syriac here, birτthτ). It only recurs at 2 Chronicles 27:4. It is an Aramaic term. (Comp. bξranyβthβ, which in the Targums means “palaces.”) Cities of stores.—Comp. 2 Chronicles 8:4; 2 Chronicles 16:4; Exodus 1:11.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 17:12
12. castles] Heb. bîrâniyyôth; cp. 2 Chronicles 27:4 (same word); and 2 Chronicles 26:10 (“towers”). Such small castles or towers lie scattered along the pilgrim-road from Damascus to Mecca at the present day to make the way safe. cities of store] Cp. 2 Chronicles 11:11-12.
Sermons on 2 Chronicles 17:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Pdf Book) Much Business by Bakht Singh | Bakht Singh emphasizes the story of King Jehoshaphat, who initially ruled with a fear of God and sought to teach His commandments to the people of Judah. However, as he became pros |
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God Wants to Prosper You by Anton Bosch | Anton Bosch preaches about the correlation between obedience and prosperity in the Old Testament, emphasizing that God blesses those who are faithful and obedient. He highlights th |
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The Hated but True Man by Ian Paisley | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of the prophet Micaiah and his unwavering faithfulness to God. The preacher highlights seven key characteristics of Micaiah's fait |
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Jehoshaphat's Revival by Timothy Williams | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a heart that is open to God's reproof. He uses the story of Jehoshaphat to illustrate how disobedience and indiffer |