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2 Chronicles 23:2

2 Chronicles 23:2 in Multiple Translations

So they went throughout Judah and gathered the Levites from all the cities of Judah and the heads of the families of Israel. And when they came to Jerusalem,

And they went about in Judah, and gathered the Levites out of all the cities of Judah, and the chief of the fathers of Israel, and they came to Jerusalem.

And they went about in Judah, and gathered the Levites out of all the cities of Judah, and the heads of fathers’ houses of Israel, and they came to Jerusalem.

And they went through Judah, getting together the Levites and the heads of families in Israel from all the towns of Judah, and they came to Jerusalem.

They traveled all over Judah and brought together the Levites from all the cities of Judah and the family leaders of Israel. When they came to Jerusalem,

And they went about in Iudah, and gathered the Leuites out of all the cities of Iudah, and the chiefe fathers of Israel: and they came to Ierusale.

And they go round about in Judah, and gather the Levites out of all the cities of Judah, and heads of the fathers of Israel, and come in unto Jerusalem,

They went around in Judah and gathered the Levites out of all the cities of Judah, and the heads of fathers’ households of Israel, and they came to Jerusalem.

And they went about in Judah, and gathered the Levites out of all the cities of Judah, and the chief of the fathers of Israel, and they came to Jerusalem.

And they went about Juda, and gathered together the Levites out of all the cities of Juda, and the chiefs of the families of Israel, and they came to Jerusalem.

They went throughout Judah and gathered the descendants of Levi and the leaders of Israeli families from all the towns. When they came to Jerusalem,

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Chronicles 23:2

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 23:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יָּסֹ֨בּוּ֙ בִּֽ/יהוּדָ֔ה וַ/יִּקְבְּצ֤וּ אֶת הַ/לְוִיִּם֙ מִ/כָּל עָרֵ֣י יְהוּדָ֔ה וְ/רָאשֵׁ֥י הָ/אָב֖וֹת לְ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וַ/יָּבֹ֖אוּ אֶל יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם
וַ/יָּסֹ֨בּוּ֙ çâbab H5437 to turn Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
בִּֽ/יהוּדָ֔ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 Judah Prep | N-proper
וַ/יִּקְבְּצ֤וּ qâbats H6908 to gather Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
הַ/לְוִיִּם֙ Lêvîyîy H3881 Levi Art | Ngmpa
מִ/כָּל kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms
עָרֵ֣י ʻîyr H5892 excitement N-fp
יְהוּדָ֔ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 Judah N-proper
וְ/רָאשֵׁ֥י rôʼsh H7218 head Conj | N-mp
הָ/אָב֖וֹת ʼâb H1 father Art | N-mp
לְ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel Prep | N-proper
וַ/יָּבֹ֖אוּ bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 Jerusalem N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Chronicles 23:2

וַ/יָּסֹ֨בּוּ֙ çâbab H5437 "to turn" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To turn or surround is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can be used literally or figuratively. It appears in the Bible to describe changing direction or surrounding something.
Definition: : turn/bring_around 1) to turn, turn about or around or aside or back or towards, go about or around, surround, encircle, change direction 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn, turn about, be brought round, change 1a2) to march or walk around, go partly around, circle about, skirt, make a round, make a circuit, go about to, surround, encompass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself, close round, turn round 1b2) to be turned over to 1c) (Piel) to turn about, change, transform 1d) (Poel) 1d1) to encompass, surround 1d2) to come about, assemble round 1d3) to march, go about 1d4) to enclose, envelop 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to turn, cause to turn, turn back, reverse, bring over, turn into, bring round 1e2) to cause to go around, surround, encompass 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be turned 1f2) to be surrounded
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: bring, cast, fetch, lead, make, walk, [idiom] whirl, [idiom] round about, be about on every side, apply, avoid, beset (about), besiege, bring again, carry (about), change, cause to come about, [idiom] circuit, (fetch a) compass (about, round), drive, environ, [idiom] on every side, beset (close, come, compass, go, stand) round about, inclose, remove, return, set, sit down, turn (self) (about, aside, away, back). See also: Genesis 2:11; 1 Chronicles 16:43; Psalms 7:8.
בִּֽ/יהוּדָ֔ה 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.
וַ/יִּקְבְּצ֤וּ qâbats H6908 "to gather" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To gather or collect people or things, like when the Israelites assembled in the book of Numbers. It's about bringing things or people together in one place.
Definition: 1) to gather, assemble 1a) (Qal) to gather, collect, assemble 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to assemble, gather 1b2) to be gathered 1c) (Piel) to gather, gather together, take away 1d) (Pual) to be gathered together 1e) (Hithpael) to gather together, be gathered together
Usage: Occurs in 121 OT verses. KJV: assemble (selves), gather (bring) (together, selves together, up), heap, resort, [idiom] surely, take up. See also: Genesis 41:35; Proverbs 28:8; Psalms 41:7.
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.
הַ/לְוִיִּם֙ Lêvîyîy H3881 "Levi" Art | Ngmpa
A Levite is a descendant of Levi, one of Jacob's 12 sons, mentioned in Genesis 29:34. Levi's brothers include Reuben, Simeon, and Judah. His descendants played a key role in Israel's spiritual life.
Definition: Someone from the tribe of Levi living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.34; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Gershon (H1648), Kohath (H6955), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115) Another name of le.vi (לֵוִי "Levi" H3878) § Levite, of Levi "joined to" 1) the descendants of Levi, the 3rd son of Jacob by Leah 1a) the tribe descended from Levi specially set aside by God for His service
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: Leviite. See also: Exodus 4:14; 1 Chronicles 6:33; Ezra 6:20.
מִ/כָּל kôl H3605 "all" Prep | 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.
עָרֵ֣י ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" 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.
יְהוּדָ֔ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 "Judah" 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.
וְ/רָאשֵׁ֥י rôʼsh H7218 "head" Conj | N-mp
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
הָ/אָב֖וֹת ʼâb H1 "father" Art | N-mp
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
לְ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" Prep | 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.
וַ/יָּבֹ֖אוּ bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 "Jerusalem" N-proper
Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.
Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split
Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.

Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 23:2

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 2 Chronicles 11:13–17 Moreover, the priests and Levites from all their districts throughout Israel stood with Rehoboam. For the Levites left their pasturelands and their possessions and went to Judah and Jerusalem, because Jeroboam and his sons had rejected them as priests of the LORD. And Jeroboam appointed his own priests for the high places and for the goat demons and calf idols he had made. Those from every tribe of Israel who had set their hearts to seek the LORD their God followed the Levites to Jerusalem to sacrifice to the LORD, the God of their fathers. So they strengthened the kingdom of Judah and supported Rehoboam son of Solomon for three years, because they walked for three years in the way of David and Solomon.
2 2 Chronicles 21:2 Jehoram’s brothers, the sons of Jehoshaphat, were Azariah, Jehiel, Zechariah, Azariah, Michael, and Shephatiah; these were all sons of Jehoshaphat king of Israel.
3 1 Chronicles 15:12 And he said to them, “You are the heads of the Levitical families. You and your relatives must consecrate yourselves so that you may bring the ark of the LORD, the God of Israel, to the place I have prepared for it.
4 Ephesians 5:15 Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,
5 Matthew 10:16 Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.
6 Psalms 112:5 It is well with the man who is generous and lends freely, whose affairs are guided by justice.
7 1 Chronicles 24:6 The scribe, Shemaiah son of Nethanel, a Levite, recorded their names in the presence of the king and of the officers: Zadok the priest, Ahimelech son of Abiathar, and the heads of families of the priests and the Levites—one family being taken from Eleazar, and then one from Ithamar.

2 Chronicles 23:2 Summary

This verse tells us that Jehoiada and his supporters traveled throughout Judah to gather the Levites and the heads of families of Israel, and when they came to Jerusalem, they made a covenant with the king. This was an important step in restoring the rightful king to the throne, just as God had promised (1 Kings 2:4). It shows us the importance of unity and faithfulness to God's promises, and how leaders can guide God's people towards a common goal (Proverbs 11:14). By following Jehoiada's example, we can learn to trust in God's promises and work together to achieve great things for His kingdom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Jehoiada gather the Levites and heads of families of Israel?

Jehoiada gathered them to support the coronation of the king's son, as promised by the Lord, and to restore the rightful king to the throne, as seen in 2 Chronicles 23:3, fulfilling the prophecy in 1 Kings 2:4

What was the significance of gathering the Levites from all the cities of Judah?

The Levites were the spiritual leaders of Israel, and gathering them from all the cities of Judah ensured that the entire nation was represented and unified in the covenant-making process, similar to the gathering in Numbers 8:14

How does this verse relate to the overall story of 2 Chronicles?

This verse is a pivotal moment in the story of 2 Chronicles, as it sets the stage for the restoration of the Davidic monarchy and the re-establishment of the covenant between God and His people, echoing the promises in 2 Samuel 7:12-16

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

We can learn the importance of leadership, unity, and faithfulness to God's promises, as demonstrated by Jehoiada's courageous actions, which are reminiscent of the faithfulness seen in Joshua 24:15

Reflection Questions

  1. What role do spiritual leaders play in guiding God's people, and how can we support them in their mission?
  2. How can we, like Jehoiada, seek to unify and gather God's people for a common purpose, as seen in Acts 2:1-4?
  3. What are some ways we can demonstrate faithfulness to God's promises in our own lives, just as Jehoiada did in this verse?
  4. How can we apply the principles of leadership and unity seen in this verse to our own communities and churches, following the example in 1 Corinthians 1:10?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 23:2

[See comments on 2 Chronicles 23:1].

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 23:2

And they went about in Judah, and gathered the Levites out of all the cities of Judah, and the chief of the fathers of Israel, and they came to Jerusalem. Chief of the fathers of Israel.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 23:2

Gathered the Levites out of all the cities of Judah; partly because they could do this without any suspicion, upon pretence of some solemn feast; which time, it is probable, was chosen for this purpose; and partly because he knew them to be well affected to the cause of God and the king, to which they were obliged by the two firmest ties, conscience and interest. The chief of the fathers of Israel, i.e. both of the two tribes, and of the ten tribes, all which are called Israel; and he useth the name of Israel rather than that of Judah, because there were now great numbers of the other tribes incorporated with Judah; and these he esteemed more faithful than many of Judah, having given better proofs of the truth of their religion than they; and therefore he picked out of the chief men of the other tribes as well as of Judah and Benjamin.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 23:2

2 Chronicles 23:2 And they went about in Judah, and gathered the Levites out of all the cities of Judah, and the chief of the fathers of Israel, and they came to Jerusalem.Ver. 2. And they went about in Judah.] But with so much silence and secrecy, that Athaliah knew nothing of the business See on 2 Kings 11:4.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 23:2

(2) And they went about in Judah.—2 Chronicles 17:9; 1 Samuel 7:16. The chief of the fathers.—The heads of the clans, or chiefs of houses.This and the next verse are added by the chronicler. In Kings the narrative passes at once to the charge of 2 Chronicles 23:4 : “This is the thing that ye shall do,” which is there addressed to the “captains of the hundreds,” or centurions of the royal guard. In fact, the parallel text is nearly if not altogether silent as to the part played by the Levites in the Restoration; and the chronicler appears to have supplemented that account with materials derived from other authorities, and perhaps from Levitical traditions. That he should have done so, is only consistent with his general practice and the special purpose of his history. At the same time, allowing for certain characteristic additions, interpretations, and substitutions of phrase for phrase, which will be specified in these Notes, the narrative of the chronicler absolutely coincides with that of Kings, treating of the same events, and rigidly observing the same limits, as well as maintaining a general identity of language. We conclude, therefore, that in this case, as elsewhere, the chronicler has used as the groundwork of his relation a historical text which contained sections substantially identical with the present narratives of Kings, but accompanied by numerous details not found in those books.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 23:2

2. gathered the Levites] This statement is not found in Kings, nor is it there stated as here (2 Chronicles 23:6) that only Levites were allowed inside the Temple to guard the king. the chief of the fathers] R.V. the heads of fathers’ houses. Israel] See 2 Chronicles 11:3 (note).

Barnes' Notes on 2 Chronicles 23:2

Jehoiada was unwilling to trust the success of the revolution wholly and entirely to the royal body-guard.

Sermons on 2 Chronicles 23:2

SermonDescription
Carter Conlon When Obedience Makes You Dance by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commands. He highlights the story of Saul, who claimed to have obeyed God but was confronted by Samuel about
Teresa Conlon The Battle to Think Right by Teresa Conlon In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of a woman who is married to a man named Saul. However, she helps David, who is being hunted by Saul, escape. As a result, she is a
Charles Stanley A Life Changing Prayer by Charles Stanley In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of ceaseless prayer and provides a six-fold request for believers to pray for one another. He encourages fathers and mothers t
A.W. Tozer (Dangers in the Way Series): Resisting the Worlds Propoganda by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of walking circumspectly as Christians, being watchful and cautious to avoid falling into the traps set by the devil. He spec
A.W. Tozer (Dangers in the Way Series): Dangers of Idleness and Busyness by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the speaker discusses the dangers that Christians may encounter on their spiritual journey. The speaker emphasizes the importance of walking circumspectly and not b
A.W. Tozer (Dangers in the Way Series): Dangers of Bondage and Liberty by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing the freedom that comes from being in Christ Jesus. He warns against using this freedom as an e
A.W. Tozer (Hebrews - Part 44): The Root of Bitterness by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for believers to be vigilant and watchful in their spiritual lives. He compares the challenges and dangers faced by believers to va

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