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2 Chronicles 28:21

2 Chronicles 28:21 in Multiple Translations

Although Ahaz had taken a portion from the house of the LORD, from the royal palace, and from the princes and had presented it to the king of Assyria, it did not help him.

For Ahaz took away a portion out of the house of the LORD, and out of the house of the king, and of the princes, and gave it unto the king of Assyria: but he helped him not.

For Ahaz took away a portion out of the house of Jehovah, and out of the house of the king and of the princes, and gave it unto the king of Assyria: but it helped him not.

For Ahaz took a part of the wealth from the house of the Lord, and from the house of the king and of the great men, and gave it to the king of Assyria; but it was no help to him.

Ahaz took what was valuable from the Lord's Temple, the king's palace, and from his officials and gave them to the king of Assyria as tribute. But it didn't help him.

For Ahaz tooke a portion out of the house of the Lord and out of the Kings house and of the Princes, and gaue vnto the king of Asshur: yet it helped him not.

though Ahaz hath taken a portion [out] of the house of Jehovah, and [out] of the house of the king, and of the princes, and giveth to the king of Asshur, yet it is no help to him.

For Ahaz took away a portion out of the LORD’s house, and out of the house of the king and of the princes, and gave it to the king of Assyria; but it didn’t help him.

For Ahaz took away a portion from the house of the LORD, and from the house of the king, and of the princes, and gave it to the king of Assyria: but he helped him not.

And Achaz stripped the house of the Lord, and the house of the kings, and of the princes, and gave gifts to the king of the Assyrians, and yet it availed him nothing.

Ahaz’s soldiers took some of the valuable things from the temple and from the king’s palace and from other leaders of Judah and sent them to the king of Assyria to pay him to help them, but the king of Assyria refused to help Ahaz.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Chronicles 28:21

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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 28:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB כִּֽי חָלַ֤ק אָחָז֙ אֶת בֵּ֣ית יְהוָ֔ה וְ/אֶת בֵּ֥ית הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ וְ/הַ/שָּׂרִ֑ים וַ/יִּתֵּן֙ לְ/מֶ֣לֶךְ אַשּׁ֔וּר וְ/לֹ֥א לְ/עֶזְרָ֖ה לֽ/וֹ
כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj
חָלַ֤ק châlaq H2505 to divide V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אָחָז֙ ʼÂchâz H271 Ahaz N-proper
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
בֵּ֣ית bayith H1004 place N-ms
יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM
בֵּ֥ית bayith H1004 place N-ms
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms
וְ/הַ/שָּׂרִ֑ים sar H8269 ruler Conj | Art | N-mp
וַ/יִּתֵּן֙ nâthan H5414 to give Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לְ/מֶ֣לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Prep | N-ms
אַשּׁ֔וּר ʼAshshûwr H804 Asshur N-proper
וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part
לְ/עֶזְרָ֖ה ʻezrâh H5833 help Prep | N-fs
לֽ/וֹ Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Chronicles 28:21

כִּֽי 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.
חָלַ֤ק châlaq H2505 "to divide" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To smooth means to make something slippery or deceitful, like in Proverbs where it warns against flattery. It can also mean to divide or separate something, like an inheritance.
Definition: 1) to divide, share, plunder, allot, apportion, assign 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to divide, apportion 1a2) to assign, distribute 1a3) to assign, impart 1a4) to share 1a5) to divide up, plunder 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to divide oneself 1b2) to be divided 1b3) to assign, distribute 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to divide, apportion 1c2) to assign, distribute 1c3) to scatter 1d) (Pual) to be divided 1e) (Hiphil) to receive a portion or part 1f) (Hithpael) to divide among themselves
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: deal, distribute, divide, flatter, give, (have, im-) part(-ner), take away a portion, receive, separate self, (be) smooth(-er). See also: Genesis 14:15; Job 27:17; Psalms 5:10.
אָחָז֙ ʼÂchâz H271 "Ahaz" N-proper
Ahaz was a king of Judah, son of Jotham and father of Hezekiah, as mentioned in 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles. His name means 'he has grasped', possibly indicating his efforts to hold onto power or his faith in God. Ahaz's reign was marked by significant events in Judah's history.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.8.35; son of: Micah (H4318H); brother of: Pithon (H6377), Melech (H4429) and Tarea (H8390); father of: Jehoaddah (H3085) § Ahaz = "he has grasped" 1) king of Judah, son Jotham, father of Hezekiah 2) a Benjamite, son of Micah, and great grandson of Jonathan
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Ahaz. See also: 2 Kings 15:38; 1 Chronicles 8:36; Isaiah 1:1.
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.
בֵּ֣ית bayith H1004 "place" N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
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.
בֵּ֥ית bayith H1004 "place" N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
וְ/הַ/שָּׂרִ֑ים sar H8269 "ruler" Conj | Art | N-mp
A leader or person in charge, like a prince or captain, as seen in the Bible with King David and other rulers.
Definition: 1) prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain 1a) chieftain, leader 1b) vassal, noble, official (under king) 1c) captain, general, commander (military) 1d) chief, head, overseer (of other official classes) 1e) heads, princes (of religious office) 1f) elders (of representative leaders of people) 1g) merchant-princes (of rank and dignity) 1h) patron-angel 1i) Ruler of rulers (of God) 1j) warden
Usage: Occurs in 368 OT verses. KJV: captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward. See also: Genesis 12:15; 1 Kings 22:32; 2 Chronicles 32:21.
וַ/יִּתֵּן֙ nâthan H5414 "to give" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לְ/מֶ֣לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
אַשּׁ֔וּר ʼAshshûwr H804 "Asshur" N-proper
Asshur was the second son of Shem and the ancestor of the Assyrians, mentioned in Genesis 10:22. The name Asshur means 'a step'.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.10.22; son of: Shem (H8035); brother of: Elam (H5867C), Arpachshad (H0775), Lud (H3865) and Aram (H0758) § Asshur or Assyria = "a step" 1) the second son of Shem, eponymous ancestor of the Assyrians 2) the people of Assyria 3) the nation, Assyria 4) the land, Assyria or Asshur
Usage: Occurs in 138 OT verses. KJV: Asshur, Assur, Assyria, Assyrians. See H838 (אָשֻׁר). See also: Genesis 2:14; Isaiah 7:20; Psalms 83:9.
וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
לְ/עֶזְרָ֖ה ʻezrâh H5833 "help" Prep | N-fs
This Hebrew word means 'help' or 'aid', referring to assistance or support, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) help, succour, assistance 1a) help, succour 1b) one who helps
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: help(-ed, -er). See also: Judges 5:23; Psalms 60:13; Psalms 22:20.
לֽ/וֹ "" Prep | Suff

Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 28:21

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 2 Kings 16:8–9 Ahaz also took the silver and gold found in the house of the LORD and in the treasuries of the king’s palace, and he sent it as a gift to the king of Assyria. So the king of Assyria responded to him, marched up to Damascus, and captured it. He took its people to Kir as captives and put Rezin to death.
2 2 Kings 18:15–16 Hezekiah gave him all the silver that was found in the house of the LORD and in the treasuries of the royal palace. At that time Hezekiah stripped the gold with which he had plated the doors and doorposts of the temple of the LORD, and he gave it to the king of Assyria.
3 2 Chronicles 12:9 So 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.
4 Proverbs 20:25 It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly, only later to reconsider his vows.

2 Chronicles 28:21 Summary

[This verse tells us that Ahaz, the king of Judah, tried to get help from the king of Assyria by giving him some of the treasures from the house of the LORD and the royal palace, but it didn't work out for him. This shows us that when we try to solve our problems or get protection from people or things instead of trusting in God, it will ultimately fail, as seen in Psalm 20:7-8. We should trust in God and His power, just like it says in Proverbs 3:5-6, to trust in Him with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding. By trusting in God, we can have true peace and protection, as promised in Isaiah 26:3-4.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Ahaz take a portion from the house of the LORD and give it to the king of Assyria?

Ahaz took a portion from the house of the LORD and gave it to the king of Assyria in an attempt to gain his favor and protection, as seen in 2 Chronicles 28:21, but this action was a result of his lack of faith in God, similar to the actions of the Israelites in Exodus 32:1-4 when they turned to idols for protection.

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

We can learn that attempting to solve our problems or gain protection through worldly means, rather than trusting in God, will ultimately lead to failure, as seen in Psalm 20:7-8, where it is written that some trust in chariots and horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

How does this verse relate to the concept of idolatry?

This verse relates to the concept of idolatry because Ahaz is essentially putting his trust in the king of Assyria and the wealth he can offer, rather than in the one true God, which is a form of idolatry, as warned against in Deuteronomy 6:14-15 and Exodus 20:3-5.

What is the significance of the phrase 'it did not help him' in this verse?

The phrase 'it did not help him' in 2 Chronicles 28:21 signifies that Ahaz's attempts to secure help from the king of Assyria were ultimately unsuccessful, highlighting the futility of trusting in human strength and resources rather than in God, as seen in Jeremiah 17:5-8, where it is written that cursed is the man who trusts in mankind and makes flesh his strength.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I am trying to solve problems or gain protection through worldly means, rather than trusting in God?
  2. How can I apply the lesson from Ahaz's actions in this verse to my own life, and what changes can I make to trust more fully in God?
  3. In what ways am I guilty of idolatry, and how can I redirect my trust and worship to the one true God?
  4. What are some ways that I can cultivate a deeper trust in God, and what scriptures can I meditate on to help me in this area?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 28:21

For Ahaz took away a portion out of the house of the Lord, and out of the house of the king, and of the princes,.... A part out of the treasures of the temple, and a part out of his own treasures,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 28:21

For Ahaz took away a portion out of the house of the LORD, and out of the house of the king, and of the princes, and gave it unto the king of Assyria: but he helped him not. No JFB commentary on this verse.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 28:21

Distressed him, or, straitened him, by robbing him of his treasures. But he helped him not, but strengthened him not; a most emphatical expression: for though he weakened his present enemy the Syrian, as is related, , yet really, and all things considered, he did not strengthen Ahaz and his kingdom, but rather weaken them; for by the removing the Syrian, who, though a troublesome neighbour, was a kind of bulwark to him, as to many other enemies, he smoothed the way for himself, a far more dangerous and mischievous enemy, as appears by his invasion of Judah in the very next king’ s reign.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 28:21

2 Chronicles 28:21 For Ahaz took away a portion [out] of the house of the LORD, and [out] of the house of the king, and of the princes, and gave [it] unto the king of Assyria: but he helped him not.Ver. 21. And Ahaz took away a portion.] He hoped hereby to ingratiate with the Assyrian; but the hope of the wicked shall perish, saith Solomon. See on 2 Kings 16:8.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 28:21

(21) Took away a portion . . . gave it.—Rather, For Ahaz had despoiled the house of the Lord, and the house of the king and the princes, and had given it. (Comp. 2 Kings 16:8.) The princes—i.e., the great courtiers living in the palace, whose valuables as well as those of Ahaz were ransacked to make up the costly bribe. (Syriac and Arabic, “the vessels which were in the house of the Lord, and in the house of the former kings, and in the rich houses.”) But he helped him not.—And it was not for help (i.e., it resulted not in help) to him. His submission to Tiglath brought him no real advantage, but rather hastened the downfall of his kingdom. “The Assyrians had no regard to the welfare of their vassals. The principle of the monarchy was plunder; and Ahaz, whose treasures had been exhausted by his first tribute, was soon driven, by the repeated demands of his masters, to strip the Temple even of its ancient bronze-work and other fixed ornaments (2 Kings 16:17, seq.). The time was not far off when the rapacity of the Assyrian could no longer be satisfied, and his plundering hordes would be let loose upon the land” (Robertson Smith).

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 28:21

Verse 21. But he helped him not.] He did him no ultimate service. 2Kg 16:9. After ver. 15, the 23d, 24th, and 25th verses are introduced before the 16th, in the Syriac and Arabic, and the 22d verse is wholly wanting in both, though some of the expressions may be found in the twenty-first verse.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 28:21

21. took away a portion out of the house of the Lord, and out of the house] Render, plundered the house of the LORD and the house, etc. but he helped] R.V. but it helped.

Sermons on 2 Chronicles 28:21

SermonDescription
Bob Phillips Have You Ever Made God a Promise by Bob Phillips In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Jephthah's daughter from the Bible. He argues that Jephthah's daughter was not actually sacrificed as a burnt offering, but rathe
Ignatius of Antioch Honour the Bishop by Ignatius of Antioch Ignatius of Antioch emphasizes the importance of repentance towards God and the need to honor both God and earthly authorities, highlighting the significance of respecting bishops

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