2 Chronicles 32:3
2 Chronicles 32:3 in Multiple Translations
he consulted with his leaders and commanders about stopping up the waters of the springs outside the city, and they helped him carry it out.
He took counsel with his princes and his mighty men to stop the waters of the fountains which were without the city: and they did help him.
he took counsel with his princes and his mighty men to stop the waters of the fountains which were without the city; and they helped him.
He took up with his rulers and men of war the question of stopping up the water-springs outside the town; and they gave him their support.
he talked with his army commanders about blocking up the water sources that lay outside the city. This is what they did.
Then he tooke counsell with his princes and his nobles, to stoppe the water of the fountaines without the citie: and they did helpe him.
and he taketh counsel with his heads and his mighty ones, to stop the waters of the fountains that [are] at the outside of the city — and they help him,
he took counsel with his princes and his mighty men to stop the waters of the springs which were outside of the city, and they helped him.
He took counsel with his princes and his mighty men to stop the waters of the fountains which were without the city: and they helped him.
He took counsel with the princes, and the most valiant men, to stop up the heads of the springs, that were without the city: and as they were all of this mind,
he consulted with his officials and army leaders. They said among themselves, “Why should we allow the king of Assyria and his army to come and find plenty of water to drink?” So they decided to stop the water from flowing outside the city. So a large group of men gathered together and blocked all the springs and the stream that flowed through that area.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Chronicles 32:3
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 32:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּוָּעַ֗ץ
עִם
שָׂרָי/ו֙
וְ/גִבֹּרָ֔י/ו
לִ/סְתּוֹם֙
אֶת
מֵימֵ֣י
הָ/עֲיָנ֔וֹת
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
מִ/ח֣וּץ
לָ/עִ֑יר
וַֽ/יַּעְזְרֽוּ/הוּ
וַ/יִּוָּעַ֗ץ
yâʻats
H3289
to advise
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
עִם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep
שָׂרָי/ו֙
sar
H8269
ruler
N-mp | Suff
וְ/גִבֹּרָ֔י/ו
gibbôwr
H1368
mighty man
Conj | Adj | Suff
לִ/סְתּוֹם֙
çâtham
H5640
to close
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מֵימֵ֣י
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
הָ/עֲיָנ֔וֹת
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Art | N-cp
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
מִ/ח֣וּץ
chûwts
H2351
outside
Prep | N-ms
לָ/עִ֑יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Prep | N-fs
וַֽ/יַּעְזְרֽוּ/הוּ
ʻâzar
H5826
to help
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Chronicles 32:3
וַ/יִּוָּעַ֗ץ
yâʻats
H3289
"to advise"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to advise or counsel someone, like giving guidance or planning something. It is used in the Bible to describe people seeking advice or working together to make a plan. The KJV translates it as advise or counsel.
Definition: 1) to advise, consult, give counsel, counsel, purpose, devise, plan 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to advise, counsel, give counsel, consult 1a2) counsellor (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to consult together, exchange counsel, deliberate, counsel together 1c) (Hithpael) to conspire
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: advertise, take advise, advise (well), consult, (give, take) counsel(-lor), determine, devise, guide, purpose. See also: Exodus 18:19; Job 26:3; Psalms 16:7.
עִם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
שָׂרָי/ו֙
sar
H8269
"ruler"
N-mp | Suff
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.
וְ/גִבֹּרָ֔י/ו
gibbôwr
H1368
"mighty man"
Conj | Adj | Suff
This word describes a strong or mighty man, like a warrior or champion, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:51 where David defeats Goliath. It can also imply a brave or valiant person.
Definition: adj 1) strong, mighty n m 2) strong man, brave man, mighty man
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: champion, chief, [idiom] excel, giant, man, mighty (man, one), strong (man), valiant man. See also: Genesis 6:4; 2 Chronicles 17:16; Psalms 19:6.
לִ/סְתּוֹם֙
çâtham
H5640
"to close"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to stop or block something, like covering a hole. It can also mean to keep a secret. In the Bible, it is used to describe hiding or concealing things, like in Psalm 139:15.
Definition: 1) to stop up, shut up, keep close 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stop up 1a2) to shut up, keep close 1a3) secret (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be stopped up 1c) (Piel) to stop up
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: closed up, hidden, secret, shut out (up), stop. See also: Genesis 26:15; Nehemiah 4:1; Psalms 51:8.
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.
מֵימֵ֣י
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
הָ/עֲיָנ֔וֹת
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Art | N-cp
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
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.
מִ/ח֣וּץ
chûwts
H2351
"outside"
Prep | N-ms
This word means outside or outdoors, referring to something beyond a wall or boundary. It can also mean a street or highway, as seen in various KJV translations, including abroad, field, and without.
Definition: outside, outward, street, the outside
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: abroad, field, forth, highway, more, out(-side, -ward), street, without. See also: Genesis 6:14; 2 Chronicles 24:8; Psalms 18:43.
לָ/עִ֑יר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Prep | N-fs
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.
וַֽ/יַּעְזְרֽוּ/הוּ
ʻâzar
H5826
"to help"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
To help or aid is the meaning of this Hebrew word, used to describe God's protection or assistance. It is used in the Psalms to express trust in God's help and in the book of Exodus to describe God's aid to the Israelites.
Definition: 1) to help, succour, support 1a) (Qal) to help 1b) (Niphal) to be helped 1c) (Hiphil) to help
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: help, succour. See also: Genesis 49:25; Job 26:2; Psalms 10:14.
Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 32:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Chronicles 32:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 32:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 32:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 32:3
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 32:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 32:3
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 32:3
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Chronicles 32:3
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 32:3
- Sermons on 2 Chronicles 32:3
Context — Sennacherib Invades Judah
1After all these acts of faithfulness, Sennacherib king of Assyria came and invaded Judah. He laid siege to the fortified cities, intending to conquer them for himself.
2When Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib had come to make war against Jerusalem,
3he consulted with his leaders and mighty men about stopping up the waters of the springs outside the city, and they helped him carry it out.
4Many people assembled and stopped up all the springs and the stream that flowed through the land. “Why should the kings of Assyria come and find plenty of water?” they said. 5Then 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 24:6 | Only with sound guidance should you wage war, and victory lies in a multitude of counselors. |
| 2 | Proverbs 20:18 | Set plans by consultation, and wage war under sound guidance. |
| 3 | Proverbs 15:22 | Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. |
| 4 | Isaiah 22:8–11 | He has uncovered the defenses of Judah. On that day you looked to the weapons in the House of the Forest. You saw that there were many breaches in the walls of the City of David. You collected water from the lower pool. You counted the houses of Jerusalem and tore them down to strengthen the wall. You built a reservoir between the walls for the waters of the ancient pool, but you did not look to the One who made it, or consider Him who planned it long ago. |
| 5 | Isaiah 40:13 | Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, or informed Him as His counselor? |
| 6 | Romans 11:34 | “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?” |
| 7 | 2 Kings 18:20 | You claim to have a strategy and strength for war, but these are empty words. In whom are you now trusting, that you have rebelled against me? |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 30:2 | For the king and his officials and the whole assembly in Jerusalem had decided to keep the Passover in the second month, |
| 9 | 2 Kings 20:20 | As for the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, along with all his might and how he constructed the pool and the tunnel to bring water into the city, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? |
2 Chronicles 32:3 Summary
This verse tells us that Hezekiah, the king of Judah, came up with a plan to stop the water supply outside the city to make it harder for the enemy to attack. He talked to his leaders and commanders about it, and they all worked together to make it happen, similar to how we are called to work together in unity, as seen in Romans 15:5. This shows us the importance of being prepared and working together with others to overcome challenges, as encouraged in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. By trusting in God and taking practical steps, we can face our own 'invasions' with confidence, just as Hezekiah did.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Hezekiah decide to stop up the waters of the springs outside the city?
Hezekiah took this action to deprive the Assyrian army of a vital resource, making it harder for them to conquer Jerusalem, as seen in 2 Chronicles 32:3-4, similar to the strategy used by the people of Jerusalem in 2 Kings 20:20.
What role did Hezekiah's leaders and commanders play in this decision?
According to 2 Chronicles 32:3, Hezekiah's leaders and commanders were consulted and helped carry out the plan to stop up the waters, demonstrating a collaborative effort in the face of invasion, much like the unified response of the people in Nehemiah 4:6.
How does this verse relate to the broader context of Hezekiah's reign?
This action is part of Hezekiah's overall strategy to defend Jerusalem against the Assyrian invasion, as described in 2 Chronicles 32:1-5, and reflects his trust in God, as seen in Isaiah 37:1-7 and 2 Kings 19:1-7.
What spiritual lessons can we learn from Hezekiah's decision?
Hezekiah's actions demonstrate the importance of prudent planning and seeking advice from others, as encouraged in Proverbs 11:14 and Proverbs 24:6, while also trusting in God's sovereignty, as expressed in Psalm 37:3-7.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can prepare for spiritual battles, just as Hezekiah prepared for the Assyrian invasion?
- How can I balance prudent planning with trust in God's provision and protection, as seen in this verse and in Matthew 6:25-34?
- In what ways can I work collaboratively with others to achieve a common goal, just as Hezekiah and his leaders worked together?
- What are some 'waters' in my life that I need to 'stop up' in order to prevent the enemy from gaining a foothold, and how can I go about doing that?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 32:3
He took counsel with his princes, and his mighty men,.... With his nobles, and the officers of his army, what steps should be taken to resist, retard, and distress the enemy, and among the rest what
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 32:3
He took counsel with his princes and his mighty men to stop the waters of the fountains which were without the city: and they did help him. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 32:3
To stop the waters of the fountains, with earth or other things cast into them; and withal to derive the waters by secret paths and pipes under ground to Jerusalem.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 32:3
2 Chronicles 32:3 He took counsel with his princes and his mighty men to stop the waters of the fountains which [were] without the city: and they did help him.Ver. 3. To stop the waters of the fountains.] He trusted in God: but yet used the best means. God is to be trusted, but not tempted. See Isaiah 22:9; Isaiah 22:11.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 32:3
(1-23) Invasion and Divine overthrow of Sennacherib. The Assyrian monarch’s own record of the campaign may be read on his great hexagonal prism of terra-cotta, preserved in the British Museum, containing an inscription in 487 lines of cuneiform writing, which is lithographed in the Cuneiform Inscriptions of Western Asia, III. 38, 39, and printed in G. Smith’s History of Sennacherib.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 32:3
3. to stop the waters] Cp. 2 Kings 20:20 (“[Hezekiah] made the pool and the conduit and brought water into the city”) and Isaiah 22:9; Isaiah 22:11. At the present day there is an underground tunnel cut through the rock leading from St Mary’s Well down to the Lower Pool of Siloam. It is rudely constructed and owing to its windings Isaiah 586 yards long, though the distance in a straight line is only 368 yards. As therefore the Lower Pool was probably within the ancient walls, while St Mary’s Well was outside, this tunnel may be Hezekiah’s conduit. If the well were stopped, the besiegers would lose the water, which would collect in the Pool for the use of the besieged. An inscription in ancient Hebrew characters (“The Siloam Inscription”) discovered in situ describes briefly the digging of the tunnel, but does not enable us to fix the date of it for certain. See for the original text Lidzbarski, Nordsemitische Epigraphik, Tafel xxi. 1, and for an English translation, Sayce, Fresh Light from the Ancient Monuments, p. 87.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Chronicles 32:3
To stop the waters ... - Compare 2 Chronicles 32:30. Hezekiah’s object was probably twofold - to hide the springs outside the city in order to distress the Assyrians, and to convey their water
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 32:3
3. To stop the waters of the fountains which were without the city — The object was thereby to distress the enemy, by preventing him from obtaining water near the city.
Sermons on 2 Chronicles 32:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Sanctification -- When It Is -- Our Standards by J.H. Collins | J.H. Collins preaches on the concept of entire sanctification, emphasizing the need for believers to cleanse themselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, striving for ho |
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Blowing Up Your House by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of analyzing and learning from the stories in the Bible, even those with unhappy endings. He emphasizes the need to seek truth |
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Fiery Darts of Immorality by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of using sex to communicate the gospel. He mentions a group that taught girls how to use sex to evangelize and shares examples of gi |
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Hearing His Voice Through Others by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the importance of heeding God's voice and applying His word to our lives. It highlights the dangers of ignoring God's voice, leading to various societal issu |
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All Men Are My Teachers by Jack Hyles | Jack Hyles shares a powerful testimony of how the wisdom and encouragement of Dr. Gustave Norling, John R. Rice, and other influential figures in his life shaped his ministry. Thro |
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Theodore Dwight Weld by Charles Finney | Charles Finney writes to Theodore Dwight Weld, expressing the urgency of consulting him regarding a matter with Burchard. Finney emphasizes the importance of their collaboration an |
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The General Conference of 1820 by Nathan Bangs | Nathan Bangs preaches at the General Conference in Baltimore in 1820, where delegates from various conferences gather to address important matters. Bishop McKendree's ill health is |