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2 Chronicles 34:18

2 Chronicles 34:18 in Multiple Translations

Moreover, Shaphan the scribe told the king, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” And Shaphan read it in the presence of the king.

Then Shaphan the scribe told the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath given me a book. And Shaphan read it before the king.

And Shaphan the scribe told the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath delivered me a book. And Shaphan read therein before the king.

Then Shaphan the scribe said to the king, Hilkiah the priest has given me a book; and he made a start at reading some of it to the king.

Then Shaphan the scribe told the king, “Hilkiah the priest gave me this book.” Shaphan read it to the king.

Also Shaphan ye chanceler declared to the King, saying, Hilkiah the Priest hath giuen mee a booke, and Shaphan read it before the King.

And Shaphan the scribe declareth to the king, saying, 'A book hath Hilkiah the priest given to me;' and Shaphan readeth in it before the king.

Shaphan the scribe told the king, saying, “Hilkiah the priest has delivered me a book.” Shaphan read from it to the king.

Then Shaphan the scribe told the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath given me a book. And Shaphan read it before the king.

Moreover Helcias the priest gave me this book. And he read it before the king.

Then Shaphan said to the king, “I have brought to you a scroll that Hilkiah gave to me.” And Shaphan started to read it to the king.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Chronicles 34:18

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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 34:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יַּגֵּ֞ד שָׁפָ֤ן הַ/סּוֹפֵר֙ לַ/מֶּ֣לֶךְ לֵ/אמֹ֔ר סֵ֚פֶר נָ֣תַן לִ֔/י חִלְקִיָּ֖הוּ הַ/כֹּהֵ֑ן וַ/יִּקְרָא ב֥/וֹ שָׁפָ֖ן לִ/פְנֵ֥י הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ
וַ/יַּגֵּ֞ד nâgad H5046 to tell Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
שָׁפָ֤ן shâphân H8227 rock badger N-proper
הַ/סּוֹפֵר֙ çâphar H5608 to recount Art | N-ms
לַ/מֶּ֣לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Prep | N-ms
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר ʼâmar H559 to say Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
סֵ֚פֶר çêpher H5612 scroll N-ms
נָ֣תַן nâthan H5414 to give V-Qal-Perf-3ms
לִ֔/י Prep | Suff
חִלְקִיָּ֖הוּ Chilqîyâh H2518 Hilkiah N-proper
הַ/כֹּהֵ֑ן kôhên H3548 priest Art | N-ms
וַ/יִּקְרָא qârâʼ H7121 to call Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
ב֥/וֹ Prep | Suff
שָׁפָ֖ן shâphân H8227 rock badger N-proper
לִ/פְנֵ֥י pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp
הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Chronicles 34:18

וַ/יַּגֵּ֞ד nâgad H5046 "to tell" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
שָׁפָ֤ן shâphân H8227 "rock badger" N-proper
Shaphan refers to a type of rock rabbit, likely a hyrax, or a man who lived during the Exile and Return, including a secretary of king Josiah of Judah.
Definition: rock badger, coney, the hyrax
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: coney. See also: Leviticus 11:5; Psalms 104:18; Proverbs 30:26.
הַ/סּוֹפֵר֙ çâphar H5608 "to recount" Art | N-ms
This word refers to a scribe or secretary who records or inscribes information. It is used in the Bible to describe someone who counts or enumerates things. The KJV translates it as 'scribe, tell, writer'.
Definition: v 1) to count, recount, relate 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to count (things) 1a2) to number, take account of, reckon 1b) (Niphal) to be counted, be numbered 1c) (Piel) to recount, rehearse, declare 1c1) to recount (something), rehearse 1c2) to talk 1c3) to count exactly or accurately 1d) (Pual) to be recounted, be rehearsed, be related
Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: commune, (ac-) count; declare, number, [phrase] penknife, reckon, scribe, shew forth, speak, talk, tell (out), writer. See also: Genesis 15:5; Esther 8:9; Psalms 2:7.
לַ/מֶּ֣לֶךְ 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.
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
סֵ֚פֶר çêpher H5612 "scroll" N-ms
This word means a written document, like a scroll or book, used to record important events or messages. It appears in books like Isaiah and Matthew, referring to written records.
Definition: : document 1) missive, document, writing, book 1a) missive 1a1) letter (of instruction), written order, commission, request, written decree 1b) legal document, certificate of divorce, deed of purchase, indictment, sign 1c) book, scroll 1c1) book of prophecies 1c2) genealogical register 1c3) law-book 1c4) book (of poems) 1c5) book (of kings) 1c6) books of the canon, scripture 1c7) record book (of God) 1d) book-learning, writing 1d1) be able to read (after verb 'to know')
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: bill, book, evidence, [idiom] learn(-ed) (-ing), letter, register, scroll. See also: Genesis 5:1; 2 Chronicles 17:9; Psalms 40:8.
נָ֣תַן nâthan H5414 "to give" V-Qal-Perf-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.
לִ֔/י "" Prep | Suff
חִלְקִיָּ֖הוּ Chilqîyâh H2518 "Hilkiah" N-proper
Hilkiah was a significant Israelite with several roles, including high priest during Josiah's reign and father of Jeremiah. His name means my portion is Jehovah, reflecting his devotion to God.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at Jer.1.1; brother of: Shallum (H7967R); father of: Jeremiah (H3414L) § Hilkiah = "my portion is Jehovah" 1) father of Eliakim, an officer of Hezekiah 2) high priest in the reign of Josiah 3) a Merarite Levite, son of Amzi 4) another Merarite Levite, 2nd son of Hosah 5) one of those who stood on the right of Ezra when he read the law and probably a Levite and a priest 6) a priest of Anathoth, father of the prophet Jeremiah 7) father of Gemariah who was one of Zedekiah's envoys to Babylon
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: Hillkiah. See also: 2 Kings 18:18; 2 Chronicles 34:14; Isaiah 22:20.
הַ/כֹּהֵ֑ן kôhên H3548 "priest" Art | N-ms
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
וַ/יִּקְרָא qârâʼ H7121 "to call" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
ב֥/וֹ "" Prep | Suff
שָׁפָ֖ן shâphân H8227 "rock badger" N-proper
Shaphan refers to a type of rock rabbit, likely a hyrax, or a man who lived during the Exile and Return, including a secretary of king Josiah of Judah.
Definition: rock badger, coney, the hyrax
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: coney. See also: Leviticus 11:5; Psalms 104:18; Proverbs 30:26.
לִ/פְנֵ֥י pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ 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.

Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 34:18

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Psalms 119:46 I will speak of Your testimonies before kings, and I will not be ashamed.
2 Jeremiah 36:20–21 So the officials went to the king in the courtyard. And having stored the scroll in the chamber of Elishama the scribe, they reported everything to the king. Then the king sent Jehudi to get the scroll, and he took it from the chamber of Elishama the scribe. And Jehudi read it in the hearing of the king and all the officials who were standing beside him.
3 Deuteronomy 17:19 It is to remain with him, and he is to read from it all the days of his life, so that he may learn to fear the LORD his God by carefully observing all the words of this instruction and these statutes.
4 Joshua 1:8 This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do.
5 Psalms 119:97–99 Oh, how I love Your law! All day long it is my meditation. Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for they are always with me. I have more insight than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation.

2 Chronicles 34:18 Summary

In 2 Chronicles 34:18, we see Shaphan the scribe reading a book given to him by Hilkiah the priest in the presence of King Josiah. This book was likely the Book of the Law, which contained God's commands and instructions to the Israelites, similar to what is described in Deuteronomy 31:24-26. The king's response to hearing the words of the Law was one of repentance and a desire to follow God, as seen in 2 Chronicles 34:19-20. This event reminds us of the importance of reading and obeying God's Word, as emphasized in Psalm 119:105 and Matthew 4:4.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the book given to Shaphan by Hilkiah the priest in 2 Chronicles 34:18?

The book given to Shaphan is likely the Book of the Law, which was a collection of God's commands and instructions to the Israelites, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:24-26, and its discovery led to a period of revival and reform in Judah under King Josiah's rule, as described in 2 Chronicles 34:19-33 and 2 Kings 22:8-23:25.

Why did Shaphan read the book in the presence of the king?

Shaphan read the book in the presence of the king to inform him of its contents, which were the words of the Law, as mentioned in 2 Chronicles 34:18, and this act led to the king's repentance and decision to reform the nation, as seen in 2 Chronicles 34:19-20 and 2 Kings 22:11-13.

How does this event in 2 Chronicles 34:18 relate to the overall story of the Bible?

This event is part of the larger narrative of God's relationship with His people, as seen in Exodus 19:5-6 and Jeremiah 31:31-34, and it highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 6:1-3 and Matthew 22:37-40.

What can we learn from the actions of Shaphan and King Josiah in this verse?

We can learn the importance of humility, obedience, and seeking God's guidance, as demonstrated by Shaphan's reading of the book and King Josiah's response, which is in line with the teachings of Proverbs 1:7 and Psalm 119:105.

Reflection Questions

  1. What role does the discovery of God's Word play in our own lives, and how can we respond to its message?
  2. How can we, like Shaphan, be faithful in sharing God's Word with others, even if it's uncomfortable or challenging?
  3. What are some areas in our lives where we need to repent and turn back to God, just like King Josiah did in response to the reading of the Law?
  4. How can we prioritize the reading and study of Scripture in our daily lives, and what benefits can we expect to receive from doing so?
  5. In what ways can we support and encourage our leaders to seek God's guidance and follow His commands, just like King Josiah did?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 34:18

[See comments on 2 Chronicles 34:14]

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 34:18

And Hilkiah answered and said to Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD. And Hilkiah delivered the book to Shaphan. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 34:18

2 Chronicles 34:17 And they have gathered together the money that was found in the house of the LORD, and have delivered it into the hand of the overseers, and to the hand of the workmen. Ver. 17-21. See on 2 Kings 22:9-12.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 34:18

(18) Then.—And. The verse is identical with 2 Kings 22:10, save that it substitutes “read in it” for “read it,” which may mean the same thing. It seems too much to assume that the chronicler altered the phrase, in order to insinuate that the book was of considerable size.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 34:18

18. Then Shaphan] R.V. And Shaphan. hath given] R.V. hath delivered (as in 2 Chronicles 34:15). read it] R.V. read therein. The Heb. expression is partitive.

Sermons on 2 Chronicles 34:18

SermonDescription
John Ridley The Impotent Man by John Ridley In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the "Triangle of Life" that exists in every town and city. He describes how people are always busy with their daily activities,
James Malachi Jennings Uzziah's Pride - Famous King to Excluded Leper by James Jennings by James Malachi Jennings This sermon delves into the life of King Uzziah from 2 Chronicles 26, highlighting his journey from seeking God and prospering to falling into pride and facing the consequences. It
Elisabeth Elliot An Antidote for Pride by Elisabeth Elliot Elisabeth Elliot delves into the root of sin, identifying pride as the basis for all sins, tracing back to Adam and Eve's disobedience. She highlights the danger of the pride of pr
A.W. Tozer (1 Peter - Part 18): On Laying Aside Certain Things by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that it is God who infuses the element of eternity into everything. Without God's intervention, mortality and corruptibility are inevitable.
Keith Daniel (Covenant Word Ministries) Ask and It Shall Be Given You by Keith Daniel In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of not just hearing the word of God, but also putting it into action. He challenges the congregation to reflect on what they wi
Chuck Missler Esther #4 Ch. 8-10 by Chuck Missler In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being diligent and responsible in our actions, rather than using religious excuses for laziness. He uses the examples of Jo
Oswald J. Smith The Morning Watch - Part 2 by Oswald J. Smith In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of spending time in both reading the Word of God and praying. He encourages listeners to start their day by immersing themselv

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