2 Chronicles 31:19

KJV

Also of the sons of Aaron the priests, [which were] in the fields of the suburbs of their cities, in every several city, the men that were expressed by name, to give portions to all the males among the priests, and to all that were reckoned by genealogies among the Levites.

KJV (with Strong's)

Also of the sons {H1121} of Aaron {H175} the priests {H3548}, which were in the fields {H7704} of the suburbs {H4054} of their cities {H5892}, in every several city {H5892}, the men {H582} that were expressed {H5344} by name {H8034}, to give {H5414} portions {H4490} to all the males {H2145} among the priests {H3548}, and to all that were reckoned by genealogies {H3187} among the Levites {H3881}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Finally, shares were assigned to the descendants of Aharon, the cohanim, who lived in the pasture-lands surrounding their cities -in each city they were mentioned by name. Thus portions were distributed to all the males among the cohanim and to all whose genealogies showed that they belonged to the L'vi'im.

Berean Standard Bible

As for the priests, the descendants of Aaron, who lived on the farmlands around each of their cities or in any other city, men were designated by name to distribute a portion to every male among the priests and to every Levite listed by the genealogies.

American Standard Version

Also for the sons of Aaron the priests, that were in the fields of the suburbs of their cities, in every city, there were men that were mentioned by name, to give portions to all the males among the priests, and to all that were reckoned by genealogy among the Levites.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 31:19 meticulously details King Hezekiah's comprehensive and divinely-inspired administrative efforts to ensure the equitable and systematic provision for priests and Levites throughout Judah. Following the overwhelming generosity of the people in bringing their tithes and offerings, this verse highlights the diligent process of identifying and distributing sustenance to all eligible males among the priestly and Levitical families, even those residing in the outlying cities and their surrounding pasturelands, thereby upholding the Mosaic Law and facilitating uninterrupted service to God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a larger narrative in 2 Chronicles 31 that chronicles King Hezekiah's extensive religious reforms and the restoration of proper worship in Judah. Chapter 31 opens with the people's zealous destruction of idolatrous symbols following the great Passover celebration (2 Chronicles 31:1). This spiritual revival prompted an outpouring of tithes and offerings from the people, so abundant that special storage chambers had to be prepared in the temple (2 Chronicles 31:5-10). Hezekiah then appointed faithful overseers, including Cononiah and Shimei, to manage these vast provisions (2 Chronicles 31:12-13). Verses 15-18 detail the specific roles of the overseers in distributing portions to various groups within the temple, including the priests by courses, and the Levites from three years old and upward. Verse 19 extends this meticulous distribution beyond Jerusalem, ensuring that even those priests and Levites serving in their designated cities across the land received their rightful sustenance, underscoring the comprehensive nature of Hezekiah's commitment to restoring the divine order and supporting all who ministered.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Hezekiah's reign (c. 715-686 BC) marked a significant period of religious revival after decades of apostasy under his father, Ahaz. Judah had largely abandoned the worship of Yahweh, embracing idolatry and neglecting the temple and its services. Hezekiah initiated sweeping reforms, beginning with the cleansing and consecration of the temple (2 Chronicles 29) and the re-establishment of the Passover (2 Chronicles 30). Central to the proper functioning of the temple and the spiritual life of the nation was the support of the Levitical priesthood, as mandated by Mosaic Law (e.g., [Numbers 18:21-24](/numbers/18 "Numbers 18:21-24 - Provision for Levites")). The Levites were not allotted a tribal inheritance of land like the other tribes but were given specific cities and their surrounding pasturelands (suburbs) throughout Israel to reside in, as detailed in [Numbers 35:2-8](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35:2-8 - Levitical Cities") and [Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - Allotment of Levitical Cities"). This arrangement allowed them to serve in various capacities, including teaching the Law, administering justice, and assisting in temple duties, even when not on active duty in Jerusalem. Hezekiah's system of distribution, "expressed by name" and "reckoned by genealogies," reflects the high value placed on lineage and order in ancient Israelite society, especially for those serving in sacred roles, ensuring proper accountability and preventing misuse of sacred provisions.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in 2 Chronicles and Hezekiah's reforms. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Order and Administration**. Hezekiah's meticulous organization, from the collection of offerings to their systematic distribution, reflects a commitment to order that mirrors God's own character and His desire for His people to live in an orderly fashion. The phrase "expressed by name" underscores the precision and accountability in this sacred administration. Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Provision for Ministry**. The primary purpose of this system was to ensure that the priests and Levites, who were dedicated to the Lord's service, were adequately sustained. This allowed them to focus entirely on their spiritual duties without being burdened by the need to secure their own livelihood, a principle rooted in the Mosaic Law and essential for the flourishing of true worship (e.g., [Deuteronomy 12:19](/deuteronomy/12-19 "Deuteronomy 12:19 - Do not neglect the Levite")). Thirdly, the theme of **Equity and Inclusivity** is prominent. The distribution was not confined to those serving in the Jerusalem temple but extended to "every several city," ensuring that all eligible males among the priests and Levites, regardless of their geographical location, received their due portions. This demonstrates a holistic approach to supporting God's servants across the entire kingdom. Finally, the verse reinforces the theme of **Accountability and Integrity**, particularly through the phrase "reckoned by genealogies." This emphasis on proper lineage and identification was crucial for maintaining the purity of the priestly and Levitical lines, preventing unauthorized individuals from receiving sacred provisions, and upholding the integrity of the divine institutions.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"Expressed by name" (Hebrew, נִקְּבוּ בְּשֵׁמוֹתָם, _niqevu bishmotam'_):** This phrase literally means "designated by their names" or "specified by their names." The verb _niqevu_ (נִקְּבוּ) comes from the root נקב (naqav), which can mean "to pierce," "to designate," or "to specify." In this context, it signifies a formal, deliberate, and recorded process of identification. It implies that individuals were not just casually recognized but officially listed, accounted for, and perhaps even called out by name to receive their portions. This emphasizes the meticulousness, transparency, and accountability of Hezekiah's administration in managing sacred provisions, ensuring that only those legitimately entitled received their due.

* **"Portions" (Hebrew, מָנוֹת, _manot'_):** This term refers to the allocated shares or distributions of food and provisions. In the context of the temple and Levitical support, these portions would primarily consist of tithes, firstfruits, and other offerings brought by the people, which were designated by Mosaic Law for the sustenance of the priests and Levites. The use of "portions" highlights the systematic division and equitable distribution of these resources, ensuring that each individual received their rightful share based on their status and needs within the Levitical and priestly families.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Also of the sons of Aaron the priests, [which were] in the fields of the suburbs of their cities, in every several city":** This clause specifies the recipients of the provisions: the priests (sons of Aaron) who resided not just in Jerusalem but also in their designated Levitical cities and the surrounding pasturelands ("suburbs" or common lands). This highlights the comprehensive reach of Hezekiah's distribution system, ensuring that support extended beyond the central temple to all priests serving throughout the land, fulfilling the ancient Mosaic mandate for Levitical cities (e.g., [Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35:1-8 - Cities for the Levites")). The phrase "in every several city" emphasizes the widespread and inclusive nature of this provision.

* **"the men that were expressed by name":** This phrase underscores the meticulous and accountable nature of the distribution. It indicates that the recipients were formally identified and listed, not simply given provisions haphazardly. This "naming" or "designating by name" ensured transparency, prevented fraud, and guaranteed that the provisions reached the intended, authorized individuals. It speaks to the high level of administrative integrity in Hezekiah's reforms.

* **"to give portions to all the males among the priests, and to all that were reckoned by genealogies among the Levites":** This final clause clarifies the specific beneficiaries and the basis of their eligibility. Provisions were given to "all the males" among the priests, implying a broad but defined group within the priestly families. For the Levites, the criterion was being "reckoned by genealogies," meaning their lineage was verified and recorded. This emphasis on genealogies was crucial for establishing legitimacy for temple service and receiving sacred support, as only those of proven Levitical descent were entitled to these provisions. This ensured the purity and proper order of the sacred personnel and their sustenance.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its message of meticulous order and comprehensive provision. **Enumeration** is evident in the detailed listing of recipients: "sons of Aaron the priests," "males among the priests," and "Levites reckoned by genealogies." This precise listing underscores the thoroughness of the administration. **Emphasis** is achieved through repetition of ideas related to specificity and universality, such as "in the fields of the suburbs of their cities, in every several city" and "all the males... all that were reckoned." This highlights the broad scope of Hezekiah's concern for all temple servants, wherever they resided. The phrase "expressed by name" serves as a form of **Metonymy**, where the act of naming represents the entire process of meticulous record-keeping, verification, and formal designation. The overall tone of the verse is one of **Administrative Precision**, reflecting the Chronicler's interest in the proper functioning of the temple and the structured life of God's people, a theme that runs throughout the book of Chronicles.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 31:19 powerfully illustrates God's providential care for those dedicated to His service, mediated through the faithful administration of His appointed leaders. The meticulous organization and equitable distribution of provisions to the priests and Levites, wherever they resided, underscore the divine principle that those who minister in spiritual things should be sustained by the community. This act of provision was not merely an administrative task but a theological imperative, ensuring that the sacred duties of worship, teaching, and sacrifice could continue without hindrance. It reflects God's desire for order, justice, and the flourishing of His covenant people, demonstrating that true worship encompasses both fervent giving and responsible stewardship.

* [Numbers 18:21](/numbers/18-21 "Numbers 18:21 - Levites given tithes as inheritance")
* [Nehemiah 12:47](/nehemiah/12-47 "Nehemiah 12:47 - Provision for singers and gatekeepers in Nehemiah's time")
* [1 Corinthians 9:13-14](/1_corinthians/9-13 "1 Corinthians 9:13-14 - Support for those who preach the gospel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers profound lessons for contemporary believers and the church. It reminds us that supporting those who dedicate their lives to ministry is not merely an act of charity but a divine principle, essential for the health and vitality of the community of faith. Just as Hezekiah ensured that priests and Levites, whether in Jerusalem or distant cities, were provided for, so too should the church today diligently and equitably care for its pastors, missionaries, and other full-time servants, enabling them to focus wholeheartedly on their spiritual responsibilities without undue material anxiety. Furthermore, the emphasis on "expressed by name" and "reckoned by genealogies" speaks to the importance of accountability, transparency, and good stewardship in managing the resources entrusted to the church. It calls us to administer God's provisions with integrity, ensuring that resources are distributed fairly and wisely, reflecting God's own character of order and justice. This comprehensive care fosters unity, strengthens ministry, and ultimately glorifies God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the principle of providing for those in ministry, as seen in this verse, challenge or affirm your current understanding of church stewardship?**
* **In what ways can modern churches emulate Hezekiah's meticulousness and integrity in managing and distributing resources?**
* **How does the emphasis on "every several city" encourage us to consider the needs of all members and ministers within the broader body of Christ, not just those in central locations?**
* **What is the spiritual significance of ensuring that those who serve God are free from material burdens, and how can we contribute to this freedom?**

### FAQ
**Why was it so important for the priests and Levites to be "expressed by name" and "reckoned by genealogies"?**

Answer: The meticulous identification of priests and Levites by name and genealogy was crucial for several reasons rooted in Israelite law and social structure. Firstly, it ensured **legitimacy and purity of service**. Only those of proven Aaronic descent could serve as priests, and only those of the tribe of Levi could serve as Levites. Genealogies were the primary means of verifying this lineage, preventing unauthorized individuals from holding sacred offices or receiving sacred provisions. Secondly, it provided **accountability and order**. By being "expressed by name," each individual's entitlement was formally acknowledged, allowing for systematic and equitable distribution of portions. This prevented fraud, ensured no one was overlooked, and maintained administrative integrity in managing the abundant offerings. This meticulousness reflects God's character of order and His demand for holiness in His service, ensuring that the sacred provisions were handled with the utmost care and given only to those divinely appointed for ministry, as seen in later periods like [Ezra 2:62](/ezra/2-62 "Ezra 2:62 - Those whose genealogies could not be found").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Chronicles 31:19 details the meticulous provision for the Old Testament priesthood, its underlying principles find profound fulfillment and transformation in Christ. The Levitical system, with its priests and sacrifices, served as a shadow pointing to the ultimate reality in Jesus Christ, our great High Priest (e.g., [Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, our Great High Priest")). Just as the Old Testament priests were sustained by the offerings of the people to enable their service, so too is the ministry of the New Covenant sustained, though not primarily by material provisions for a temple system, but by the spiritual sustenance and empowering grace of Christ. Jesus himself is the ultimate "portion" for His people, the true bread of life that nourishes us for eternal service (e.g., [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). Furthermore, the principle of supporting those who minister the gospel (e.g., [1 Corinthians 9:14](/1_corinthians/9-14 "1 Corinthians 9:14 - The Lord ordained that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel")) is rooted in God's ongoing care for His servants, now extended to all who participate in Christ's royal priesthood (e.g., [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A chosen race, a royal priesthood")). The meticulous order of Hezekiah's administration foreshadows the divine order of God's kingdom, where Christ perfectly administers all things, ensuring that every member of His body, the Church, receives the spiritual provisions necessary to fulfill their calling and participate in His redemptive mission (e.g., [Ephesians 4:11-16](/ephesians/4-11 "Ephesians 4:11-16 - Gifts for the equipping of the saints")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 31:12

And brought in the offerings and the tithes and the dedicated [things] faithfully: over which Cononiah the Levite [was] ruler, and Shimei his brother [was] the next.

2 Chronicles 31:15

And next him [were] Eden, and Miniamin, and Jeshua, and Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah, in the cities of the priests, in [their] set office, to give to their brethren by courses, as well to the great as to the small:

Leviticus 25:34

But the field of the suburbs of their cities may not be sold; for it [is] their perpetual possession.

Numbers 35:2

Command the children of Israel, that they give unto the Levites of the inheritance of their possession cities to dwell in; and ye shall give [also] unto the Levites suburbs for the cities round about them.

Numbers 35:5

And ye shall measure from without the city on the east side two thousand cubits, and on the south side two thousand cubits, and on the west side two thousand cubits, and on the north side two thousand cubits; and the city [shall be] in the midst: this shall be to them the suburbs of the cities.

2 Chronicles 28:15

And the men which were expressed by name rose up, and took the captives, and with the spoil clothed all that were naked among them, and arrayed them, and shod them, and gave them to eat and to drink, and anointed them, and carried all the feeble of them upon asses, and brought them to Jericho, the city of palm trees, to their brethren: then they returned to Samaria.

1 Chronicles 6:54

¶ Now these [are] their dwelling places throughout their castles in their coasts, of the sons of Aaron, of the families of the Kohathites: for theirs was the lot.