2 Kings 12:11

KJV

And they gave the money, being told, into the hands of them that did the work, that had the oversight of the house of the LORD: and they laid it out to the carpenters and builders, that wrought upon the house of the LORD,

KJV (with Strong's)

And they gave {H5414} the money {H3701}, being told {H8505}, into the hands {H3027} of them that did {H6213} the work {H4399}, that had the oversight {H6485}{H6485} of the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}: and they laid it out {H3318} to the carpenters {H2796}{H6086} and builders {H1129}, that wrought {H6213} upon the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068},

Complete Jewish Bible

Then they would give the weighed-out money to those supervising the work in the house of ADONAI, who would use it to pay the carpenters and construction-workers doing the work in the house of ADONAI,

Berean Standard Bible

Then they would put the counted money into the hands of those who supervised the work on the house of the LORD, who in turn would pay those doing the work—the carpenters, builders,

American Standard Version

And they gave the money that was weighed out into the hands of them that did the work, that had the oversight of the house of Jehovah: and they paid it out to the carpenters and the builders, that wrought upon the house of Jehovah,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse details the meticulous and transparent process of allocating funds collected for the repair of the temple during King Joash's reign. It describes how the carefully counted money was directly entrusted to the overseers of the restoration project, who in turn disbursed it to the skilled craftsmen—carpenters and builders—responsible for the physical labor on the House of the LORD, underscoring a commitment to accountability and efficient resource management in sacred work.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 2 Kings 12 opens with King Joash's righteous reign, particularly his commitment to restoring the dilapidated temple of the LORD. Verses [2 Kings 12:4-8](/2_kings/12-4 "2 Kings 12:4-8 - Joash's Plan for Temple Repair") describe Joash's initial decree for the priests to collect money for repairs, which proved ineffective. Consequently, [2 Kings 12:9-10](/2_kings/12-9 "2 Kings 12:9-10 - The Collection and Counting of Funds") detail a revised, more efficient system initiated by Joash and Jehoiada the priest: a chest was placed at the temple entrance for donations, and the collected funds were regularly counted by the king's scribe and the high priest. Verse [2 Kings 12:11](/2_kings/12-11 "2 Kings 12:11 - Distribution of Funds for Temple Repair") then immediately follows, describing the crucial step of distributing these counted funds directly to those overseeing and performing the actual repair work, ensuring the money was promptly and properly utilized for its intended purpose.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The temple in Jerusalem, built by Solomon centuries earlier, had suffered neglect and even desecration, particularly during the reign of the idolatrous Queen Athaliah, Joash's grandmother (as detailed in [2 Kings 11](/2_kings/11 "2 Kings 11 - Athaliah's Reign and Joash's Accession")). Joash, having been hidden and raised by the priest Jehoiada, ascended the throne at a young age and, under Jehoiada's guidance, initiated a significant religious reform, central to which was the restoration of the temple. The method of collecting and disbursing funds described in this chapter reflects the administrative practices of ancient Near Eastern kingdoms, where large-scale public or religious works often required structured financial management. The emphasis on counting and direct payment highlights a concern for transparency and preventing embezzlement, which was a practical necessity for such a major undertaking.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within [2 Kings](/2_kings/1 "The Book of 2 Kings - History of Israel and Judah"): **Stewardship and Accountability** are paramount, as the meticulous counting ("being told") and direct distribution of funds underscore a commitment to integrity in managing sacred resources. This system contrasts sharply with the earlier, less effective method and highlights the importance of responsible oversight in God's work. The overarching theme of **Restoration and Reverence for God's House** is also central; the entire chapter, culminating in the actions of this verse, demonstrates a renewed national commitment to the physical upkeep and spiritual sanctity of the temple, reflecting a desire to honor God's dwelling place among His people after a period of decline. Furthermore, the direct allocation of resources to "carpenters and builders" emphasizes the **Value of Diligent Labor** and the practical application of faith through tangible acts of service in God's kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Told (Hebrew, _mispar'_):** This word literally means "number" or "counted." In this context, it emphasizes the precision and transparency with which the money was handled. It wasn't an approximation or a rough estimate; the funds were meticulously counted and verified, ensuring accountability and preventing misappropriation. This detail highlights the integrity of the financial process established by King Joash and Jehoiada.
* **Oversight (Hebrew, _paqad'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to visit, inspect, appoint, or attend to," _paqad_ here refers to those entrusted with supervision or management. These individuals were not merely recipients of funds but were appointed overseers, implying a position of significant trust and responsibility. They were charged with managing the labor, materials, and overall progress of the temple's restoration, acting as intermediaries between the collected funds and the actual work being performed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they gave the money, being told, into the hands of them that did the work, that had the oversight of the house of the LORD":** This clause describes the initial transfer of the carefully counted funds. "They" refers to the king's scribe and the high priest (as per [2 Kings 12:10](/2_kings/12-10 "2 Kings 12:10 - Counting the Temple Funds")), who were responsible for the collection and counting. The phrase "being told" (or "being numbered") reinforces the meticulous accounting. The recipients were not the individual laborers directly but rather the trusted "overseers" or managers of the restoration project. This hierarchical structure ensured proper management and distribution of resources for such a large-scale undertaking.
* **"and they laid it out to the carpenters and builders, that wrought upon the house of the LORD":** This second clause details the final distribution of the funds. The "they" here refers to the overseers who received the money. They "laid it out" or paid it directly to the skilled craftsmen—the "carpenters and builders"—who were actively engaged in the physical labor of repairing the temple. This direct payment system ensured that the funds reached the workers efficiently, facilitating the progress of the restoration without unnecessary intermediaries or delays, and affirming the value of their specialized labor.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Metonymy** by referring to "the hands of them that did the work" to represent the direct control and authority over the funds by the project managers. The phrase "being told" functions as an **Adverbial Phrase** emphasizing the meticulous and transparent nature of the financial management, highlighting the integrity of the process. The repetition of "the house of the LORD" serves as **Anaphora** (though not at the beginning of clauses, it's a repeated key phrase) and **Symbolism**, reinforcing the central focus and sacred purpose of the entire endeavor. The specific mention of "carpenters and builders" uses **Synecdoche**, where these specific trades represent all the various skilled laborers involved in the comprehensive temple restoration, underscoring the practical, hands-on nature of the work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse provides a profound illustration of biblical principles concerning stewardship, accountability, and the proper management of resources dedicated to God's work. The meticulous counting and direct distribution of funds for the temple's repair emphasize that God values order, transparency, and integrity in handling sacred trusts. It teaches that those entrusted with leadership and financial oversight in God's kingdom are called to operate with the utmost diligence and faithfulness, ensuring that resources are applied efficiently and purposefully for the advancement of His glory and the well-being of His people. This commitment to responsible management reflects a deep reverence for God and His purposes, recognizing that all resources ultimately belong to Him.

* [1 Corinthians 4:2](/1_corinthians/4-2 "1 Corinthians 4:2 - Faithfulness in Stewardship")
* [Luke 16:10-12](/luke/16-10 "Luke 16:10-12 - Parable of the Dishonest Manager")
* [Nehemiah 7:2](/nehemiah/7-2 "Nehemiah 7:2 - Nehemiah's Appointment of Trustworthy Leaders")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of financial management in 2 Kings 12:11 serves as a timeless model for modern believers and ministries. It challenges us to consider the integrity and transparency with which we handle resources—whether time, talent, or treasure—that are dedicated to God's kingdom. Just as the money for the temple was "told" or counted, we are called to operate with clear accountability in our personal finances and in the stewardship of church or ministry funds. This verse reminds us that faithful stewardship is not merely about giving, but also about the diligent and honest management of what has been given, ensuring that resources are directed efficiently towards their intended, God-glorifying purposes. It also underscores the value of every contribution, from the donor's gift to the laborer's skill, in building up God's work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous accounting in this verse challenge my own approach to financial stewardship, both personally and within my community of faith?**
* **In what ways can I, or my church/organization, demonstrate greater transparency and accountability in managing resources dedicated to God's work?**
* **What does the direct payment to "carpenters and builders" teach us about valuing and supporting those who perform the tangible, practical work in ministry?**

### FAQ

**Why was such a detailed system for handling money necessary for the temple repairs?**

Answer: The detailed system, including the counting of funds ("being told") and direct distribution, was crucial for several reasons. Historically, large-scale projects, especially those involving public donations, were susceptible to mismanagement or corruption. This meticulous process ensured financial transparency and accountability, building trust among the people who donated and demonstrating integrity on the part of King Joash and the priests. It also ensured that the money was efficiently and directly applied to its intended purpose—the actual repair work—without being diverted or delayed, thereby facilitating the successful restoration of the [House of the LORD](/2_kings/12-11 "2 Kings 12:11 - Temple Repair"). This level of oversight reflects a commitment to responsible stewardship of sacred resources.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Kings 12:11 describes the physical restoration of an earthly temple, it subtly points to the greater, spiritual temple that is built through Christ. The meticulous care in managing funds for the physical structure foreshadows the divine precision and ultimate sacrifice involved in the building of God's true dwelling place—His people, the Church. Just as the money was directly applied to the "carpenters and builders" for the temple's repair, Christ Himself is the ultimate builder of His Church (as declared in [Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Jesus Builds His Church")), and He employs His Spirit and His people in this ongoing work. The integrity and accountability seen in Joash's project find their perfect fulfillment in Christ, who perfectly managed the resources of His divine life, culminating in His death and resurrection, to accomplish the ultimate restoration and reconciliation between God and humanity. He is the cornerstone (as referenced in [Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ as the Cornerstone")), and believers are living stones being built into a spiritual house (as described in [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")), a temple where God's Spirit dwells. The earthly temple's repair, funded by the people's offerings, serves as a shadow of the infinitely greater work of redemption, purchased not with perishable things but with the precious blood of Christ (as stated in [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redemption by Christ's Blood")), to build a spiritual edifice that will endure for eternity.

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 34:9

And when they came to Hilkiah the high priest, they delivered the money that was brought into the house of God, which the Levites that kept the doors had gathered of the hand of Manasseh and Ephraim, and of all the remnant of Israel, and of all Judah and Benjamin; and they returned to Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 34:11

Even to the artificers and builders gave they [it], to buy hewn stone, and timber for couplings, and to floor the houses which the kings of Judah had destroyed.

2 Chronicles 24:11

Now it came to pass, that at what time the chest was brought unto the king's office by the hand of the Levites, and when they saw that [there was] much money, the king's scribe and the high priest's officer came and emptied the chest, and took it, and carried it to his place again. Thus they did day by day, and gathered money in abundance.

2 Chronicles 24:12

And the king and Jehoiada gave it to such as did the work of the service of the house of the LORD, and hired masons and carpenters to repair the house of the LORD, and also such as wrought iron and brass to mend the house of the LORD.

2 Kings 22:5

And let them deliver it into the hand of the doers of the work, that have the oversight of the house of the LORD: and let them give it to the doers of the work which [is] in the house of the LORD, to repair the breaches of the house,

2 Kings 22:6

Unto carpenters, and builders, and masons, and to buy timber and hewn stone to repair the house.