2 Chronicles 31:18 Meaning and Explanation
“And to the genealogy of all their little ones, their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, through all the congregation: for in their set office they sanctified themselves in holiness:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The entire families of priests and Levites—wives, sons, and daughters—are provided for.
The Context of 2 Chronicles 31:18
The entire families of temple workers are provided for through the people's offerings.
What Does 2 Chronicles 31:18 Mean?
The support extended beyond individual priests and Levites to encompass their entire families. Wives received provision, as did all children—sons and daughters alike. Through the congregational offerings, every family member of those dedicated to temple service received sustenance. This comprehensive inclusion meant that when a man sanctified himself to the Lord's service, his entire family was honored and cared for by the nation. The people's offerings supported not isolated priests but whole families bound in covenant.
The phrase 'in their set office they sanctified themselves in holiness' explains why such comprehensive support was proper. These men and their families had set themselves apart for God's service; the nation's responsibility was to make that dedication possible. Supporting families—not just individual workers—ensured that no wife had to drive her husband toward secular income, no child was neglected while a parent served the temple. Full family support allowed complete devotion to the sacred calling.
2 Chronicles 31:18 in the Original Language
sanctified (קָדַשׁ, qadash) — Hebrew meaning 'to set apart for holy use'; emphasizes deliberate dedication to God's service.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Chronicles 31:18
What does 2 Chronicles 31:18 mean?
The entire families of priests and Levites—wives, sons, and daughters—are provided for.
What is the context of 2 Chronicles 31:18?
The entire families of temple workers are provided for through the people's offerings.