2 Kings 12:5 Meaning and Explanation
“Let the priests take it to them, every man of his acquaintance: and let them repair the breaches of the house, wheresoever any breach shall be found.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jehoash instructs the priests to use the gathered money to repair all damage to the temple.
The Context of 2 Kings 12:5
Rather than centralizing control, Jehoash initially empowers the priests themselves to oversee the repairs using the money from their own networks and relationships. The 'breaches' are structural damages that have accumulated over time and neglect.
What Does 2 Kings 12:5 Mean?
The king entrusts the priests with both resources and responsibility. Each priest takes money 'to him' and works through his acquaintance, his network of relationships and trusted workers. It is a reasonable approach: local trust, decentralized action, and the assumption that those closest to the work will oversee it best. Yet the simplicity and trust embedded in this arrangement will soon be tested. The breaches are everywhere; the work is urgent; and human nature being what it is, oversight and accountability matter.
This sets before us the challenge of delegation and trust. Jehoash trusts his priests sincerely, but that trust will need structure to bear fruit. This anticipates a principle Jesus teaches: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive,' but giving must be paired with accountability. The Lord does not call us to naive trust, but to wise stewardship. When work is entrusted to our hands, we are responsible to see it done faithfully.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Kings 12:5
What does 2 Kings 12:5 mean?
Jehoash instructs the priests to use the gathered money to repair all damage to the temple.
What is the context of 2 Kings 12:5?
Rather than centralizing control, Jehoash initially empowers the priests themselves to oversee the repairs using the money from their own networks and relationships. The 'breaches' are structural damages that have accumulated over time and neglect.