2 Chronicles 10:10
New International Version
The young men who had grown up with him replied, “The people have said to you, ‘Your father put a heavy yoke on us, but make our yoke lighter.’ Now tell them, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist.

New Living Translation
The young men replied, “This is what you should tell those complainers who want a lighter burden: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist!

English Standard Version
And the young men who had grown up with him said to him, “Thus shall you speak to the people who said to you, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you lighten it for us’; thus shall you say to them, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s thighs.

Berean Standard Bible
The young men who had grown up with him replied, “This is how you should answer these people who said to you, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you must make it lighter.’ This is what you should tell them: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist!

King James Bible
And the young men that were brought up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou answer the people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it somewhat lighter for us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father's loins.

New King James Version
Then the young men who had grown up with him spoke to him, saying, “Thus you should speak to the people who have spoken to you, saying, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you make it lighter on us’—thus you shall say to them: ‘My little finger shall be thicker than my father’s waist!

New American Standard Bible
The young men who had grown up with him spoke to him, saying, “This is what you should say to the people who spoke to you, saying: ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you make it lighter for us!’ You should speak this way to them: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist!

NASB 1995
The young men who grew up with him spoke to him, saying, “Thus you shall say to the people who spoke to you, saying, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you make it lighter for us.’ Thus you shall say to them, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s loins!

NASB 1977
And the young men who grew up with him spoke to him, saying, “Thus you shall say to the people who spoke to you, saying, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you make it lighter for us.’ Thus you shall say to them, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s loins!

Legacy Standard Bible
Then the young men who grew up with him spoke with him, saying, “Thus you shall say to the people who spoke to you, saying, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you make it lighter for us.’ Thus you shall say to them, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s loins!

Amplified Bible
The young men who grew up with him told him, “Tell the people who said to you, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you make it lighter for us’: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s loins!

Christian Standard Bible
Then the young men who had grown up with him told him, “This is what you should say to the people who said to you, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you, make it lighter on us! ’ This is what you should say to them: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist!

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then the young men who had grown up with him told him, “This is what you should say to the people who said to you, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you, make it lighter on us!’ This is what you should say to them: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s loins.

American Standard Version
And the young men that were grown up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou say unto the people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it lighter unto us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little finger is thicker than my father's loins.

Contemporary English Version
His younger advisors said: Here's what we think you should say to them: "Compared to me, my father was weak.

English Revised Version
And the young men that were grown up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou say unto the people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it lighter unto us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little finger is thicker than my father's loins.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The young men who had grown up with him answered, "This is what you should tell them: 'My little finger is heavier than my father's whole body.

Good News Translation
They replied, "This is what you should tell them: 'My little finger is thicker than my father's waist.'

International Standard Version
"This is what you should tell the people who asked you 'Your father made our burden heavy, but you must make it lighter for us!'" the young men who had grown up with Rehoboam replied. "Tell them 'My little finger will be thicker than my father's whole body!

Majority Standard Bible
The young men who had grown up with him replied, ?This is how you should answer these people who said to you, ?Your father made our yoke heavy, but you must make it lighter.? This is what you should tell them: ?My little finger is thicker than my father?s waist!

NET Bible
The young advisers with whom Rehoboam had grown up said to him, "Say this to these people who have said to you, 'Your father made us work hard, but now lighten our burden'--say this to them: 'I am a lot harsher than my father!

New Heart English Bible
The young men who had grown up with him spoke to him, saying, "Thus you shall tell the people who spoke to you, saying, 'Your father made our yoke heavy, but make it lighter on us;' thus you shall say to them, 'My little finger is thicker than my father's waist.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the young men that were brought up with him, spoke to him, saying, Thus shalt thou answer the people that spoke to thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it somewhat lighter for us; thus shalt thou say to them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father's loins.

World English Bible
The young men who had grown up with him spoke to him, saying, “Thus you shall tell the people who spoke to you, saying, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but make it lighter on us;’ thus you shall say to them, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the boys who have grown up with him speak with him, saying, “Thus you say to the people who have spoken to you, saying, Your father made our yoke heavy, and you, make light [some] of our yoke; thus you say to them, My little finger is thicker than the loins of my father;

Young's Literal Translation
And the lads who have grown up with him, speak with him, saying, 'Thus dost thou say to the people who have spoken unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, and thou, make light somewhat of our yoke; thus dost thou say unto them, My little finger is thicker than the loins of my father;

Smith's Literal Translation
And the children which grew up with him will speak with him, saying, Thou shalt say thus to the people who spake to thee, saying, Thy father made heavy our yoke, and lighten thou from us; thus shalt thou say to them, My little finger thick above my father's loins.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But they answered as young men, and brought up with him in pleasures, and said: Thus shalt thou speak to the people, that said to thee: Thy father made our yoke heavy, do thou ease it: thus shalt thou answer them: My little finger is thicker than the loins of my father.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But they responded like youths, having been raised with him in luxury, and they said: “So shall you speak to the people, who said to you, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy; you should lighten it,’ and so shall you respond to them: ‘My little finger is thicker than the back of my father.

New American Bible
The young men who had grown up with him replied: “This is what you must say to this people who have told you, ‘Your father laid a heavy yoke on us; lighten it for us.’ You must say, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s loins.

New Revised Standard Version
The young men who had grown up with him said to him, “Thus should you speak to the people who said to you, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you must lighten it for us’; tell them, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s loins.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the young men who were brought up with him in the streets spoke to him, saying, Thus shall you say to the people who have spoken to you, saying, Your father made our yoke heavy, but you make it somewhat lighter for us; thus shall you say to them, My little finger is thicker than my father's thumb.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the boys who grew up with him in the streets spoke with him, and they were saying to him: “Thus say to the people who spoke with you and were saying to you, ‘Your father made our subjection severe, and take away from our subjection, thus say to them: My little finger is thicker than the thumb of my father.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the young men that were grown up with him spoke unto him, saying: 'Thus shalt thou say unto the people that spoke unto thee, saying: Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it lighter unto us; thus shalt thou say unto them: My little finger is thicker than my father's loins.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the young men that had been brought up with him spoke to him, saying, Thus shalt thou speak to the people that spoke to thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, and do thou lighten somewhat of it from us; thus shalt thou say, My little finger shall be thicker than my father's loins.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Rebellion Against Rehoboam
9He asked them, “What message do you advise that we send back to these people who have spoken to me, saying, ‘Lighten the yoke your father put on us’?” 10The young men who had grown up with him replied, “This is how you should answer these people who said to you, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you should make it lighter.’ This is what you should tell them: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist! 11Whereas my father burdened you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. Whereas my father scourged you with whips, I will scourge you with scorpions.’ ”…

Cross References
1 Kings 12:10-11
The young men who had grown up with him replied, “This is how you should answer these people who said to you, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you must make it lighter.’ This is what you should tell them: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist! / Whereas my father burdened you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. Whereas my father scourged you with whips, I will scourge you with scorpions.’”

Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 29:1
A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery.

Ecclesiastes 10:16
Woe to you, O land whose king is a youth, and whose princes feast in the morning.

Isaiah 3:4-5
“I will make mere lads their leaders, and children will rule over them.” / The people will oppress one another, man against man, neighbor against neighbor; the young will rise up against the old, and the base against the honorable.

Isaiah 9:16
For those who guide this people mislead them, and those they mislead are swallowed up.

Jeremiah 6:14
They dress the wound of My people with very little care, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace at all.

Ezekiel 34:4
You have not strengthened the weak, healed the sick, bound up the injured, brought back the strays, or searched for the lost. Instead, you have ruled them with violence and cruelty.

Matthew 20:25-28
But Jesus called them aside and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. / It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, / and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave— ...

Matthew 23:4
They tie up heavy, burdensome loads and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.

Mark 10:42-45
So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. / But it shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, / and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all. ...

Luke 22:25-27
So Jesus declared, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in authority over them call themselves benefactors. / But you shall not be like them. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who leads like the one who serves. / For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines? But I am among you as one who serves.

Acts 20:29-30
I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. / Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them.

Romans 16:18
For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.

1 Corinthians 3:19
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.”


Treasury of Scripture

And the young men that were brought up with him spoke to him, saying, Thus shall you answer the people that spoke to you, saying, Your father made our yoke heavy, but make you it somewhat lighter for us; thus shall you say to them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father's loins.

Thus shalt

2 Samuel 17:7-13
And Hushai said unto Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel hath given is not good at this time…

Proverbs 21:30
There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.

Isaiah 19:11-13
Surely the princes of Zoan are fools, the counsel of the wise counsellers of Pharaoh is become brutish: how say ye unto Pharaoh, I am the son of the wise, the son of ancient kings? …

My little finger.

1 Kings 12:10,11
And the young men that were grown up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou speak unto this people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it lighter unto us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father's loins…

Proverbs 10:14
Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.

Proverbs 13:16
Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.

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Father's Finger Grown Heavy Lighter Somewhat Thicker Waist Yoke Young
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2 Chronicles 10
1. The Israelites, assembled at Shechem to crown Rehoboam,
3. by Jeroboam make a suit of relaxation unto him,
6. Rehoboam, refusing the old mens' counsel, answers them roughly,
16. Ten tribes revolting, kill Hadoram, and make Rehoboam flee














The young men who had grown up with him replied
This phrase highlights the influence of Rehoboam's peers, who were likely inexperienced and lacked the wisdom of older advisors. In ancient Israel, elders were typically respected for their wisdom and experience (Proverbs 16:31). The choice to consult peers rather than seasoned counselors reflects a common biblical theme of youthful folly (Proverbs 13:20).

This is how you should answer these people who said to you
Rehoboam is being advised on how to respond to the Israelites' request. The people were seeking relief from the heavy burdens imposed by Solomon's reign, which included forced labor and high taxes (1 Kings 12:4). This moment is pivotal, as it determines the future relationship between the king and his subjects.

‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you must make it lighter.’
The "yoke" refers to the burdensome policies of Solomon, which were felt as oppressive by the people. The imagery of a yoke is used throughout scripture to symbolize oppression or servitude (Leviticus 26:13). The request for a lighter yoke is a plea for relief and a more compassionate rule.

This is what you should tell them:
The young advisors suggest a response that is harsh and dismissive. This sets the stage for the division of the kingdom, as Rehoboam's decision will alienate the northern tribes. The advice contrasts with the biblical principle of servant leadership, as exemplified by Jesus Christ (Mark 10:42-45).

‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist!
This metaphor is a boastful claim of greater strength and severity compared to Solomon. It reflects arrogance and a lack of empathy, which are condemned in scripture (Proverbs 16:18). The imagery suggests an intention to increase the burdens rather than alleviate them, foreshadowing the rebellion of the northern tribes and the eventual split of the kingdom (1 Kings 12:16-19).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Rehoboam
The son of Solomon and the king of Israel at this time. He is faced with a decision on how to respond to the people's request for lighter burdens.

2. The Young Men
Rehoboam's peers who grew up with him. They provide counsel that is harsh and unwise, reflecting a lack of experience and understanding of leadership.

3. The People of Israel
They approach Rehoboam seeking relief from the heavy burdens imposed by Solomon, Rehoboam's father.

4. Shechem
The place where Rehoboam went to be made king, and where this pivotal event takes place.

5. Jeroboam
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, he is a significant figure in the surrounding account, representing the opposition and eventual division of the kingdom.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Wise Counsel
Rehoboam's choice to listen to his peers rather than the elders demonstrates the consequences of ignoring wise and experienced counsel. In our lives, we should seek advice from those who are spiritually mature and experienced.

Leadership and Servanthood
True leadership involves serving others and considering their needs. Rehoboam's failure to lighten the people's burdens shows a lack of servant leadership, which is a model Christ exemplified.

The Consequences of Pride
The advice given to Rehoboam reflects arrogance and pride. Pride can lead to division and conflict, as seen in the eventual split of the kingdom.

Generational Wisdom
The contrast between the advice of the elders and the young men highlights the value of generational wisdom. We should respect and consider the insights of those who have gone before us.(10) Spake unto him.--Heb., with him; probably a mistaken repetition. Kings, "unto him," and so LXX.; but Syriac, "with him."

Answer.--Say to.

The people.--This people (Kings).

But make thou it somewhat lighter for us.--Literally, And thou lighten from upon us. LXX., well: ??? ?? ???? ??? ????.

Thus shalt thou say.--Kings, "speak."

My little finger.--The word "finger" should not be italicised. The word q?ten means "little finger."

Verses 10, 11. - Language perhaps never spoke more clearly what was in man. And it spoke in this case the mad infatuation of insolent temerity itself.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The young men
הַיְלָדִים֙ (hay·lā·ḏîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3206: Something born, a lad, offspring

who
אֲשֶׁ֨ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

had grown up
גָּדְל֣וּ (gā·ḏə·lū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 1431: To grow up, become great

with him
אִתּ֗וֹ (’it·tōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

replied,
וַיְדַבְּר֣וּ (way·ḏab·bə·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

“This is how
כֹּֽה־ (kōh-)
Adverb
Strong's 3541: Like this, thus, here, now

you should answer
לֵאמֹר֒ (lê·mōr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 559: To utter, say

these people
לָעָם֩ (lā·‘ām)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

who
אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

said
דִּבְּר֨וּ (dib·bə·rū)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

to you,
אֵלֶ֜יךָ (’ê·le·ḵā)
Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

‘Your father
אָבִ֙יךָ֙ (’ā·ḇî·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 1: Father

made our yoke
עֻלֵּ֔נוּ (‘ul·lê·nū)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common plural
Strong's 5923: A yoke

heavy,
הִכְבִּ֣יד (hiḵ·bîḏ)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3513: To be heavy, weighty, or burdensome

but you
וְאַתָּ֖ה (wə·’at·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

should make it lighter.’
הָקֵ֣ל (hā·qêl)
Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 7043: To be slight, swift or trifling

This is what
כֹּ֚ה (kōh)
Adverb
Strong's 3541: Like this, thus, here, now

you should tell
תֹּאמַ֣ר (tō·mar)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

them:
אֲלֵהֶ֔ם (’ă·lê·hem)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

‘My little finger
קָֽטָנִּ֥י (qā·ṭān·nî)
Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 6995: A pettiness, the little finger

is thicker
עָבָ֖ה (‘ā·ḇāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5666: To be thick, fat, or gross

than my father’s
אָבִֽי׃ (’ā·ḇî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1: Father

waist!
מִמָּתְנֵ֥י (mim·mā·ṯə·nê)
Preposition-m | Noun - mdc
Strong's 4975: The waist, small of the back, the loins


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OT History: 2 Chronicles 10:10 The young men who had grown up (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr)
2 Chronicles 10:9
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