2 Chronicles 21:3
New International Version
Their father had given them many gifts of silver and gold and articles of value, as well as fortified cities in Judah, but he had given the kingdom to Jehoram because he was his firstborn son.

New Living Translation
Their father had given each of them valuable gifts of silver, gold, and costly items, and also some of Judah’s fortified towns. However, he designated Jehoram as the next king because he was the oldest.

English Standard Version
Their father gave them great gifts of silver, gold, and valuable possessions, together with fortified cities in Judah, but he gave the kingdom to Jehoram, because he was the firstborn.

Berean Standard Bible
Their father had given them many gifts of silver and gold and precious things, as well as the fortified cities in Judah; but he gave the kingdom to Jehoram because he was the firstborn.

King James Bible
And their father gave them great gifts of silver, and of gold, and of precious things, with fenced cities in Judah: but the kingdom gave he to Jehoram; because he was the firstborn.

New King James Version
Their father gave them great gifts of silver and gold and precious things, with fortified cities in Judah; but he gave the kingdom to Jehoram, because he was the firstborn.

New American Standard Bible
Their father gave them many gifts of silver, gold, and precious things, with fortified cities in Judah; but he gave the kingdom to Jehoram because he was the firstborn.

NASB 1995
Their father gave them many gifts of silver, gold and precious things, with fortified cities in Judah, but he gave the kingdom to Jehoram because he was the firstborn.

NASB 1977
And their father gave them many gifts of silver, gold and precious things, with fortified cities in Judah, but he gave the kingdom to Jehoram because he was the first-born.

Legacy Standard Bible
And their father gave them many gifts of silver, gold, and precious things, with fortified cities in Judah, but he gave the kingdom to Jehoram because he was the firstborn.

Amplified Bible
Their father gave them many gifts of silver, gold, and valuable things, in addition to fortified cities in Judah; but he gave the kingdom to Jehoram because he was the firstborn.

Christian Standard Bible
Their father had given them many gifts of silver, gold, and valuable things, along with fortified cities in Judah, but he gave the kingdom to Jehoram because he was the firstborn.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Their father had given them many gifts of silver, gold, and valuable things, along with fortified cities in Judah, but he gave the kingdom to Jehoram because he was the firstborn.

American Standard Version
And their father gave them great gifts, of silver, and of gold, and of precious things, with fortified cities in Judah: but the kingdom gave he to Jehoram, because he was the first-born.

Contemporary English Version
Jehoshaphat gave each of them silver and gold, as well as other valuable gifts. He also put them in charge of the fortified cities in Judah, but he had chosen his oldest son Jehoram to succeed him as king.

English Revised Version
And their father gave them great gifts, of silver, and of gold, and of precious things, with fenced cities in Judah: but the kingdom gave he to Jehoram, because he was the firstborn.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Their father gave them many gifts: silver, gold, and other expensive things, along with fortified cities in Judah. But Jehoshaphat gave the kingdom to Jehoram, who was the firstborn.

Good News Translation
Their father gave them large amounts of gold, silver, and other valuable possessions, and placed each one in charge of one of the fortified cities of Judah. But because Jehoram was the oldest, Jehoshaphat made him his successor.

International Standard Version
Their father gave them many gifts made of silver, and gold, as well as valuable things, along with fortified cities in Judah, but he passed the kingdom to Jehoram because Jehoram was his firstborn.

Majority Standard Bible
Their father had given them many gifts of silver and gold and precious things, as well as the fortified cities in Judah; but he gave the kingdom to Jehoram because he was the firstborn.

NET Bible
Their father gave them many presents, including silver, gold, and other precious items, along with fortified cities in Judah. But he gave the kingdom to Jehoram because he was the firstborn.

New Heart English Bible
Their father gave them great gifts, of silver, and of gold, and of precious things, with fortified cities in Judah: but the kingdom gave he to Jehoram, because he was the firstborn.

Webster's Bible Translation
And their father gave them great gifts of silver, and of gold, and of precious things, with fortified cities in Judah: but the kingdom he gave to Jehoram; because he was the first-born.

World English Bible
Their father gave them great gifts of silver, of gold, and of precious things, with fortified cities in Judah; but he gave the kingdom to Jehoram, because he was the firstborn.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and their father gives to them many gifts of silver and of gold, and of precious things, with fortified cities in Judah, and he has given the kingdom to Jehoram, for he [is] the firstborn.

Young's Literal Translation
and their father giveth to them many gifts of silver and of gold, and of precious things, with fenced cities in Judah, and the kingdom he hath given to Jehoram, for He is the first-born.

Smith's Literal Translation
And their father will give to them many gifts to silver and to gold, and to precious things, with fortified cities in Judah: and he gave the kingdom to Jehoram, for he was the first-born.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And their father gave them great gifts of silver, and of gold, and pensions, with strong cities in Juda: but the kingdom he gave to Joram, because he was the eldest.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And their father gave to them many gifts of silver, and gold, and valuables, with very fortified cities in Judah. But the kingdom he handed on to Jehoram, because he was the firstborn.

New American Bible
Their father gave them many gifts of silver, gold, and precious objects, together with fortified cities in Judah, but the kingship he gave to Jehoram because he was the firstborn.

New Revised Standard Version
Their father gave them many gifts, of silver, gold, and valuable possessions, together with fortified cities in Judah; but he gave the kingdom to Jehoram, because he was the firstborn.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And their father gave them great gifts of silver and of gold, and many other gifts, with fortified cities in Judah; but the kingdom gave he to Jehoram because he was his first-born.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And their father gave them many gifts: silver and gold and many gifts and fortress cities of Yehuda, and the kingdom was given to Yehuram because he was the eldest son.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And their father gave them great gifts, of silver, and of gold, and of precious things, with fortified cities in Judah; but the kingdom gave he to Jehoram, because he was the first-born.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And their father gave them many gifts, silver, and gold, and arms, together with fortified cities in Juda: but he gave the kingdom to Joram, for he was the first-born.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jehoram Reigns in Judah
2Jehoram’s brothers, the sons of Jehoshaphat, were Azariah, Jehiel, Zechariah, Azariah, Michael, and Shephatiah; these were all sons of Jehoshaphat king of Israel. 3Their father had given them many gifts of silver and gold and precious things, as well as the fortified cities in Judah; but he gave the kingdom to Jehoram because he was the firstborn. 4When Jehoram had established himself over his father’s kingdom, he strengthened himself by putting to the sword all his brothers along with some of the princes of Israel.…

Cross References
1 Kings 12:24
that this is what the LORD says: ‘You are not to go up and fight against your brothers, the Israelites. Each of you must return home, for this is My doing.’” So they listened to the word of the LORD and turned back according to the word of the LORD.

1 Kings 11:11-13
Then the LORD said to Solomon, “Because you have done this and have not kept My covenant and My statutes, which I have commanded you, I will tear the kingdom away from you and give it to your servant. / Nevertheless, for the sake of your father David, I will not do it during your lifetime; I will tear it out of the hand of your son. / Yet I will not tear the whole kingdom away from him. I will give one tribe to your son for the sake of My servant David and for the sake of Jerusalem, which I have chosen.”

1 Kings 2:22
King Solomon answered his mother, “Why do you request Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Since he is my older brother, you might as well request the kingdom for him and for Abiathar the priest and for Joab son of Zeruiah!”

1 Kings 1:35
Then you shall go up with him, and he is to come and sit on my throne and reign in my place. For I have appointed him ruler over Israel and Judah.”

1 Samuel 16:1
Now the LORD said to Samuel, “How long are you going to mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have selected from his sons a king for Myself.”

Genesis 25:5-6
Abraham left everything he owned to Isaac. / But while he was still alive, Abraham gave gifts to the sons of his concubines and sent them away from his son Isaac to the land of the east.

Genesis 21:10-12
and she said to Abraham, “Expel the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with my son Isaac!” / Now this matter distressed Abraham greatly because it concerned his son Ishmael. / But God said to Abraham, “Do not be distressed about the boy and your maidservant. Listen to everything that Sarah tells you, for through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.

Deuteronomy 21:15-17
If a man has two wives, one beloved and the other unloved, and both bear him sons, but the unloved wife has the firstborn son, / when that man assigns his inheritance to his sons he must not appoint the son of the beloved wife as the firstborn over the son of the unloved wife. / Instead, he must acknowledge the firstborn, the son of his unloved wife, by giving him a double portion of all that he has. For that son is the firstfruits of his father’s strength; the right of the firstborn belongs to him.

Psalm 89:27
I will indeed appoint him as My firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth.

Psalm 132:11
The LORD swore an oath to David, a promise He will not revoke: “One of your descendants I will place on your throne.

Matthew 1:6
and Jesse the father of David the king. Next: David was the father of Solomon by Uriah’s wife,

Matthew 1:1
This is the record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham:

Luke 1:32-33
He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, / and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. His kingdom will never end!”

Luke 3:31
the son of Melea, the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David,

Acts 13:22-23
After removing Saul, He raised up David as their king and testified about him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse a man after My own heart; he will carry out My will in its entirety.’ / From the descendants of this man, God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as He promised.


Treasury of Scripture

And their father gave them great gifts of silver, and of gold, and of precious things, with fenced cities in Judah: but the kingdom gave he to Jehoram; because he was the firstborn.

gave them

2 Chronicles 11:23
And he dealt wisely, and dispersed of all his children throughout all the countries of Judah and Benjamin, unto every fenced city: and he gave them victual in abundance. And he desired many wives.

Genesis 25:6
But unto the sons of the concubines, which Abraham had, Abraham gave gifts, and sent them away from Isaac his son, while he yet lived, eastward, unto the east country.

Deuteronomy 21:15-17
If a man have two wives, one beloved, and another hated, and they have born him children, both the beloved and the hated; and if the firstborn son be hers that was hated: …

the kingdom

1 Kings 8:16
Since the day that I brought forth my people Israel out of Egypt, I chose no city out of all the tribes of Israel to build an house, that my name might be therein; but I chose David to be over my people Israel.

Jump to Previous
Articles Cities Fenced Firstborn First-Born Fortified Gifts Gold Great Jehoram Jeho'ram Judah Kingdom Possessions Precious Silver Together Towns Valuable Value Walled
Jump to Next
Articles Cities Fenced Firstborn First-Born Fortified Gifts Gold Great Jehoram Jeho'ram Judah Kingdom Possessions Precious Silver Together Towns Valuable Value Walled
2 Chronicles 21
1. Jehoram, succeeding Jehoshaphat, slays his brothers
5. His wicked reign
8. Edom and Libnah revolt
12. The prophecy of Elijah against him in writing
16. Philistines and Arabians oppress him
18. His incurable disease, infamous death, and burial














Their father had given them many gifts of silver and gold and precious things
This phrase highlights the practice of distributing wealth among royal offspring, a common custom in ancient Near Eastern cultures. The gifts of silver, gold, and precious things signify wealth and status, reflecting the prosperity of the kingdom under Jehoshaphat's reign. This distribution of wealth can be seen as a means to ensure the loyalty and support of the king's other sons, potentially preventing disputes over succession. The mention of "silver and gold" echoes the wealth of Solomon's era (1 Kings 10:14-25), indicating a continuity of prosperity in Judah.

as well as the fortified cities in Judah
The allocation of fortified cities to Jehoshaphat's sons suggests a strategic move to maintain control and defense over the region. Fortified cities were crucial for protection against invasions and internal rebellions. This practice of assigning cities to royal family members can be seen in other biblical accounts, such as the division of land among the tribes of Israel (Joshua 19). The fortified cities in Judah would have been significant centers of power and influence, underscoring the importance of maintaining a strong defense network.

but he gave the kingdom to Jehoram because he was the firstborn
The transfer of the kingdom to Jehoram as the firstborn reflects the principle of primogeniture, where the eldest son inherits the throne. This practice was common in ancient monarchies and is seen throughout the biblical narrative, though not without exceptions (e.g., Jacob over Esau, Genesis 25:23). Jehoram's ascension to the throne aligns with the cultural and legal expectations of the time, despite his later actions that led to negative consequences for Judah (2 Chronicles 21:4-20). This decision also highlights the tension between divine election and human customs, a recurring theme in the Bible.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jehoshaphat
- The father of Jehoram, a king of Judah known for his faithfulness to God and efforts to rid the land of idolatry.

2. Jehoram
- The firstborn son of Jehoshaphat, who inherited the kingdom of Judah.

3. Judah
- The southern kingdom of Israel, where Jerusalem is located, and the primary setting for this passage.

4. Jehoshaphat's Other Sons
- They received gifts and fortified cities but did not inherit the throne.

5. Fortified Cities
- These were strategic locations given to Jehoshaphat's other sons, indicating their importance in the kingdom's defense and administration.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Godly Leadership
Jehoram's inheritance of the kingdom underscores the need for leaders who follow God's ways. Leadership should be entrusted to those who are spiritually mature and aligned with God's will.

The Role of Inheritance and Birthright
The passage highlights the cultural and biblical significance of the firstborn's rights. In our lives, we should respect and honor the roles and responsibilities God has ordained.

Material Wealth vs. Spiritual Legacy
While Jehoshaphat's sons received material gifts, the true legacy was the spiritual and leadership role given to Jehoram. We should prioritize spiritual inheritance over material wealth.

The Dangers of Favoritism
Although Jehoram was the firstborn, favoritism can lead to division and conflict. We must strive for fairness and seek God's guidance in our decisions.

The Consequences of Poor Choices
Jehoram's later actions as king led to negative consequences for Judah. Our choices, especially in leadership, have far-reaching impacts.Verse 3. - The father's foreseeing care issued very differently from what he had thought, waking now the greed and murderous intent of Jehoram. Jehoshaphat, nevertheless, was but following in the wake of the head of the separated kingdom of Judah, Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 11:22, 23), wherein he is said to have "dealt wisely;" even the parallel (in the matter of one son Abijah, sen of Maachah, the favourite wife, being appointed king) obtaining there in an aggravated form, as he was not the eldest son. This case, with those of Solomon and Jehoahaz (by the favour not of the parent but of the people, 2 Kings 23:30), formed the exceptions to the usual observance of and honour done to the principle of primogeniture (Deuteronomy 21:15-17).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Their father
אֲ֠בִיהֶם (’ă·ḇî·hem)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 1: Father

had given
וַיִּתֵּ֣ן (way·yit·tên)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

them many
רַבּ֜וֹת (rab·bō·wṯ)
Adjective - feminine plural
Strong's 7227: Much, many, great

gifts
מַתָּנ֨וֹת (mat·tā·nō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 4979: A present, a sacrificial offering, a bribe

of silver
לְכֶ֤סֶף (lə·ḵe·sep̄)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3701: Silver, money

and gold
וּלְזָהָב֙ (ū·lə·zā·hāḇ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2091: Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear sky

and precious things,
וּלְמִגְדָּנ֔וֹת (ū·lə·miḡ·dā·nō·wṯ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4030: A choice or excellent thing

as well as
עִם־ (‘im-)
Preposition
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

the fortified
מְצֻר֖וֹת (mə·ṣu·rō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 4694: A hemming in, a mound, a rampart, fortification

cities
עָרֵ֥י (‘ā·rê)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 5892: Excitement

in Judah;
בִּֽיהוּדָ֑ה (bî·hū·ḏāh)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites

but
וְאֶת־ (wə·’eṯ-)
Conjunctive waw | Direct object marker
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

he gave
נָתַ֥ן (nā·ṯan)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

the kingdom
הַמַּמְלָכָ֛ה (ham·mam·lā·ḵāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4467: Kingdom, sovereignty, dominion, reign

to Jehoram
לִֽיהוֹרָ֖ם (lî·hō·w·rām)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3088: Jehoram -- 'the LORD is exalted', the name of several Israelites

because
כִּי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

he
ה֥וּא (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

was the firstborn.
הַבְּכֽוֹר׃ (hab·bə·ḵō·wr)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1060: Firstborn, chief


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OT History: 2 Chronicles 21:3 Their father gave them great gifts (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr)
2 Chronicles 21:2
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