2 Chronicles 23:5
New International Version
a third of you at the royal palace and a third at the Foundation Gate, and all the others are to be in the courtyards of the temple of the LORD.

New Living Translation
Another third will go over to the royal palace, and the final third will be at the Foundation Gate. Everyone else should stay in the courtyards of the LORD’s Temple.

English Standard Version
and one third shall be at the king’s house and one third at the Gate of the Foundation. And all the people shall be in the courts of the house of the LORD.

Berean Standard Bible
a third shall be at the royal palace, and a third at the Foundation Gate, while all the others are in the courtyards of the house of the LORD.

King James Bible
And a third part shall be at the king's house; and a third part at the gate of the foundation: and all the people shall be in the courts of the house of the LORD.

New King James Version
one-third shall be at the king’s house; and one-third at the Gate of the Foundation. All the people shall be in the courts of the house of the LORD.

New American Standard Bible
and a third shall be at the king’s house, and a third at the Gate of the Foundation; and all the people shall be in the courtyards of the house of the LORD.

NASB 1995
and one third shall be at the king’s house, and a third at the Gate of the Foundation; and all the people shall be in the courts of the house of the LORD.

NASB 1977
and one third shall be at the king’s house, and a third at the Gate of the Foundation; and all the people shall be in the courts of the house of the LORD.

Legacy Standard Bible
and one-third shall be at the king’s house, and a third at the Gate of the Foundation; and all the people shall be in the courts of the house of Yahweh.

Amplified Bible
a [second] third shall be at the king’s house (palace), and a [final] third at the Gate of the Foundation; and all the people shall be in the courtyards of the house of the LORD.

Christian Standard Bible
A third are to be at the king’s palace, and a third are to be at the Foundation Gate, and all the troops will be in the courtyards of the LORD’s temple.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
A third are to be at the king’s palace, and a third are to be at the Foundation Gate, and all the troops will be in the courtyards of the LORD’s temple.

American Standard Version
and a third part shall be at the king's house; and a third part at the gate of the foundation: and all the people shall be in the courts of the house of Jehovah.

Contemporary English Version
one will guard the palace, and the other will guard Foundation Gate. The rest of you will stand guard in the temple courtyards.

English Revised Version
and a third part shall be at the king's house; and a third part at the gate of the foundation: and all the people shall be in the courts of the house of the LORD.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Another third must be at the royal palace. And another third must be at Foundation Gate. All the people must be in the courtyards of the LORD's temple.

Good News Translation
another third will guard the royal palace, and the rest will be stationed at the Foundation Gate. All the people will assemble in the Temple courtyard.

International Standard Version
Another third of you priests and descendants of Levi will take your places in the royal palace, while another third of you priests and descendants of Levi will stand near the Foundation Gate. The rest of you will remain in the courtyard of the LORD's Temple.

Majority Standard Bible
a third shall be at the royal palace, and a third at the Foundation Gate, while all the others are in the courtyards of the house of the LORD.

NET Bible
Another third of you will be stationed at the royal palace and still another third at the Foundation Gate. All the others will stand in the courtyards of the LORD's temple.

New Heart English Bible
A third part shall be at the king's house; and a third part at the gate of the foundation. All the people shall be in the courts of the LORD's house.

Webster's Bible Translation
And a third part shall be at the king's house; and a third part at the gate of the foundation: and all the people shall be in the courts of the house of the LORD.

World English Bible
A third part shall be at the king’s house; and a third part at the gate of the foundation. All the people will be in the courts of Yahweh’s house.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and the third [are] at the house of the king, and the third at the Foundation Gate, and all the people [are] in the courts of the house of YHWH.

Young's Literal Translation
and the third are at the house of the king, and the third at the gate of the foundation, and all the people are in the courts of the house of Jehovah.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the third in the king's house; and the third in the gate of the foundation: and all the people in the enclosures of the house of Jehovah.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
A third part of you that come to the sabbath, of the priests, and of the Levites, and of the porters, shall be at the gates: and a third part at the king's house: and a third at the gate that is called the Foundation: but let all the rest of the people be in the courts of the house of the Lord.

Catholic Public Domain Version
One third part of you who arrive on the Sabbath, priests, and Levites, and porters, shall be at the gates. Truly, one third part shall be at the house of the king. And one third shall be at the gate which is called the Foundation. Yet truly, let all the remainder of the common people be in the courts of the house of the Lord.

New American Bible
another third must be at the king’s house, and the final third at the Foundation Gate, when all the people will be in the courts of the LORD’s house.

New Revised Standard Version
one-third shall be at the king’s house, and one-third at the Gate of the Foundation; and all the people shall be in the courts of the house of the LORD.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And a third part shall be at the king's house; and a third part at the cook's gate: and all the people shall be on guard in the court of the house of the LORD.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And a third in the house of the King, and a third at the door of the cooks, and all the people keep guard in the court of the house of LORD JEHOVAH
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
and a third part shall be at the king's house; and a third part at the gate of the foundation; and all the people shall be in the courts of the house of the LORD.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
and let a third part be in the house of the king; and another third at the middle gate: and all the people in the courts of the Lord's house.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Joash Anointed King in Judah
4This is what you are to do: A third of you priests and Levites who come on duty on the Sabbath shall keep watch at the doors, 5a third shall be at the royal palace, and a third at the Foundation Gate, while all the others are in the courtyards of the house of the LORD. 6No one is to enter the house of the LORD except the priests and those Levites who serve; they may enter because they are consecrated, but all the people are to obey the requirement of the LORD.…

Cross References
2 Kings 11:6-8
a third shall be at the gate of Sur, and a third at the gate behind the guards. You are to take turns guarding the temple— / the two divisions that would go off duty on the Sabbath are to guard the house of the LORD for the king. / You must surround the king with weapons in hand, and anyone who approaches the ranks must be put to death. You must stay close to the king wherever he goes.”

1 Chronicles 9:25-27
Their relatives came from their villages at fixed times to serve with them for seven-day periods. / But the four chief gatekeepers, who were Levites, were entrusted with the rooms and the treasuries of the house of God. / They would spend the night stationed around the house of God, because they were responsible for guarding it and opening it every morning.

1 Chronicles 23:32
So the Levites were to carry out the responsibilities for the Tent of Meeting and the Holy Place, and, under their brothers the descendants of Aaron, the service of the house of the LORD.

1 Chronicles 26:12-19
These divisions of the gatekeepers, through their chief men, had duties for ministering in the house of the LORD, just as their relatives did. / They cast lots for each gate, according to their families, young and old alike. / The lot for the East Gate fell to Shelemiah. Then lots were cast for his son Zechariah, a wise counselor, and the lot for the North Gate fell to him. ...

1 Chronicles 28:1
Now David summoned all the leaders of Israel to Jerusalem: the leaders of the tribes, the leaders of the divisions in the king’s service, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and the officials in charge of all the property and cattle of the king and his sons, along with the court officials and mighty men—every mighty man of valor.

1 Chronicles 29:6
Then the leaders of the families, the officers of the tribes of Israel, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and the officials in charge of the king’s work gave willingly.

2 Chronicles 8:14
In keeping with the ordinances of his father David, Solomon appointed the divisions of the priests over their service, and the Levites for their duties to offer praise and to minister before the priests according to the daily requirement. He also appointed gatekeepers by their divisions at each gate, for this had been the command of David, the man of God.

2 Chronicles 35:15
The singers, the descendants of Asaph, were at their stations according to the command of David, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun the king’s seer. And the gatekeepers at each gate did not need to leave their posts, because their fellow Levites made preparations for them.

Nehemiah 11:19
And the gatekeepers: Akkub, Talmon, and their associates, who kept watch at the gates—172 men.

Nehemiah 12:24-25
The leaders of the Levites were Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua son of Kadmiel, along with their associates, who stood across from them to give praise and thanksgiving as one section alternated with the other, as prescribed by David the man of God. / Mattaniah, Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, and Akkub were gatekeepers who guarded the storerooms at the gates.

Nehemiah 13:22
Then I instructed the Levites to purify themselves and guard the gates in order to keep the Sabbath day holy. Remember me for this as well, O my God, and show me mercy according to Your abundant loving devotion.

Psalm 134:1
A song of ascents. Come, bless the LORD, all you servants of the LORD who serve by night in the house of the LORD!

Psalm 135:2
who stand in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God.

Matthew 26:55
At that time Jesus said to the crowd, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me as you would an outlaw? Every day I sat teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest Me.

Mark 14:48-49
Jesus asked the crowd, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me as you would an outlaw? / Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest Me. But this has happened that the Scriptures would be fulfilled.”


Treasury of Scripture

And a third part shall be at the king's house; and a third part at the gate of the foundation: and all the people shall be in the courts of the house of the LORD.

the king's house

2 Kings 11:5,6
And he commanded them, saying, This is the thing that ye shall do; A third part of you that enter in on the sabbath shall even be keepers of the watch of the king's house; …

Ezekiel 44:2,3
Then said the LORD unto me; This gate shall be shut, it shall not be opened, and no man shall enter in by it; because the LORD, the God of Israel, hath entered in by it, therefore it shall be shut…

Ezekiel 46:2,3
And the prince shall enter by the way of the porch of that gate without, and shall stand by the post of the gate, and the priests shall prepare his burnt offering and his peace offerings, and he shall worship at the threshold of the gate: then he shall go forth; but the gate shall not be shut until the evening…

the gate

Acts 3:2
And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;

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Courts Courtyards Doorway Foundation Gate Horses House King's Open Palace Part Round Royal Spaces Stationed Temple Third Waiting
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Courts Courtyards Doorway Foundation Gate Horses House King's Open Palace Part Round Royal Spaces Stationed Temple Third Waiting
2 Chronicles 23
1. Jehoiada, having set things in order, makes joash king
12. Athaliah is slain
16. Jehoiada restores the worship of God














a third are to be at the king’s palace
This phrase indicates a division of responsibilities among the guards. The "king’s palace" refers to the royal residence, a place of significant political and spiritual importance in Judah. The Hebrew word for "palace" (בֵּית הַמֶּלֶךְ, beit hamelech) underscores the centrality of the monarchy in the life of the nation. Historically, the palace was not only a residence but also a symbol of God's covenant with David, representing stability and divine favor. The allocation of a third of the guards here emphasizes the need for protection and vigilance over the king, who was seen as God's anointed leader.

a third at the Foundation Gate
The "Foundation Gate" (שַׁעַר הַיְסוֹד, sha'ar hayesod) is a specific location within the temple complex. The term "foundation" suggests a place of beginning or establishment, possibly indicating a gate that was foundational to the structure or function of the temple. This gate's mention highlights the importance of securing the temple's perimeter, ensuring that the sacred space remains undefiled and protected from any potential threats. In a spiritual sense, it reminds believers of the need to guard the foundational truths of their faith.

a third at the gate behind the escorts
This phrase refers to another strategic location within the temple area. The "gate behind the escorts" (שַׁעַר אַחַר הָרָצִים, sha'ar achar haratzim) suggests a position of rear defense, possibly where the royal guard or temple servants (escorts) would be stationed. This allocation of guards underscores the comprehensive nature of the security measures, ensuring that all potential entry points are covered. It reflects the biblical principle of being watchful and prepared, as seen in other scriptures that call for vigilance in spiritual matters.

You are to take turns guarding the temple
This directive for the guards to "take turns" (מִשְׁמָרוֹת, mishmarot) indicates an organized and continuous watch over the temple. The Hebrew root of "guarding" (שָׁמַר, shamar) conveys the idea of keeping, preserving, and protecting. The temple, as the dwelling place of God's presence, required constant vigilance to maintain its sanctity. This command serves as a metaphor for the Christian life, where believers are called to be ever-watchful in their spiritual walk, guarding their hearts and minds against anything that might defile or distract from their devotion to God.

(5) And a third part at the gate of the foundation.--2Kings 11:6 reads: "the gate S-r," which appears there as a gate of the palace. (LXX., "the middle gate;" Syr. and Arab., "the Butchers' gate")

And all the people shall be in the courts of the house of the Lord.--This appears to be written from the point of view of a strict legalist, according to which none might enter the holy house itself save the priests. It looks like a protest against 2Kings 11:4, where it is said that Jehoiada brought the centurions of the royal guard into the house of the Lord.

Verse 5. - A third part... at the king's house. It seems impossible to refer this to the royal palace, as some suppose from ver. 19 in the parallel. It probably designates the place where the child had been living in concealment. This portion of the description appears to correspond with the last clause of ver. 5 in the parallel. At the gate of the foundation. The Hebrew text here is יְסוד (Exodus 29:12; Leviticus 4:7; Habakkuk 3:13); in the parallel סוּר, a name only found there, and unintelligible - probably a corruption of the other word. The gate of the foundation is supposed to have stood at that corner of the area which was strengthened by additional works, where was the ravine separating Moriah and the hill to the south. All the people. Evidently the miscellaneous outside people are not here intended, who were not entrusted with the secret and the surprise that was to be, but the same all the people as are unmistakably designated in ver. 10; i.e. all who were appointed to officiate. The last clause in each of vers. 5, 6, 7 in the parallel go strongly to confirm the position that" the king's house "so far does not intend the royal palace, but such part of the house of the Lord as had been, and then still was, "about the king" (ver. 7, parallel); in order to keep watch "about the king,' they were set to keep watch of a certain part of "the house of the Lord."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
a third
וְהַשְּׁלִשִׁית֙ (wə·haš·šə·li·šîṯ)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Number - ordinal feminine singular
Strong's 7992: Third, feminine a, third, a third, a third-story cell)

shall be at the royal
הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

palace,
בְּבֵ֣ית (bə·ḇêṯ)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

and a third
וְהַשְּׁלִשִׁ֖ית (wə·haš·šə·li·šîṯ)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Number - ordinal feminine singular
Strong's 7992: Third, feminine a, third, a third, a third-story cell)

at the Foundation
הַיְס֑וֹד (hay·sō·wḏ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3247: Foundation, base

Gate,
בְּשַׁ֣עַר (bə·ša·‘ar)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8179: An opening, door, gate

while all
וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the others
הָעָ֔ם (hā·‘ām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

are in the courtyards
בְּחַצְר֖וֹת (bə·ḥaṣ·rō·wṯ)
Preposition-b | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 2691: A yard, a hamlet

of the house
בֵּ֥ית (bêṯ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

of the LORD.
יְהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel


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OT History: 2 Chronicles 23:5 And a third part shall be at (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr)
2 Chronicles 23:4
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