2 Chronicles 29:11
New International Version
My sons, do not be negligent now, for the LORD has chosen you to stand before him and serve him, to minister before him and to burn incense.”

New Living Translation
My sons, do not neglect your duties any longer! The LORD has chosen you to stand in his presence, to minister to him, and to lead the people in worship and present offerings to him.”

English Standard Version
My sons, do not now be negligent, for the LORD has chosen you to stand in his presence, to minister to him and to be his ministers and make offerings to him.”

Berean Standard Bible
Now, my sons, do not be negligent, for the LORD has chosen you to stand before Him, to serve Him, to minister before Him, and to burn incense.”

King James Bible
My sons, be not now negligent: for the LORD hath chosen you to stand before him, to serve him, and that ye should minister unto him, and burn incense.

New King James Version
My sons, do not be negligent now, for the LORD has chosen you to stand before Him, to serve Him, and that you should minister to Him and burn incense.”

New American Standard Bible
My sons, do not be negligent now, for the LORD has chosen you to stand before Him, to serve Him, and to be His ministers and burn incense.”

NASB 1995
“My sons, do not be negligent now, for the LORD has chosen you to stand before Him, to minister to Him, and to be His ministers and burn incense.”

NASB 1977
“My sons, do not be negligent now, for the LORD has chosen you to stand before Him, to minister to Him, and to be His ministers and burn incense.”

Legacy Standard Bible
My sons, do not be at ease now, for Yahweh has chosen you to stand before Him, to minister to Him, and to be His ministers and offer offerings up in smoke.”

Amplified Bible
My sons, do not be negligent and careless now, for the LORD has chosen you to stand in His presence, to attend to His service, and to be His ministers and burn incense.”

Christian Standard Bible
My sons, don’t be negligent now, for the LORD has chosen you to stand in his presence, to serve him, and to be his ministers and burners of incense.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
My sons, don’t be negligent now, for the LORD has chosen you to stand in His presence, to serve Him, and to be His ministers and burners of incense.”

American Standard Version
My sons, be not now negligent; for Jehovah hath chosen you to stand before him, to minister unto him, and that ye should be his ministers, and burn incense.

Contemporary English Version
Let's not waste any time, my friends. You are the ones who were chosen to be the LORD's priests and to offer him sacrifices.

English Revised Version
My sons, be not now negligent: for the LORD hath chosen you to stand before him, to minister unto him, and that ye should be his ministers, and burn incense.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Don't be negligent, my sons. The LORD has chosen you to stand in front of him, serve him, be his servants, and burn sacrifices."

Good News Translation
My sons, do not lose any time. You are the ones that the LORD has chosen to burn incense to him and to lead the people in worshiping him."

International Standard Version
Please don't be careless, you descendants of Aaron, because the LORD has chosen you to minister in his presence, to serve him, to be his ministers, and to burn incense."

Majority Standard Bible
Now, my sons, do not be negligent, for the LORD has chosen you to stand before Him, to serve Him, to minister before Him, and to burn incense.”

NET Bible
My sons, do not be negligent now, for the LORD has chosen you to serve in his presence and offer sacrifices."

New Heart English Bible
My sons, do not be negligent now; for the LORD has chosen you to stand before him, to minister to him, and that you should be his ministers, and burn incense."

Webster's Bible Translation
My sons, be not now negligent: for the LORD hath chosen you to stand before him, to serve him, and that ye should minister to him, and burn incense.

World English Bible
My sons, don’t be negligent now; for Yahweh has chosen you to stand before him, to minister to him, and that you should be his ministers and burn incense.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
My sons, do not be at rest now, for YHWH has fixed on you to stand before Him, to serve Him, and to be ministering and making incense to Him.”

Young's Literal Translation
My sons, be not now at rest, for on you hath Jehovah fixed to stand before Him, to serve Him, and to be to Him ministering and making perfume.'

Smith's Literal Translation
My sons, now ye shall not go astray: for in you Jehovah chose to stand before him, to serve him, to be serving to him, and burning incense.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
My sons, be not negligent: the Lord hath chosen you to stand before him, and to minister to him, and to worship him, and to burn incense to him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
My sons, do not choose to be negligent. The Lord has chosen you so that you would stand before him, and minister to him, and worship him, and burn incense to him.”

New American Bible
My sons, do not be negligent any longer, for it is you whom the LORD has chosen to stand before him, to minister to him, to be his ministers and to offer incense.”

New Revised Standard Version
My sons, do not now be negligent, for the LORD has chosen you to stand in his presence to minister to him, and to be his ministers and make offerings to him.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
My sons, be not now negligent; for the LORD has chosen you to stand before him, to serve him and to minister unto him and burn incense.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
My sons, be not now negligent; for the LORD hath chosen you to stand before Him, to minister unto Him, and that ye should be His ministers, and offer unto Him.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And now be not wanting to your duty, for the Lord has chosen you to stand before him to minister, and to be ministers and burners of incense to him.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Hezekiah Cleanses the Temple
10Now it is in my heart to make a covenant with the LORD, the God of Israel, so that His fierce anger will turn away from us. 11Now, my sons, do not be negligent, for the LORD has chosen you to stand before Him, to serve Him, to minister before Him, and to burn incense.” 12Then the Levites set to work: Mahath son of Amasai and Joel son of Azariah from the Kohathites; Kish son of Abdi and Azariah son of Jehallelel from the Merarites; Joah son of Zimmah and Eden son of Joah from the Gershonites;…

Cross References
1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

Romans 12:1
Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.

Hebrews 13:15-16
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that confess His name. / And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; / you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.

1 Timothy 4:14
Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given you through the prophecy spoken over you at the laying on of the hands of the elders.

Ephesians 4:11-12
And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, / to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ,

1 Corinthians 12:4-7
There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. / There are different ministries, but the same Lord. / There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people. ...

2 Timothy 1:6
For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

Colossians 3:23-24
Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men, / because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Matthew 5:14-16
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. / Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. / In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Exodus 19:5-6
Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine. / And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you are to speak to the Israelites.”

Numbers 18:7
But only you and your sons shall attend to your priesthood for everything concerning the altar and what is inside the veil, and you are to perform that service. I am giving you the work of the priesthood as a gift, but any outsider who comes near the sanctuary must be put to death.”

Deuteronomy 10:8
At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to serve Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name, as they do to this day.

Leviticus 8:35
You must remain at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting day and night for seven days and keep the LORD’s charge so that you will not die, for this is what I have been commanded.”

1 Samuel 12:24
Above all, fear the LORD and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you.


Treasury of Scripture

My sons, be not now negligent: for the LORD has chosen you to stand before him, to serve him, and that you should minister to him, and burn incense.

negligent.

Galatians 6:7,8
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap…

the Lord

Numbers 3:6-9
Bring the tribe of Levi near, and present them before Aaron the priest, that they may minister unto him…

Numbers 8:6-14
Take the Levites from among the children of Israel, and cleanse them…

Numbers 18:2-6
And thy brethren also of the tribe of Levi, the tribe of thy father, bring thou with thee, that they may be joined unto thee, and minister unto thee: but thou and thy sons with thee shall minister before the tabernacle of witness…

Jump to Previous
Burn Burning Care Chosen Fixed Him Incense Making Marked Minister Ministering Ministers Negligent Offer Offerings Perfume Presence Rest Servants Serve Stand
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Burn Burning Care Chosen Fixed Him Incense Making Marked Minister Ministering Ministers Negligent Offer Offerings Perfume Presence Rest Servants Serve Stand
2 Chronicles 29
1. Hezekiah's good reign.
3. He restores religion
5. He exhorts the Levites
12. They sanctify themselves, and cleanse the house of God
20. Hezekiah offers solemn sacrifices,
24. wherein the Levites are more forward than the priests














My sons
This phrase indicates a familial and intimate address, suggesting a relationship of care and responsibility. In the Hebrew context, "sons" (בָּנַי, banai) often refers to members of a community or group who are under the guidance of a leader, in this case, King Hezekiah. It reflects the covenantal relationship between God and His people, where leaders are seen as spiritual fathers guiding their "sons" in faithfulness.

do not be negligent now
The Hebrew root for "negligent" (שָׁלָה, shalah) implies a sense of complacency or carelessness. Hezekiah's exhortation is urgent, emphasizing the immediacy of the need for action. Historically, this call comes at a time of religious reform, where the people of Judah are being called back to faithful worship after a period of neglect under previous kings. The urgency ("now") underscores the critical nature of their spiritual duties.

for the LORD has chosen you
The concept of divine election is central here. "Chosen" (בָּחַר, bachar) in Hebrew conveys a deliberate selection by God for a specific purpose. This reflects the biblical theme of God choosing individuals and groups for His divine purposes, as seen throughout the Old Testament with figures like Abraham, Moses, and David. It is a reminder of the privilege and responsibility that comes with being selected by God.

to stand before Him
In ancient Near Eastern culture, to "stand before" a king or deity was a position of honor and service. The Hebrew word for "stand" (עָמַד, amad) implies readiness and attentiveness. This phrase indicates a call to be in God's presence, ready to serve and obey His commands. It highlights the priestly role of mediation between God and the people.

and to serve Him
The Hebrew root for "serve" (שָׁרַת, sharath) is often associated with priestly duties. This service is not just physical labor but a spiritual act of worship and dedication. It reflects the broader biblical theme of servanthood as a form of worship, where serving God is both a duty and a privilege.

to minister before Him
"Minister" (שָׁרַת, sharath) is closely related to service but carries a connotation of attending to the needs of another, in this case, God Himself. This phrase emphasizes the role of the priests as intermediaries who facilitate the worship and offerings of the people, ensuring that they are acceptable to God.

and to burn incense
Burning incense (קָטַר, qatar) was a significant aspect of Old Testament worship, symbolizing the prayers of the people ascending to God. Incense was used in the tabernacle and temple as a fragrant offering, representing purity and devotion. This act is a reminder of the holiness required in worship and the need for a pleasing aroma before the Lord, both literally and metaphorically.

(11) My sons.--A condescending term from the king; just as my father was a term of respect (2Kings 2:12; 2Kings 5:13; 2Kings 13:14).

Be not now negligent.--The Niphal form of the verb shalah ("to be at ease") occurs nowhere else. The margin is incorrect.

The Lord hath chosen you.--You hath the Lord chosen. The pronoun is emphatic. (Comp. the similar words: 1Chronicles 23:13; Deuteronomy 10:8.) . . .

Verse 11. - Be not now negligent; Hebrew, אַל־תִּשָּׂלוּ. This verb in kal (supposing it the same verb) occurs but five times (Job 3:26; Job 12:6; Psalm 122:6; Jeremiah 12:1; Lamentations 1:5), the radical idea of it being the safety of ease or security rather than any absolute safety. In niph. it is found only in this place and in 2 Kings 4:28, where the rendering of the Authorized Version, "Do not deceive me," will easily yield the same essential idea. The derivative adjective (שֶׁלֵו) occurs eight times, and always has the same flavour about it (1 Chronicles 4:40; Job 16:12; Job 20:20; Job 21:23; Psalm 73:12; Jeremiah 49:31; Ezekiel 23:42; Zechariah 7:7). And the derivative nouns (שֶׁלֶו and שַׁלְוָה) occur nine times, and, at any rate, in almost every instance evidently carrying the same fundamental idea (Psalm 30:6; Psalm 122:7; Proverbs 1:32; Proverbs 17:1; Jeremiah 22:21; Ezekiel 16:49; Daniel 8:25; Daniel 11:21, 24). Our Authorized Version, therefore, sufficiently reproduces the thought of Hezekiah, though perhaps this would more exactly come out of the rendering, "Be not now at ease," i.e. sacrifice ease and self-indulgence, etc. To serve him... that ye should minister. The same verb is used in both these places; so Revised Version, To minister unto him, and that ye should be his ministers.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Now,
עַתָּ֖ה (‘at·tāh)
Adverb
Strong's 6258: At this time

my sons,
בָּנַ֕י (bā·nay)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1121: A son

do not
אַל־ (’al-)
Adverb
Strong's 408: Not

be negligent,
תִּשָּׁל֑וּ (tiš·šā·lū)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 7952: Deceive, be negligent

for
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the LORD
יְהוָ֗ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3069: YHWH

has chosen
בָּחַ֣ר (bā·ḥar)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 970: Selected, a youth

you
בָכֶ֞ם (ḇā·ḵem)
Preposition | second person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrew

to stand
לַעֲמֹ֤ד (la·‘ă·mōḏ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations

before Him,
לְפָנָיו֙ (lə·p̄ā·nāw)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6440: The face

to serve Him,
לְשָׁ֣רְת֔וֹ (lə·šā·rə·ṯōw)
Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 8334: To attend as a, menial, worshipper, to contribute to

to
וְלִהְי֥וֹת (wə·lih·yō·wṯ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

minister
מְשָׁרְתִ֥ים (mə·šā·rə·ṯîm)
Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 8334: To attend as a, menial, worshipper, to contribute to

before Him,
ל֖וֹ (lōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

and to burn incense.”
וּמַקְטִרִֽים׃ (ū·maq·ṭi·rîm)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 6999: To smoke, turn into fragrance by fire


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OT History: 2 Chronicles 29:11 My sons don't be negligent now (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr)
2 Chronicles 29:10
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