2 Chronicles 34:13
New International Version
had charge of the laborers and supervised all the workers from job to job. Some of the Levites were secretaries, scribes and gatekeepers.

New Living Translation
were put in charge of the laborers of the various trades. Still others assisted as secretaries, officials, and gatekeepers.

English Standard Version
were over the burden-bearers and directed all who did work in every kind of service, and some of the Levites were scribes and officials and gatekeepers.

Berean Standard Bible
were over the laborers and supervised all who did the work, task by task. Some of the Levites were secretaries, officers, and gatekeepers.

King James Bible
Also they were over the bearers of burdens, and were overseers of all that wrought the work in any manner of service: and of the Levites there were scribes, and officers, and porters.

New King James Version
were over the burden bearers and were overseers of all who did work in any kind of service. And some of the Levites were scribes, officers, and gatekeepers.

New American Standard Bible
They were also in charge of the burden bearers, and supervised all the workmen from job to job; and some of the Levites were scribes, and officials, and gatekeepers.

NASB 1995
They were also over the burden bearers, and supervised all the workmen from job to job; and some of the Levites were scribes and officials and gatekeepers.

NASB 1977
They were also over the burden bearers, and supervised all the workmen from job to job; and some of the Levites were scribes and officials and gatekeepers.

Legacy Standard Bible
They were also over those who carried loads, and directed all those who did the work from service to service; and some of the Levites were scribes and officials and gatekeepers.

Amplified Bible
They were also in charge of the burden bearers [who carried heavy loads], and supervised all the workmen in any kind of service; and some of the Levites were scribes and officials and gatekeepers.

Christian Standard Bible
They were also over the porters and were supervising all those doing the work task by task. Some of the Levites were secretaries, officers, and gatekeepers.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
They were also over the porters and were supervising all those doing the work task by task. Some of the Levites were secretaries, officers, and gatekeepers.

American Standard Version
Also they were over the bearers of burdens, and set forward all that did the work in every manner of service: and of the Levites there were scribes, and officers, and porters.

Contemporary English Version
were in charge of carrying supplies and supervising the workers. Other Levites were appointed to stand guard around the temple.

English Revised Version
Also they were over the bearers of burdens, and set forward all that did the work in every manner of service: and of the Levites there were scribes, and officers, and porters.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
also supervised the workers and directed all the workmen on the various jobs. Some of the Levites served as scribes, officials, or gatekeepers.

Good News Translation
Other Levites were in charge of transporting materials and supervising the workers on various jobs, and others kept records or served as guards.

International Standard Version
These men also supervised the heavy lift workers and supervised all the workmen from job to job, while some of the descendants of Levi served as scribes, officials, and gatekeepers.

Majority Standard Bible
were over the laborers and supervised all who did the work, task by task. Some of the Levites were secretaries, officers, and gatekeepers.

NET Bible
supervised the laborers and all the foremen on their various jobs. Some of the Levites were scribes, officials, and guards.

New Heart English Bible
Also they were over the bearers of burdens, and set forward all who did the work in every kind of service: and of the Levites there were scribes, and officers, and gatekeepers.

Webster's Bible Translation
Also they were over the bearers of burdens, and were overseers of all that wrought the work in any manner of service: and of the Levites there were scribes, and officers, and porters.

World English Bible
Also they were over the bearers of burdens, and directed all who did the work in every kind of service. Of the Levites, there were scribes, officials, and gatekeepers.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and over the burden-bearers, and overseers of everyone doing work for every service; and of the Levites [are] scribes, and officers, and gatekeepers.

Young's Literal Translation
and over the burden-bearers, and overseers of every one doing work for service and service; and of the Levites are scribes, and officers, and gatekeepers.

Smith's Literal Translation
And over those carrying, and superintending to all doing the work for service and service: and from the Levites, scribes and leaders and gate-keepers.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But over them that carried burdens for divers uses, were scribes, and masters of the number of the Levites, and porters.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Truly, scribes and teachers, from among the Levites who were porters, were over those who were carrying burdens for various uses.

New American Bible
were in charge of the men who carried the burdens, and they directed all the workers in every kind of labor. Some of the other Levites were scribes, officials, and gatekeepers.

New Revised Standard Version
were over the burden bearers and directed all who did work in every kind of service; and some of the Levites were scribes, and officials, and gatekeepers.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And all those who did the work in any manner of service; and of the Levites there were scribes and officers and porters who acted as overseers.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And all the Workers of the works for the ministries, and from the Levites, the Scribes and the Commanders and the Porters.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Also they were over the bearers of burdens, and presided over all that did the work in every manner of service; and of the Levites there were scribes, and officers, and porters.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And overseers were over the burden-bearers, and over all the workmen in the respective works; and of the Levites were appointed scribes, and judges, and porters.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Josiah Repairs the Temple
12And the men did the work faithfully. The Levites overseeing them were Jahath and Obadiah, descendants of Merari, and Zechariah and Meshullam, descendants of Kohath. Other Levites, all skilled with musical instruments, 13were over the laborers and supervised all who did the work, task by task. Some of the Levites were secretaries, officers, and gatekeepers.

Cross References
2 Kings 22:5-7
And let them deliver it into the hands of the supervisors of those doing the work on the house of the LORD, who in turn are to give it to the workmen repairing the damages to the house of the LORD— / to the carpenters, builders, and masons—to buy timber and dressed stone to repair the temple. / But they need not account for the money put into their hands, since they work with integrity.”

1 Chronicles 23:4
“Of these,” said David, “24,000 are to oversee the work of the house of the LORD, 6,000 are to be officers and judges,

1 Chronicles 26:29
From the Izharites, Chenaniah and his sons had the outside duties as officers and judges over Israel.

1 Chronicles 28:21
The divisions of the priests and Levites are ready for all the service of the house of God, and every willing man of every skill will be at your disposal for the work. The officials and all the people are fully at your command.”

Ezra 3:8-9
In the second month of the second year after they had arrived at the house of God in Jerusalem, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, Jeshua son of Jozadak, and the rest of their associates including the priests, the Levites, and all who had returned to Jerusalem from the captivity, began the work. They appointed Levites twenty years of age or older to supervise the construction of the house of the LORD. / So Jeshua and his sons and brothers, Kadmiel and his sons (descendants of Yehudah), and the sons of Henadad and their sons and brothers—all Levites—joined together to supervise those working on the house of God.

Nehemiah 11:22
Now the overseer of the Levites in Jerusalem was Uzzi son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Mica. He was one of Asaph’s descendants, who were the singers in charge of the service of the house of God.

Exodus 36:1-2
“So Bezalel, Oholiab, and every skilled person are to carry out everything commanded by the LORD, who has given them skill and ability to know how to perform all the work of constructing the sanctuary.” / Then Moses summoned Bezalel, Oholiab, and every skilled person whom the LORD had gifted—everyone whose heart stirred him to come and do the work.

1 Kings 5:16
not including his 3,300 foremen who supervised the workers.

1 Kings 6:12-13
“As for this temple you are building, if you walk in My statutes, carry out My ordinances, and keep all My commandments by walking in them, I will fulfill through you the promise I made to your father David. / And I will dwell among the Israelites and will not abandon My people Israel.”

1 Kings 7:14
He was the son of a widow from the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a craftsman in bronze. Huram had great skill, understanding, and knowledge for every kind of bronze work. So he came to King Solomon and carried out all his work.

1 Kings 9:23
They were also the chief officers over Solomon’s projects: 550 supervisors over the people who did the work.

1 Corinthians 12:28
And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues.

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,

Romans 12:6-8
We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith; / if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; / if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

1 Peter 4:10-11
As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another. / If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the words of God. If anyone serves, he should serve with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.


Treasury of Scripture

Also they were over the bearers of burdens, and were overseers of all that worked the work in any manner of service: and of the Levites there were scribes, and officers, and porters.

the bearers

2 Chronicles 2:10,18
And, behold, I will give to thy servants, the hewers that cut timber, twenty thousand measures of beaten wheat, and twenty thousand measures of barley, and twenty thousand baths of wine, and twenty thousand baths of oil…

2 Chronicles 8:10
And these were the chief of king Solomon's officers, even two hundred and fifty, that bare rule over the people.

Nehemiah 4:10
And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall.

and of the Levites

1 Chronicles 23:4,5
Of which, twenty and four thousand were to set forward the work of the house of the LORD; and six thousand were officers and judges: …

scribes

Ezra 7:6
This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him.

Jeremiah 8:8
How do ye say, We are wise, and the law of the LORD is with us? Lo, certainly in vain made he it; the pen of the scribes is in vain.

Matthew 26:3
Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,

officers

2 Chronicles 19:11
And, behold, Amariah the chief priest is over you in all matters of the LORD; and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, for all the king's matters: also the Levites shall be officers before you. Deal courageously, and the LORD shall be with the good.

1 Chronicles 23:4
Of which, twenty and four thousand were to set forward the work of the house of the LORD; and six thousand were officers and judges:

1 Chronicles 26:29,30
Of the Izharites, Chenaniah and his sons were for the outward business over Israel, for officers and judges…

porters

2 Chronicles 8:14
And he appointed, according to the order of David his father, the courses of the priests to their service, and the Levites to their charges, to praise and minister before the priests, as the duty of every day required: the porters also by their courses at every gate: for so had David the man of God commanded.

1 Chronicles 9:17
And the porters were, Shallum, and Akkub, and Talmon, and Ahiman, and their brethren: Shallum was the chief;

1 Chronicles 15:18
And with them their brethren of the second degree, Zechariah, Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah, and Maaseiah, and Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, the porters.

Jump to Previous
Authority Bearers Burden Burdens Charge Directed Directions Doorkeepers Forward Gatekeepers Job Kind Levites Manner Officers Officials Overseers Porters Scribes Secretaries Service Sort Supervised Transport Work Workers Workmen Wrought
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Authority Bearers Burden Burdens Charge Directed Directions Doorkeepers Forward Gatekeepers Job Kind Levites Manner Officers Officials Overseers Porters Scribes Secretaries Service Sort Supervised Transport Work Workers Workmen Wrought
2 Chronicles 34
1. Josiah's good reign
3. He destroys idolatry
8. He takes order for the repair of the temple
14. Hilkiah, having found a book of the law,
21. Josiah sends to Huldah to enquire of the Lord
23. Huldah prophesies the destruction of Jerusalem, but respite thereof in Josiah's time
29. Josiah, causing it to be read in a solemn assembly, renews the covenant with God














were over the laborers
This phrase indicates a position of authority and responsibility. In the Hebrew context, the word for "laborers" (עֹשֵׂי הַמְּלָאכָה) refers to those engaged in the physical work of restoring the temple. The leaders over them were likely skilled in management and organization, ensuring that the work was done efficiently and according to the plans laid out for the temple's restoration. This reflects the biblical principle of stewardship, where those in leadership are called to guide and direct others in fulfilling God's purposes.

and supervised all the workers
The Hebrew root for "supervised" (נָצַח, natsach) implies oversight with diligence and care. This supervision was crucial in maintaining the quality and integrity of the work being done. It suggests a model of leadership that is both hands-on and attentive, ensuring that each worker understood their role and contributed effectively to the collective goal. This mirrors the Christian call to be diligent in our work, as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23).

from job to job
This phrase highlights the organized and systematic approach to the temple restoration. Each task was assigned and completed in a structured manner, reflecting the orderliness of God's creation. The Hebrew culture placed a high value on order and precision, especially in matters related to worship and the temple. This serves as a reminder of the importance of order and discipline in our spiritual lives and ministries.

Some of the Levites
The Levites were a tribe set apart for religious duties, and their involvement in this project underscores the spiritual significance of the work. The Levites' role in temple service was not just ceremonial but also practical, as they were entrusted with various responsibilities to ensure the smooth operation of temple worship. This highlights the principle that all work, whether sacred or secular, can be an act of worship when done for God's glory.

were secretaries, officers, and gatekeepers
These roles indicate a well-organized structure within the temple service. "Secretaries" (סוֹפְרִים, sopherim) were responsible for recording and maintaining important documents, reflecting the value of preserving God's word and the history of His people. "Officers" (שֹׁטְרִים, shotrim) were likely involved in administrative and judicial functions, ensuring justice and order. "Gatekeepers" (שֹׁעֲרִים, sho'arim) had the critical task of guarding the temple, symbolizing the protection of what is holy. Together, these roles illustrate the diverse gifts and callings within the body of Christ, each essential for the functioning of the whole.

(13) Also.--And.

They.--The Levitical musicians-

Were over the bearers of burdens.--They probably cheered their labours with song and music; as was the practice in ancient Egypt.

And were overseers.--Leaders, conductors; see Note on 2Chronicles 34:12. Notice the honourable position here assigned to the musical guilds of Levites.

And of the Levites . . . porters.--In connection, that is, with the work of restoration. But comp. 1Chronicles 23:4-5. The writer may only intend to say that there were Levitical guilds of "scribes, officers, and porters," as well as of musicians.

Scribes.--1Chronicles 2:55. . . .

Verse 13. - Scribes. Considering the mention of "scribes" in the plural in 1 Kings 4:3, although it stands alone, till, at all events, the time of Hezekiah (as testified by Proverbs 25:1), it is at any rate not improbable that an order of scribes was instituted by Solomon; that it fell into desuetude immediately under the divided kingdom, and, coming into vogue again under Hezekiah, is now mentioned in the natural way we here find it. The mention of the "scribe" in the singular number is of frequent occurrence in the historic books, and in Isaiah (Isaiah 33:18; Isaiah 36:22). The officers. This word reproduces, in the Hebrew, the familiar shoterim of Exodus 5:10 (see also 1 Chronicles 23:3-6).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
were over
וְעַ֣ל (wə·‘al)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the laborers
הַסַּבָּלִ֗ים (has·sab·bā·lîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5449: Burden bearer

and supervised
וּֽמְנַצְּחִים֙ (ū·mə·naṣ·ṣə·ḥîm)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 5329: To glitter from afar, to be eminent, to be permanent

all
לְכֹל֙ (lə·ḵōl)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

who did
עֹשֵׂ֣ה (‘ō·śêh)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6213: To do, make

the work,
מְלָאכָ֔ה (mə·lā·ḵāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4399: Deputyship, ministry, employment, work, property

task
לַעֲבוֹדָ֖ה (la·‘ă·ḇō·w·ḏāh)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5656: Work of any kind

by task.
וַעֲבוֹדָ֑ה (wa·‘ă·ḇō·w·ḏāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5656: Work of any kind

Some of the Levites
וּמֵֽהַלְוִיִּ֔ם (ū·mê·hal·wî·yim)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m, Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 3881: Levites -- descendant of Levi

were secretaries,
סוֹפְרִ֥ים (sō·wp̄·rîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5608: To count, recount, relate

officers,
וְשֹׁטְרִ֖ים (wə·šō·ṭə·rîm)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 7860: A scribe, an official superintendent, magistrate

and gatekeepers.
וְשׁוֹעֲרִֽים׃ (wə·šō·w·‘ă·rîm)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 7778: A gatekeeper


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OT History: 2 Chronicles 34:13 Also they were over the bearers (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr)
2 Chronicles 34:12
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