6 But by the twenty-third year of King Joash the priests still had not repaired the temple.

Other Translations of 2 Kings 12:6

King James Version

6 But it was so, that in the three three...: Heb. twentieth year and third year and twentieth year of king Jehoash the priests had not repaired the breaches of the house.

English Standard Version

6 But by the twenty-third year of King Jehoash, the priests had made no repairs on the house.

The Message

6 But by the twenty-third year of Joash's rule, the priests hadn't done one thing - The Temple was as dilapidated as ever.

New King James Version

6 Now it was so, by the twenty-third year of King Jehoash, that the priests had not repaired the damages of the temple.

New Living Translation

6 But by the twenty-third year of Joash's reign, the priests still had not repaired the Temple.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Kings 12:6

Commentary on 2 Kings 12:1-16

(Read 2 Kings 12:1-16)

It is a great mercy to young people, especially to all young men of rank, like Jehoash, to have those about them who will instruct them to do what is right in the sight of the Lord; and they do wisely and well for themselves, when willing to be counselled and ruled. The temple was out of repair; Jehoash orders the repair of the temple. The king was zealous. God requires those who have power, to use it for the support of religion, the redress of grievances, and repairing of decays. The king employed the priests to manage, as most likely to be hearty in the work. But nothing was done effectually till the twenty-third year of his reign. Another method was therefore taken. When public distributions are made faithfully, public contributions will be made cheerfully. While they were getting all they could for the repair of the temple, they did not break in upon the stated maintenance of the priests. Let not the servants of the temple be starved, under colour of repairing the breaches of it. Those that were intrusted did the business carefully and faithfully. They did not lay it out in ornaments for the temple, till the other work was completed; hence we may learn, in all our expenses, to prefer that which is most needful, and, in dealing for the public, to deal as we would for ourselves.