Old Testament
2 Chronicles 20:36
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Together they built ships at Eziongaber, intending to sail to Tarshish.
Compare translations
And he joined himself with him to make ships to go to Tarshish: and they made the ships in Eziongaber.
What 2 Chronicles 20:36 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, we see a collaboration between two leaders who decide to build ships at a place called Eziongaber. Their goal is to sail to Tarshish, a distant location known for trade and wealth. This partnership highlights the importance of teamwork and shared vision in achieving ambitious goals. By coming together, they pool their resources and skills, demonstrating that great things can be accomplished when people unite for a common purpose. The act of building ships symbolizes preparation and planning for future endeavors. It reminds us that success often requires careful thought and collaboration. This moment serves as a reminder that pursuing dreams can sometimes involve taking risks and venturing into the unknown. The journey to Tarshish represents the pursuit of opportunities that may lead to prosperity and growth. Overall, this passage encourages us to seek partnerships that can help us navigate our own journeys in life, whether they are personal or professional.
How to apply 2 Chronicles 20:36 to your life
Consider the projects or goals in your life that could benefit from collaboration. Reach out to others who share your vision and explore how you can work together. Remember, great achievements often come from the combined efforts of many individuals. Don't hesitate to seek help and build partnerships for success. Stay open to new opportunities that arise from these connections. “Tarshish” can symbolize your dreams waiting to be pursued.
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Chronicles Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about 2 Chronicles 20:36
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying 2 Chronicles 20:36
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of 2 Chronicles
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Ezra
- Written
- Around 430 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Post-exilic Jews
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 2 Chronicles 20:36 mean?
This verse describes a partnership between two leaders who built ships at Eziongaber with the intention of sailing to Tarshish, a place known for trade. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration and planning in achieving ambitious goals.
What is the significance of Tarshish in 2 Chronicles 20:36?
Tarshish represents a distant and prosperous destination, symbolizing opportunities for trade and wealth. The journey to Tarshish illustrates the pursuit of ambitious dreams and the potential for growth.
What does building ships in Eziongaber symbolize in this verse?
Building ships in Eziongaber symbolizes preparation and planning for future endeavors. It highlights the necessity of taking practical steps and collaborating with others to achieve significant goals.
How does 2 Chronicles 20:36 relate to teamwork?
This verse showcases teamwork as the two leaders come together to build ships, demonstrating that great achievements often require the combined efforts and resources of multiple individuals.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.