Old Testament
2 Chronicles 36:3
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The king of Egypt removed him from power in Jerusalem and imposed a fine on the land of 100 talents of silver and a talent of gold.
Compare translations
And the king of Egypt put him down at Jerusalem, and condemned the land in an hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold.
What 2 Chronicles 36:3 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, we see a significant moment in the history of Jerusalem. The king of Egypt took control, removing the local ruler from power. This act was not just a political maneuver; it came with a heavy financial burden. The land was fined a substantial amount, which reflects the consequences of losing sovereignty. The fine of 100 talents of silver and a talent of gold indicates the severity of the situation. This was a time of great loss and hardship for the people. The actions of the Egyptian king highlight the vulnerability of Jerusalem during this period. It serves as a reminder of how external forces can impact a nation’s stability and well-being. The financial penalty also symbolizes the cost of political failure and the importance of wise leadership. Ultimately, this moment in history teaches us about the fragility of power and the repercussions that can follow when authority is challenged or lost. It’s a call to reflect on the importance of strong, just leadership in our own lives.
How to apply 2 Chronicles 36:3 to your life
Consider how leadership affects your community. Reflect on the importance of making wise decisions that benefit everyone. Just as Jerusalem faced consequences for its leadership, our choices can have lasting impacts. Strive to be a positive influence in your environment, promoting stability and support for others. Your actions matter greatly in shaping the future around you.
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 Ruth's story: Three Widows (Ruth 1:1–5)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Ruth

Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. 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.
Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
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 36:3
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 36:3
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 36:3 teach about leadership?
2 Chronicles 36:3 illustrates the consequences of poor leadership and the vulnerability of a nation when it loses its sovereignty. The removal of the local ruler by the king of Egypt signifies how external forces can disrupt governance. This passage serves as a reminder of the importance of wise and just leadership, as the decisions made by leaders can have profound impacts on the stability and well-being of their communities.
Why was Jerusalem fined by the king of Egypt?
The fine imposed on Jerusalem, amounting to 100 talents of silver and a talent of gold, reflects the political and financial repercussions of losing control to an external power. This financial burden symbolizes the cost of political failure and the consequences that come with losing sovereignty. It highlights how external control can lead to significant hardships for the local population.
What historical context surrounds 2 Chronicles 36:3?
This verse is set during a tumultuous period in Jerusalem's history when foreign powers, particularly Egypt and Babylon, exerted control over the region. The removal of the local ruler by the king of Egypt signifies a loss of independence and authority, marking a time of instability and hardship for the people of Jerusalem. Understanding this context helps to grasp the significance of the events described in the passage.
How can we apply the lessons from 2 Chronicles 36:3 to our lives?
The lessons from 2 Chronicles 36:3 encourage us to reflect on the importance of strong leadership and the impact of our decisions on our communities. Just as Jerusalem faced dire consequences due to leadership failures, we too must strive to make wise choices that promote stability and support for others. This passage calls us to be proactive in our roles as leaders, whether in our families, workplaces, or communities.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.