Conaniah

Biblical Account

Conaniah was a Levite mentioned in 2 Chronicles 31. When Hezekiah carried out his reforms, the people brought grain and tithes in such abundance that these were laid up in heaps (2 Chronicles 31:5–10). Hezekiah then ordered that storerooms (chambers for storing goods) be prepared in the Temple in Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 31:11).

The people faithfully brought the offerings, the tithes, and the dedicated things (items set apart to be given to God) into these storerooms. Conaniah was in charge of this work, and his brother Shimei was second to him (2 Chronicles 31:12). Ten Levites, including Jehiel, Azaziah, and Nahath, served as overseers under the two brothers. The text records that this arrangement was made "at the commandment of Hezekiah the king, and Azariah the ruler of the house of God" (2 Chronicles 31:13).

Scripture records nothing further about Conaniah's family line or his later life. His name is often interpreted as meaning "the Lord has established" in Hebrew.

Significance in Scripture

Chronicles records the temple system and the duties of the Levites in detail. The account of Conaniah shows that Hezekiah's reform went beyond restoring worship; it also reestablished an organization to receive and manage what the people had offered. Conaniah is not mentioned in the New Testament.

Interpretation and Debate

The same name also appears in 2 Chronicles 35:9, where, during the reign of King Josiah, a Conaniah is listed among the "chief of the Levites" who provided sacrificial animals to the Levites for the Passover. Because several decades or more separate Hezekiah and Josiah, the two are generally regarded as different individuals who bore the same name. Some suggest that they may have belonged to the same family, but this cannot be confirmed from the text.

2 Chronicles 31 is frequently cited in sermons on tithing. However, denominations and theologians differ on how the Old Testament tithing system should be applied to giving in the church today (see tithing debate).

In the Korean Church

Sermons and Sunday school lessons devoted to Conaniah are reportedly rare. His name is mentioned mainly in sermons on giving and stewardship based on 2 Chronicles 31, where he is cited as an example of someone who faithfully managed what had been offered.