King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 22:1 Mean?

2 Kings 22:1 in the King James Version says “Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty and one years in Jerusalem. And his mother's na...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty and one years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jedidah, the daughter of Adaiah of Boscath.”

2 Kings 22:1 · KJV

Context

1

Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty and one years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jedidah, the daughter of Adaiah of Boscath.

2

And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in all the way of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left.

3

And it came to pass in the eighteenth year of king Josiah, that the king sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, the son of Meshullam, the scribe, to the house of the LORD, saying,

Read 2 Kings 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty and one years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jedidah, the daughter of Adaiah of Boscath.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 22: Rediscovery of God's word brings renewal. In Judah's later history, we see both genuine reforms and deep-rooted corruption, revealing that external religious activity cannot substitute for heart transformation.

The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 22 takes place during the final century of Judah's existence, 7th century BCE, including Manasseh and Josiah's reigns. The chapter's theme (Josiah's Reform Begins) reflects the historical reality of the worst apostasy under Manasseh followed by the most thorough reforms under Josiah, demonstrating that external righteousness cannot reverse God's determined judgment. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 22 regarding rediscovery of god's word brings renewal?
  2. What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
  3. In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
בֶּן1 of 16

“old”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

שְׁמֹנֶ֤ה2 of 16

“was eight”

H8083

a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth

שָׁנָ֔ה3 of 16

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

יֹֽאשִׁיָּ֣הוּ4 of 16

“Josiah”

H2977

joshijah, the name of two israelites

מָלַ֖ךְ5 of 16

“and he reigned”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

וּשְׁלֹשִׁ֤ים6 of 16

“thirty”

H7970

thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth

וְאַחַת֙7 of 16

“and one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

שָׁנָ֔ה8 of 16

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

מָלַ֖ךְ9 of 16

“and he reigned”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

בִּירֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם10 of 16

“in Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

וְשֵׁ֣ם11 of 16

“name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

אִמּ֔וֹ12 of 16

“And his mother's”

H517

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

יְדִידָ֥ה13 of 16

“was Jedidah”

H3040

jedidah, an israelitess

בַת14 of 16

“the daughter”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

עֲדָ֖יָה15 of 16

“of Adaiah”

H5718

adajah, the name of eight israelites

מִבָּֽצְקַֽת׃16 of 16

“of Boscath”

H1218

botscath, a place in palestine

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Kings 22:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Kings 22:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 15:392 Chronicles 34:1-33Zephaniah 1:1Isaiah 3:4Matthew 1:10Jeremiah 1:2

Places in This Verse

BozkathSettlement · Modern: Ed Dawaimeh · 31.54°N, 34.91°E2 verses across 2 books
JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in 2 Kings 22 →

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 22 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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