King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 22:12 Mean?

2 Kings 22:12 in the King James Version says “And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Michaiah, and Shaphan th...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Michaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asahiah a servant of the king's, saying,”

2 Kings 22:12 · KJV

Context

10

And Shaphan the scribe shewed the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath delivered me a book. And Shaphan read it before the king.

11

And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, that he rent his clothes.

12

And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Michaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asahiah a servant of the king's, saying,

13

Go ye, enquire of the LORD for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that is found: for great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that which is written concerning us.

14

So Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam, and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asahiah, went unto Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college;) and they communed with her. wardrobe: Heb. garments in the: or, in the second part

Read 2 Kings 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Michaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asahiah a servant of the king's, saying,

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 22: Rediscovery of God's word brings renewal. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 21 words
וַיְצַ֣ו1 of 21

“commanded”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ2 of 21

“And the king”

H4428

a king

אֶת3 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

חִלְקִיָּ֣ה4 of 21

“Hilkiah”

H2518

chilhijah, the name of eight israelites

הַכֹּהֵ֡ן5 of 21

“the priest”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וְאֶת6 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֲחִיקָ֣ם7 of 21

“and Ahikam”

H296

achikam, an israelite

בֶּן8 of 21

“the son”

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

שָׁפָ֣ן9 of 21

“and Shaphan”

H8227

a species of rock-rabbit (from its hiding), i.e., probably the hyrax

וְאֶת10 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עַכְבּ֨וֹר11 of 21

“and Achbor”

H5907

akbor, the name of an idumaean and of two israelites

בֶּן12 of 21

“the son”

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

מִֽיכָיָ֜ה13 of 21

“of Michaiah”

H4320

micajah, the name of two israelites

וְאֵ֣ת׀14 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שָׁפָ֣ן15 of 21

“and Shaphan”

H8227

a species of rock-rabbit (from its hiding), i.e., probably the hyrax

הַסֹּפֵ֗ר16 of 21

“the scribe”

H5608

properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra

וְאֵ֛ת17 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עֲשָׂיָ֥ה18 of 21

“and Asahiah”

H6222

asajah, the name of three or four israelites

עֶֽבֶד19 of 21

“a servant”

H5650

a servant

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ20 of 21

“And the king”

H4428

a king

לֵאמֹֽר׃21 of 21

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

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 22:12 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 22:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 26:242 Kings 25:22Jeremiah 26:222 Chronicles 34:19-212 Kings 22:92 Kings 19:2-3

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Kings 22 with CommentaryAll 2 Kings ChaptersComplete 2 Kings QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes