King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 22:13 Mean?

2 Kings 22:13 in the King James Version says “Go ye, enquire of the LORD for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that is foun... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Kings 22:13 · KJV


Context

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

15

And she said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Tell the man that sent you to me,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 22: Rediscovery of God's word brings renewal. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. 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 · 36 words
לְכוּ֩1 of 36
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

דִרְשׁ֨וּ2 of 36

ye enquire

H1875

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

אֶת3 of 36
H853

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

יְהוָ֗ה4 of 36

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

בַּֽעֲדִ֣י5 of 36
H1157

in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc

וּבְעַד6 of 36
H1157

in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc

הָעָ֗ם7 of 36

for me and for the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וּבְעַד֙8 of 36
H1157

in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc

כָּל9 of 36
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יְהוּדָ֔ה10 of 36

and for all Judah

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

עַל11 of 36
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

דִּבְרֵי֙12 of 36

concerning the words

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הַסֵּ֣פֶר13 of 36

of this book

H5612

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

הַנִּמְצָ֖א14 of 36

that is found

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

הַזֶּ֑ה15 of 36
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

כִּֽי16 of 36
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

גְדוֹלָ֞ה17 of 36

for great

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

חֲמַ֣ת18 of 36

is the wrath

H2534

heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)

יְהוָ֗ה19 of 36

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֲשֶׁר20 of 36
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הִיא֙21 of 36
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

נִצְּתָ֣ה22 of 36

that is kindled

H3341

to burn or set on fire; figuratively, to desolate

בָ֔נוּ23 of 36
H0
עַל֩24 of 36
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אֲשֶׁ֨ר25 of 36
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לֹֽא26 of 36
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

שָׁמְע֜וּ27 of 36

have not hearkened

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֲבֹתֵ֗ינוּ28 of 36

against us because our fathers

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

עַל29 of 36
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

דִּבְרֵי֙30 of 36

concerning the words

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הַסֵּ֣פֶר31 of 36

of this book

H5612

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

הַזֶּ֔ה32 of 36
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

לַֽעֲשׂ֖וֹת33 of 36

to do

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

כְּכָל34 of 36
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַכָּת֥וּב35 of 36

according unto all that which is written

H3789

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

עָלֵֽינוּ׃36 of 36
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications


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 22:13 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 22:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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