King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 22:16 Mean?

2 Kings 22:16 in the King James Version says “Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, and upon the inhabitants thereof, even all the words of ...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, and upon the inhabitants thereof, even all the words of the book which the king of Judah hath read:”

2 Kings 22:16 · KJV

Context

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,

16

Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, and upon the inhabitants thereof, even all the words of the book which the king of Judah hath read:

17

Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be kindled against this place, and shall not be quenched.

18

But to the king of Judah which sent you to enquire of the LORD, thus shall ye say to him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, As touching the words which thou hast heard;

Read 2 Kings 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, and upon the inhabitants thereof, even all the words of the book which the king of Judah hath read:

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. 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.

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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 · 19 words
כֹּ֚ה1 of 19
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֣ר2 of 19

“Thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֔ה3 of 19

“the LORD”

H3068

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

הִנְנִ֨י4 of 19
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

מֵבִ֥יא5 of 19

“Behold I will bring”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

רָעָ֛ה6 of 19

“evil”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

אֶל7 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמָּק֥וֹם8 of 19

“upon this place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

הַזֶּ֖ה9 of 19
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

וְעַל10 of 19
H5921

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

יֹֽשְׁבָ֑יו11 of 19

“and upon the inhabitants”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

אֵ֚ת12 of 19
H853

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

כָּל13 of 19
H3605

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

דִּבְרֵ֣י14 of 19

“thereof even all the words”

H1697

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

הַסֵּ֔פֶר15 of 19

“of the book”

H5612

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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר16 of 19
H834

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

קָרָ֖א17 of 19

“hath read”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

מֶ֥לֶךְ18 of 19

“which the king”

H4428

a king

יְהוּדָֽה׃19 of 19

“of Judah”

H3063

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

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 22:16 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 22:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 9:11-14Joshua 23:15Deuteronomy 32:15-26Deuteronomy 29:18-23Deuteronomy 29:272 Kings 25:1-4

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