King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 22:2 Mean?

2 Kings 22:2 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Kings 22:2 · 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,

4

Go up to Hilkiah the high priest, that he may sum the silver which is brought into the house of the LORD, which the keepers of the door have gathered of the people: door: Heb. threshold

Read 2 Kings 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

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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 · 13 words
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ1 of 13

“And he did”

H6213

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

הַיָּשָׁ֖ר2 of 13

“that which was right”

H3477

straight (literally or figuratively)

בְּעֵינֵ֣י3 of 13

“in the sight”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

יְהוָ֑ה4 of 13

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

וַיֵּ֗לֶךְ5 of 13
H1980

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

בְּכָל6 of 13
H3605

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

דֶּ֙רֶךְ֙7 of 13

“in all the way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

דָּוִ֣ד8 of 13

“of David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אָבִ֔יו9 of 13

“his father”

H1

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

וְלֹא10 of 13
H3808

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

סָ֖ר11 of 13

“and turned not aside”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

יָמִ֥ין12 of 13

“to the right hand”

H3225

the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south

וּשְׂמֹֽאול׃13 of 13

“or to the left”

H8040

properly, dark (as enveloped), i.e., the north; hence (by orientation), the left hand

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 22:2 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 22:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 5:32Joshua 1:72 Kings 18:31 Kings 3:62 Chronicles 29:22 Kings 16:2

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