King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 22:4 Mean?

2 Kings 22:4 in the King James Version says “Go up to Hilkiah the high priest, that he may sum the silver which is brought into the house of the LORD, which the keep... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Kings 22:4 · KJV


Context

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

5

And let them deliver it into the hand of the doers of the work, that have the oversight of the house of the LORD: and let them give it to the doers of the work which is in the house of the LORD, to repair the breaches of the house,

6

Unto carpenters, and builders, and masons, and to buy timber and hewn stone to repair the house.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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:

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 · 17 words
עֲלֵ֗ה1 of 17

Go up

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

אֶל2 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

חִלְקִיָּ֙הוּ֙3 of 17

to Hilkiah

H2518

chilhijah, the name of eight israelites

הַכֹּהֵ֣ן4 of 17

priest

H3548

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

הַגָּד֔וֹל5 of 17

the high

H1419

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

וְיַתֵּ֣ם6 of 17

that he may sum

H8552

to complete, in a good or a bad sense, literal, or figurative, transitive or intransitive

אֶת7 of 17
H853

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

הַכֶּ֔סֶף8 of 17

the silver

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

הַמּוּבָ֖א9 of 17

which is brought

H935

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

בֵּ֣ית10 of 17

into the house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יְהוָ֑ה11 of 17

of the LORD

H3068

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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר12 of 17
H834

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

אָֽסְפ֛וּ13 of 17

have gathered

H622

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

שֹֽׁמְרֵ֥י14 of 17

which the keepers

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

הַסַּ֖ף15 of 17

of the door

H5592

a vestibule (as a limit); also a dish (for holding blood or wine)

מֵאֵ֥ת16 of 17
H853

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

הָעָֽם׃17 of 17

of the people

H5971

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


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 22:4 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 22:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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