King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 22:8 Mean?

2 Kings 22:8 in the King James Version says “And Hilkiah the high priest said unto Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD. And...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Hilkiah the high priest said unto Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD. And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it.”

2 Kings 22:8 · King James Version

Context

6

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

7

Howbeit there was no reckoning made with them of the money that was delivered into their hand, because they dealt faithfully.

8

And Hilkiah the high priest said unto Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD. And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it.

9

And Shaphan the scribe came to the king, and brought the king word again, and said, Thy servants have gathered the money that was found in the house, and have delivered it into the hand of them that do the work, that have the oversight of the house of the LORD. gathered: Heb. melted

10

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

Read 2 Kings 22 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And Hilkiah the high priest said unto Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD. And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it.

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?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַ֠יֹּאמֶר1 of 19

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

חִלְקִיָּ֧ה2 of 19

“And Hilkiah”

H2518

chilhijah, the name of eight israelites

הַכֹּהֵ֤ן3 of 19

“priest”

H3548

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

הַגָּדוֹל֙4 of 19

“the high”

H1419

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

עַל5 of 19
H5921

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

שָׁפָ֖ן6 of 19

“to Shaphan”

H8227

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

הַסֹּפֵ֔ר7 of 19

“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

הַסֵּ֛פֶר8 of 19

“the book”

H5612

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

הַתּוֹרָ֛ה9 of 19

“of the law”

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

מָצָ֖אתִי10 of 19

“I have 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

בְּבֵ֣ית11 of 19

“in the house”

H1004

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

יְהוָ֑ה12 of 19

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

וַיִּתֵּ֨ן13 of 19

“gave”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

חִלְקִיָּ֧ה14 of 19

“And Hilkiah”

H2518

chilhijah, the name of eight israelites

אֶת15 of 19
H853

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

הַסֵּ֛פֶר16 of 19

“the book”

H5612

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

אֶל17 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שָׁפָ֖ן18 of 19

“to Shaphan”

H8227

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

וַיִּקְרָאֵֽהוּ׃19 of 19

“and he read”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide 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 22:8 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 22:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 31:24-262 Chronicles 34:14-28

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

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