King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 23:10 Mean?

2 Kings 23:10 in the King James Version says “And he defiled Topheth, which is in the valley of the children of Hinnom, that no man might make his son or his daughter...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he defiled Topheth, which is in the valley of the children of Hinnom, that no man might make his son or his daughter to pass through the fire to Molech.”

2 Kings 23:10 · KJV

Context

8

And he brought all the priests out of the cities of Judah, and defiled the high places where the priests had burned incense, from Geba to Beersheba, and brake down the high places of the gates that were in the entering in of the gate of Joshua the governor of the city, which were on a man's left hand at the gate of the city.

9

Nevertheless the priests of the high places came not up to the altar of the LORD in Jerusalem, but they did eat of the unleavened bread among their brethren.

10

And he defiled Topheth, which is in the valley of the children of Hinnom, that no man might make his son or his daughter to pass through the fire to Molech.

11

And he took away the horses that the kings of Judah had given to the sun, at the entering in of the house of the LORD, by the chamber of Nathanmelech the chamberlain, which was in the suburbs, and burned the chariots of the sun with fire. chamberlain: or, eunuch, or, officer

12

And the altars that were on the top of the upper chamber of Ahaz, which the kings of Judah had made, and the altars which Manasseh had made in the two courts of the house of the LORD, did the king beat down, and brake them down from thence, and cast the dust of them into the brook Kidron. brake: or, ran from thence

Read 2 Kings 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he defiled Topheth, which is in the valley of the children of Hinnom, that no man might make his son or his daughter to pass through the fire to Molech.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 23: Comprehensive reformation cannot avert certain judgment. 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 23 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 Thorough Reforms) 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 23 regarding comprehensive reformation cannot avert certain judgment?
  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 · 16 words
וְטִמֵּ֣א1 of 16

“And he defiled”

H2930

to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)

אֶת2 of 16
H853

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

הַתֹּ֔פֶת3 of 16

“Topheth”

H8612

topheth, a place near jerusalem

אֲשֶׁ֖ר4 of 16
H834

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

בְּגֵ֣י5 of 16

“which is in the valley”

H1516

a gorge (from its lofty sides; hence, narrow, but not a gully or winter-torrent)

בְּנ֧וֹ6 of 16

“might make his son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

הִנֹּ֑ם7 of 16

“of Hinnom”

H2011

hinnom, apparently a jebusite

לְבִלְתִּ֗י8 of 16
H1115

properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n

לְהַֽעֲבִ֨יר9 of 16

“to pass through”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

אִ֜ישׁ10 of 16

“that no man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אֶת11 of 16
H853

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

בְּנ֧וֹ12 of 16

“might make his son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וְאֶת13 of 16
H853

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

בִּתּ֛וֹ14 of 16

“or his daughter”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

בָּאֵ֖שׁ15 of 16

“the fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

לַמֹּֽלֶךְ׃16 of 16

“to Molech”

H4432

molek (i.e., king), the chief deity of the ammonites

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 23:10 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 23:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 30:33Jeremiah 19:6Jeremiah 7:31-32Leviticus 18:21Jeremiah 32:35Joshua 15:8

Places in This Verse

TophethAltar · Modern: Hinnom Valley · 31.77°N, 35.23°E9 verses across 3 books
Valley of HinnomValley · Modern: Hinnom Valley · 31.77°N, 35.23°E12 verses across 5 books
View all places in 2 Kings 23 →

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 23 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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