King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 23:11 Mean?

2 Kings 23:11 in the King James Version says “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, b...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Kings 23:11 · KJV

Context

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

13

And the high places that were before Jerusalem, which were on the right hand of the mount of corruption, which Solomon the king of Israel had builded for Ashtoreth the abomination of the Zidonians, and for Chemosh the abomination of the Moabites, and for Milcom the abomination of the children of Ammon, did the king defile. the mount: that is, the mount of Olives

Read 2 Kings 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 Nathan-melech the chamberlain, which was in the suburbs, and burned the chariots of the sun with fire.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 23: Comprehensive reformation cannot avert certain judgment. 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 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 · 23 words
וַיַּשְׁבֵּ֣ת1 of 23

“And he took away”

H7673

to repose, i.e., desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific)

אֶת2 of 23
H853

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

הַסּוּסִ֗ים3 of 23

“the horses”

H5483

a horse (as leaping)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר4 of 23
H834

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

נָֽתְנוּ֩5 of 23

“had given”

H5414

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

מַלְכֵ֨י6 of 23

“that the kings”

H4428

a king

יְהוּדָ֤ה7 of 23

“of Judah”

H3063

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

הַשֶּׁ֖מֶשׁ8 of 23

“of the sun”

H8121

the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

מִבֹּ֣א9 of 23

“at the entering in”

H935

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

בֵית10 of 23

“of the house”

H1004

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

יְהוָ֔ה11 of 23

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

אֶל12 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לִשְׁכַּת֙13 of 23

“by the chamber”

H3957

a room in a building (whether for storage, eating, or lodging)

נְתַן14 of 23
H0
מֶ֣לֶךְ15 of 23

“of Nathanmelech”

H5419

nethan-melek, an israelite

הַסָּרִ֔יס16 of 23

“the chamberlain”

H5631

a eunuch; by implication, valet (especially of the female apartments), and thus, a minister of state

אֲשֶׁ֖ר17 of 23
H834

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

בַּפַּרְוָרִ֑ים18 of 23

“which was in the suburbs”

H6503

parbar or parvar, a quarter of jerusalem

וְאֶת19 of 23
H853

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

מַרְכְּב֥וֹת20 of 23

“the chariots”

H4818

a chariot

הַשֶּׁ֖מֶשׁ21 of 23

“of the sun”

H8121

the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

שָׂרַ֥ף22 of 23

“and burned”

H8313

to be (causatively, set) on fire

בָּאֵֽשׁ׃23 of 23

“with fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

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 23:11 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 23:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 8:16Deuteronomy 4:192 Chronicles 14:52 Chronicles 34:42 Kings 23:5

Test Your Knowledge

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

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