King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 23:18 Mean?

2 Kings 23:18 in the King James Version says “And he said, Let him alone; let no man move his bones. So they let his bones alone, with the bones of the prophet that c...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he said, Let him alone; let no man move his bones. So they let his bones alone, with the bones of the prophet that came out of Samaria. bones alone: Heb. bones to escape”

2 Kings 23:18 · KJV

Context

16

And as Josiah turned himself, he spied the sepulchres that were there in the mount, and sent, and took the bones out of the sepulchres, and burned them upon the altar, and polluted it, according to the word of the LORD which the man of God proclaimed, who proclaimed these words.

17

Then he said, What title is that that I see? And the men of the city told him, It is the sepulchre of the man of God, which came from Judah, and proclaimed these things that thou hast done against the altar of Bethel.

18

And he said, Let him alone; let no man move his bones. So they let his bones alone, with the bones of the prophet that came out of Samaria. bones alone: Heb. bones to escape

19

And all the houses also of the high places that were in the cities of Samaria, which the kings of Israel had made to provoke the LORD to anger, Josiah took away, and did to them according to all the acts that he had done in Bethel.

20

And he slew all the priests of the high places that were there upon the altars, and burned men's bones upon them, and returned to Jerusalem. slew: or, sacrificed

Read 2 Kings 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he said, Let him alone; let no man move his bones. So they let his bones alone, with the bones of the prophet that came out of Samaria.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 23: Comprehensive reformation cannot avert certain judgment. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. 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 · 15 words
וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙1 of 15

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַנִּ֣יחוּ2 of 15

“Let him alone”

H3240

to deposit; by implication, to allow to stay

ל֔וֹ3 of 15
H0
אִ֖ישׁ4 of 15

“let 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)

אַל5 of 15
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

יָנַ֣ע6 of 15

“move”

H5128

to waver, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (as subjoined)

עַצְמ֣וֹת7 of 15

“So they let his bones”

H6106

a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame

וַֽיְמַלְּטוּ֙8 of 15

“alone”

H4422

properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn

עַצְמ֣וֹת9 of 15

“So they let his bones”

H6106

a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame

אֵ֚ת10 of 15
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

עַצְמ֣וֹת11 of 15

“So they let his bones”

H6106

a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame

הַנָּבִ֔יא12 of 15

“of the prophet”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

אֲשֶׁר13 of 15
H834

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

בָּ֖א14 of 15

“that came out”

H935

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

מִשֹּֽׁמְרֽוֹן׃15 of 15

“of Samaria”

H8111

shomeron, a place in palestine

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 23:18 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 23:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 13:311 Kings 13:1-22

Places in This Verse

Samaria 1Settlement · Modern: Samaria · 32.28°N, 35.20°E113 verses across 12 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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