King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 23:19 Mean?

2 Kings 23:19 in the King James Version says “And all the houses also of the high places that were in the cities of Samaria, which the kings of Israel had made to pro...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Kings 23:19 · KJV

Context

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

21

And the king commanded all the people, saying, Keep the passover unto the LORD your God, as it is written in the book of this covenant.

Read 2 Kings 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 Beth-el.

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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
וְגַם֩1 of 23
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

אֶת2 of 23
H853

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

כָּל3 of 23
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

בָּתֵּ֨י4 of 23

“And all the houses”

H1004

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

הַבָּמ֜וֹת5 of 23

“also of the high places”

H1116

an elevation

אֲשֶׁ֣ר׀6 of 23
H834

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

בְּעָרֵ֣י7 of 23

“that were in the cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

שֹֽׁמְר֗וֹן8 of 23

“of Samaria”

H8111

shomeron, a place in palestine

אֲשֶׁ֨ר9 of 23
H834

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

עָשָׂ֖ה10 of 23

“and did”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

מַלְכֵ֤י11 of 23

“which the kings”

H4428

a king

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙12 of 23

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

לְהַכְעִ֔יס13 of 23

“to provoke the LORD to anger”

H3707

to trouble; by implication, to grieve, rage, be indignant

הֵסִ֖יר14 of 23

“took away”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

יֹֽאשִׁיָּ֑הוּ15 of 23

“Josiah”

H2977

joshijah, the name of two israelites

עָשָׂ֖ה16 of 23

“and did”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לָהֶ֔ם17 of 23
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

כְּכָל18 of 23
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַֽמַּעֲשִׂ֔ים19 of 23

“to them according to all the acts”

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

אֲשֶׁ֥ר20 of 23
H834

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

עָשָׂ֖ה21 of 23

“and did”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

בְּבֵֽית22 of 23
H0
אֵֽל׃23 of 23

“in Bethel”

H1008

beth-el, 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 23:19 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 23:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 34:6-7Micah 6:16Ezekiel 8:17-181 Kings 16:331 Kings 13:32Psalms 78:58

Places in This Verse

Bethel 1Settlement · Modern: Beitin · 31.92°N, 35.24°E69 verses across 12 books
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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