King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 23:2 Mean?

2 Kings 23:2 in the King James Version says “And the king went up into the house of the LORD, and all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem with him,... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the king went up into the house of the LORD, and all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem with him, and the priests, and the prophets, and all the people, both small and great: and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant which was found in the house of the LORD. both: Heb. from small even unto great

2 Kings 23:2 · King James Version


Context

1

And the king sent, and they gathered unto him all the elders of Judah and of Jerusalem.

2

And the king went up into the house of the LORD, and all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem with him, and the priests, and the prophets, and all the people, both small and great: and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant which was found in the house of the LORD. both: Heb. from small even unto great

3

And the king stood by a pillar, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all their heart and all their soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people stood to the covenant.

4

And the king commanded Hilkiah the high priest, and the priests of the second order, and the keepers of the door, to bring forth out of the temple of the LORD all the vessels that were made for Baal, and for the grove, and for all the host of heaven: and he burned them without Jerusalem in the fields of Kidron, and carried the ashes of them unto Bethel.


Commentaries2 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And the king went up into the house of the LORD, and all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem with him, and the priests, and the prophets, and all the people, both small and great: and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant which was found in the house of the LORD.

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. 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.

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?

Compare 2 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 28 words
וַיַּ֣עַל1 of 28

went up

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ2 of 28

And the king

H4428

a king

בְּבֵ֥ית3 of 28

in the house

H1004

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

יְהוָֽה׃4 of 28

of the LORD

H3068

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

וְכָל5 of 28
H3605

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

אִ֣ישׁ6 of 28

and all the men

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)

יְהוּדָה֩7 of 28

of Judah

H3063

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

וְכָל8 of 28
H3605

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

יֹֽשְׁבֵ֨י9 of 28

and all the inhabitants

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

יְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֜ם10 of 28

of Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

אִתּ֗וֹ11 of 28
H854

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

וְהַכֹּֽהֲנִים֙12 of 28

with him and the priests

H3548

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

וְהַנְּבִיאִ֔ים13 of 28

and the prophets

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

וְכָל14 of 28
H3605

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

הָעָ֖ם15 of 28

and all the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

לְמִקָּטֹ֣ן16 of 28

both small

H6996

abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)

וְעַד17 of 28
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

גָּד֑וֹל18 of 28

and great

H1419

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

וַיִּקְרָ֣א19 of 28

and he read

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

בְאָזְנֵיהֶ֗ם20 of 28

in their ears

H241

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

אֶת21 of 28
H853

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

כָּל22 of 28
H3605

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

דִּבְרֵי֙23 of 28

all the words

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

סֵ֣פֶר24 of 28

of the book

H5612

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

הַבְּרִ֔ית25 of 28

of the covenant

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

הַנִּמְצָ֖א26 of 28

which was 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

בְּבֵ֥ית27 of 28

in the house

H1004

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

יְהוָֽה׃28 of 28

of the LORD

H3068

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


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 23:2 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 23:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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