King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 23:20 Mean?

2 Kings 23:20 in the King James Version says “And he slew all the priests of the high places that were there upon the altars, and burned men's bones upon them, and re...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Kings 23:20 · KJV

Context

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.

22

Surely there was not holden such a passover from the days of the judges that judged Israel, nor in all the days of the kings of Israel, nor of the kings of Judah;

Read 2 Kings 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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
וַ֠יִּזְבַּח1 of 16

“And he slew”

H2076

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

אֶת2 of 16
H853

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

כָּל3 of 16
H3605

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

כֹּֽהֲנֵ֨י4 of 16

“all the priests”

H3548

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

הַבָּמ֤וֹת5 of 16

“of the high places”

H1116

an elevation

אֲשֶׁר6 of 16
H834

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

שָׁם֙7 of 16
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

עַל8 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַֽמִּזְבְּח֔וֹת9 of 16

“that were there upon the altars”

H4196

an altar

וַיִּשְׂרֹ֛ף10 of 16

“and burned”

H8313

to be (causatively, set) on fire

אֶת11 of 16
H853

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

עַצְמ֥וֹת12 of 16

“bones”

H6106

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

אָדָ֖ם13 of 16

“men's”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

עֲלֵיהֶ֑ם14 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

וַיָּ֖שָׁב15 of 16

“upon them and returned”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

יְרֽוּשָׁלִָֽם׃16 of 16

“to Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of 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 23:20 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 23:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 11:182 Kings 10:25Exodus 22:202 Chronicles 34:51 Kings 18:401 Kings 13:2

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in 2 Kings 23 →

Test Your Knowledge

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