King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 23:24 Mean?

2 Kings 23:24 in the King James Version says “Moreover the workers with familiar spirits, and the wizards, and the images, and the idols, and all the abominations tha... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Moreover the workers with familiar spirits, and the wizards, and the images, and the idols, and all the abominations that were spied in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem, did Josiah put away, that he might perform the words of the law which were written in the book that Hilkiah the priest found in the house of the LORD. images: or, teraphim

2 Kings 23:24 · KJV


Context

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;

23

But in the eighteenth year of king Josiah, wherein this passover was holden to the LORD in Jerusalem.

24

Moreover the workers with familiar spirits, and the wizards, and the images, and the idols, and all the abominations that were spied in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem, did Josiah put away, that he might perform the words of the law which were written in the book that Hilkiah the priest found in the house of the LORD. images: or, teraphim

25

And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the LORD with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; neither after him arose there any like him.

26

Notwithstanding the LORD turned not from the fierceness of his great wrath, wherewith his anger was kindled against Judah, because of all the provocations that Manasseh had provoked him withal. provocations: Heb. angers


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moreover the workers with familiar spirits, and the wizards, and the images, and the idols, and all the abominations that were spied in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem, did Josiah put away, that he might perform the words of the law which were written in the book that Hilkiah the priest 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. 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 · 33 words
וְגַ֣ם1 of 33
H1571

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

אֶת2 of 33
H853

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

הָֽאֹב֣וֹת3 of 33

Moreover the workers with familiar spirits

H178

properly, a mumble, i.e., a water-skin (from its hollow sound); hence a necromancer (ventriloquist, as from a jar)

וְאֶת4 of 33
H853

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

הַ֠יִּדְּעֹנִים5 of 33

and the wizards

H3049

properly, a knowing one; specifically, a conjurer; (by impl) a ghost

וְאֶת6 of 33
H853

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

הַתְּרָפִ֨ים7 of 33

and the images

H8655

teraphim (singular or plural) a family idol

וְאֶת8 of 33
H853

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

הַגִּלֻּלִ֜ים9 of 33

and the idols

H1544

properly, a log (as round); by implication, an idol

וְאֵ֣ת10 of 33
H853

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

כָּל11 of 33
H3605

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

הַשִּׁקֻּצִ֗ים12 of 33

and all the abominations

H8251

disgusting, i.e., filthy; especially idolatrous or (concretely) an idol

אֲשֶׁ֤ר13 of 33
H834

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

נִרְאוּ֙14 of 33

that were spied

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

בְּאֶ֤רֶץ15 of 33

in the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

יְהוּדָה֙16 of 33

of Judah

H3063

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

וּבִיר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם17 of 33

and in Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

בִּעֵ֖ר18 of 33

put away

H1197

to be(-come) brutish

יֹֽאשִׁיָּ֑הוּ19 of 33

did Josiah

H2977

joshijah, the name of two israelites

לְ֠מַעַן20 of 33
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

הָקִ֞ים21 of 33

that he might perform

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

אֶת22 of 33
H853

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

דִּבְרֵ֤י23 of 33

the words

H1697

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

הַתּוֹרָה֙24 of 33

of the law

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

הַכְּתֻבִ֣ים25 of 33

which were written

H3789

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

עַל26 of 33
H5921

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

הַסֵּ֔פֶר27 of 33

in the book

H5612

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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר28 of 33
H834

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

מָצָ֛א29 of 33

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

חִלְקִיָּ֥הוּ30 of 33

that Hilkiah

H2518

chilhijah, the name of eight israelites

הַכֹּהֵ֖ן31 of 33

the priest

H3548

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

בֵּ֥ית32 of 33

in the house

H1004

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

יְהוָֽה׃33 of 33

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 23:24 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 23:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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