King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 23:25 Mean?

2 Kings 23:25 in the King James Version says “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 w... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Kings 23:25 · King James Version


Context

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

27

And the LORD said, I will remove Judah also out of my sight, as I have removed Israel, and will cast off this city Jerusalem which I have chosen, and the house of which I said, My name shall be there.


Commentaries2 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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.

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?

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


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וְכָמֹהוּ֩1 of 22
H3644

as, thus, so

לֹֽא2 of 22
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הָיָ֨ה3 of 22
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְפָנָ֜יו4 of 22

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

מֶ֗לֶךְ5 of 22

And like unto him was there no king

H4428

a king

אֲשֶׁר6 of 22
H834

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

שָׁ֤ב7 of 22

him that turned

H7725

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

אֶל8 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָה֙9 of 22

to the LORD

H3068

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

בְּכָל10 of 22
H3605

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

לְבָב֤וֹ11 of 22

with all his heart

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

וּבְכָל12 of 22
H3605

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

נַפְשׁוֹ֙13 of 22

and with all his soul

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

וּבְכָל14 of 22
H3605

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

מְאֹד֔וֹ15 of 22

and with all his might

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

כְּכֹ֖ל16 of 22
H3605

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

תּוֹרַ֣ת17 of 22

according to all the law

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

מֹשֶׁ֑ה18 of 22

of Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

וְאַֽחֲרָ֖יו19 of 22

neither after

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

לֹא20 of 22
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

קָ֥ם21 of 22

him arose

H6965

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

כָּמֹֽהוּ׃22 of 22
H3644

as, thus, so


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 23:25 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 23:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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