King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 23:26 Mean?

2 Kings 23:26 in the King James Version says “Notwithstanding the LORD turned not from the fierceness of his great wrath, wherewith his anger was kindled against Juda... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Kings 23:26 · KJV


Context

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.

28

Now the rest of the acts of Josiah, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 17 words
אַ֣ךְ׀1 of 17
H389

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

לֹא2 of 17
H3808

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

שָׁ֣ב3 of 17

turned

H7725

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

יְהוָ֗ה4 of 17

Notwithstanding the LORD

H3068

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

מֵֽחֲר֤וֹן5 of 17

not from the fierceness

H2740

a burning of anger

אַפּ֖וֹ6 of 17

wherewith his anger

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

הַגָּד֔וֹל7 of 17

of his great

H1419

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

אֲשֶׁר8 of 17
H834

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

חָרָ֥ה9 of 17

was kindled

H2734

to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy

אַפּ֖וֹ10 of 17

wherewith his anger

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

בִּֽיהוּדָ֑ה11 of 17

against Judah

H3063

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

עַ֚ל12 of 17
H5921

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

כָּל13 of 17
H3605

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

הַכְּעָסִ֔ים14 of 17

because of all the provocations

H3708

vexation

אֲשֶׁ֥ר15 of 17
H834

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

הִכְעִיס֖וֹ16 of 17

had provoked

H3707

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

מְנַשֶּֽׁה׃17 of 17

that Manasseh

H4519

menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory


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 23:26 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 23:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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