King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 23:27 Mean?

2 Kings 23:27 in the King James Version says “And the LORD said, I will remove Judah also out of my sight, as I have removed Israel, and will cast off this city Jerus... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Kings 23:27 · King James Version


Context

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?

29

In his days Pharaohnechoh king of Egypt went up against the king of Assyria to the river Euphrates: and king Josiah went against him; and he slew him at Megiddo, when he had seen him.


Commentaries2 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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.

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?

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


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 27 words
אָמַ֔רְתִּי1 of 27

of which I said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֗ה2 of 27

And the LORD

H3068

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

גַּ֤ם3 of 27
H1571

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

אֶת4 of 27
H853

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

יְהוּדָה֙5 of 27

Judah

H3063

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

הֲסִרֹ֖תִי6 of 27

I will remove

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

מֵעַ֣ל7 of 27
H5921

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

פָּנַ֔י8 of 27

also out of my sight

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

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר9 of 27
H834

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

הֲסִרֹ֖תִי10 of 27

I will remove

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

אֶת11 of 27
H853

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל12 of 27

Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וּ֠מָאַסְתִּי13 of 27

and will cast off

H3988

to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear

אֶת14 of 27
H853

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

הָעִ֨יר15 of 27

this city

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

הַזֹּ֤את16 of 27
H2063

this (often used adverb)

אֲשֶׁר17 of 27
H834

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

בָּחַ֙רְתִּי֙18 of 27

which I have chosen

H977

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

אֶת19 of 27
H853

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

יְר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם20 of 27

Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

וְאֶת21 of 27
H853

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

הַבַּ֔יִת22 of 27

and the house

H1004

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר23 of 27
H834

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

אָמַ֔רְתִּי24 of 27

of which I said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יִֽהְיֶ֥ה25 of 27
H1961

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

שְׁמִ֖י26 of 27

My name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

שָֽׁם׃27 of 27
H8033

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


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 23:27 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 23:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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