King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 23:29 Mean?

2 Kings 23:29 in the King James Version says “In his days Pharaohnechoh king of Egypt went up against the king of Assyria to the river Euphrates: and king Josiah went... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Kings 23:29 · KJV


Context

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.

30

And his servants carried him in a chariot dead from Megiddo, and brought him to Jerusalem, and buried him in his own sepulchre. And the people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah, and anointed him, and made him king in his father's stead.

31

Jehoahaz was twenty and three years old when he began to reign; and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hamutal, the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
In his days Pharaoh-nechoh 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.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 23: Comprehensive reformation cannot avert certain judgment. 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.

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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 · 20 words
בְּיָמָ֡יו1 of 20

In his days

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

עָלָה֩2 of 20

went up

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

פַרְעֹ֨ה3 of 20
H0
נְכֹ֧ה4 of 20

Pharaohnechoh

H6549

paroh-nekoh (or paroh-neko), an egyptian king

הַמֶּ֤לֶךְ5 of 20

against the king

H4428

a king

מִצְרַ֛יִם6 of 20

of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

עַל7 of 20
H5921

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

הַמֶּ֤לֶךְ8 of 20

against the king

H4428

a king

אַשּׁ֖וּר9 of 20

of Assyria

H804

ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire

עַל10 of 20
H5921

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

נְהַר11 of 20

to the river

H5104

a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity

פְּרָ֑ת12 of 20

Euphrates

H6578

perath (i.e., euphrates), a river of the east

וַיֵּ֨לֶךְ13 of 20
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

הַמֶּ֤לֶךְ14 of 20

against the king

H4428

a king

יֹֽאשִׁיָּ֙הוּ֙15 of 20

Josiah

H2977

joshijah, the name of two israelites

לִקְרָאת֔וֹ16 of 20

against

H7125

an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)

וַיְמִיתֵ֙הוּ֙17 of 20

him and he slew

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

בִּמְגִדּ֔וֹ18 of 20

him at Megiddo

H4023

megiddon or megiddo, a place in palestine

כִּרְאֹת֖וֹ19 of 20

when he had seen

H7200

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

אֹתֽוֹ׃20 of 20
H853

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


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 23:29 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 23:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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