King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 23:30 Mean?

2 Kings 23:30 in the King James Version says “And his servants carried him in a chariot dead from Megiddo, and brought him to Jerusalem, and buried him in his own sep... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Kings 23:30 · King James Version


Context

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.

32

And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his fathers had done.


Commentaries2 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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.

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.

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 · 21 words
וַיַּרְכִּבֻ֨הוּ1 of 21

carried him in a chariot

H7392

to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch

עֲבָדָ֥יו2 of 21

And his servants

H5650

a servant

מֵת֙3 of 21

dead

H4191

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

מִמְּגִדּ֔וֹ4 of 21

from Megiddo

H4023

megiddon or megiddo, a place in palestine

וַיְבִאֻ֙הוּ֙5 of 21

and brought

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

יְר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם6 of 21

him to Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

וַֽיִּקְבְּרֻ֖הוּ7 of 21

and buried

H6912

to inter

בִּקְבֻֽרָת֑וֹ8 of 21

him in his own sepulchre

H6900

sepulture; (concretely) a sepulcher

וַיִּקַּ֣ח9 of 21

took

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

עַם10 of 21

And the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

הָאָ֗רֶץ11 of 21

of the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֶת12 of 21
H853

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

יְהֽוֹאָחָז֙13 of 21

Jehoahaz

H3059

jehoachaz, the name of three israelites

בֶּן14 of 21

the son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יֹ֣אשִׁיָּ֔הוּ15 of 21

of Josiah

H2977

joshijah, the name of two israelites

וַיִּמְשְׁח֥וּ16 of 21

and anointed

H4886

to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint

אֹת֛וֹ17 of 21
H853

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

וַיַּמְלִ֥יכוּ18 of 21

him and made him king

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

אֹת֖וֹ19 of 21
H853

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

תַּ֥חַת20 of 21
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

אָבִֽיו׃21 of 21

in his father's

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application


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 23:30 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 23:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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