King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 23:33 Mean?

2 Kings 23:33 in the King James Version says “And Pharaohnechoh put him in bands at Riblah in the land of Hamath, that he might not reign in Jerusalem; and put the la...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Pharaohnechoh put him in bands at Riblah in the land of Hamath, that he might not reign in Jerusalem; and put the land to a tribute of an hundred talents of silver, and a talent of gold. that: or, because he reigned put the: Heb. set a fine upon the land”

2 Kings 23:33 · KJV

Context

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.

33

And Pharaohnechoh put him in bands at Riblah in the land of Hamath, that he might not reign in Jerusalem; and put the land to a tribute of an hundred talents of silver, and a talent of gold. that: or, because he reigned put the: Heb. set a fine upon the land

34

And Pharaohnechoh made Eliakim the son of Josiah king in the room of Josiah his father, and turned his name to Jehoiakim, and took Jehoahaz away: and he came to Egypt, and died there.

35

And Jehoiakim gave the silver and the gold to Pharaoh; but he taxed the land to give the money according to the commandment of Pharaoh: he exacted the silver and the gold of the people of the land, of every one according to his taxation, to give it unto Pharaohnechoh.

Read 2 Kings 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Pharaoh-nechoh put him in bands at Riblah in the land of Hamath, that he might not reign in Jerusalem; and put the land to a tribute of an hundred talents of silver, and a talent of gold.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 23: Comprehensive reformation cannot avert certain judgment. 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
וַיַּֽאַסְרֵהוּ֩1 of 17

“put him in bands”

H631

to yoke or hitch; by analogy, to fasten in any sense, to join battle

פַרְעֹ֨ה2 of 17
H0
נְכֹ֤ה3 of 17

“And Pharaohnechoh”

H6549

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

בְרִבְלָה֙4 of 17

“at Riblah”

H7247

riblah, a place in syria

הָאָ֔רֶץ5 of 17

“in the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

חֲמָ֔ת6 of 17

“of Hamath”

H2574

chamath, a place in syria

בִמְּלֹ֖ךְ7 of 17

“that he might not reign”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

בִּירֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם8 of 17

“in Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

וַיִּתֶּן9 of 17

“and put”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

עֹ֙נֶשׁ֙10 of 17

“to a tribute”

H6066

a fine

עַל11 of 17
H5921

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

הָאָ֔רֶץ12 of 17

“in the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מֵאָ֥ה13 of 17

“of an hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

וְכִכַּ֥ר14 of 17

“and a talent”

H3603

a circle, i.e., (by implication) a circumjacent tract or region, especially the ghor or valley of the jordan; also a (round) loaf; also a talent (or l

כֶּ֖סֶף15 of 17

“of silver”

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

וְכִכַּ֥ר16 of 17

“and a talent”

H3603

a circle, i.e., (by implication) a circumjacent tract or region, especially the ghor or valley of the jordan; also a (round) loaf; also a talent (or l

זָהָֽב׃17 of 17

“of gold”

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

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 23:33 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 23:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 8:652 Kings 25:6Jeremiah 39:5-6Jeremiah 52:26-27Jeremiah 52:9-10Exodus 21:22

Places in This Verse

Hamath 1Settlement · Modern: Hama · 35.14°N, 36.75°E21 verses across 9 books
JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
Riblah 1Settlement · Modern: Rableh · 34.46°N, 36.57°E11 verses across 3 books
View all places in 2 Kings 23 →

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 23 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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