King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 23:34 Mean?

2 Kings 23:34 in the King James Version says “And Pharaohnechoh made Eliakim the son of Josiah king in the room of Josiah his father, and turned his name to Jehoiakim... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Kings 23:34 · KJV


Context

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.

36

Jehoiakim was twenty and five years old when he began to reign; and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Zebudah, the daughter of Pedaiah of Rumah.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Pharaoh-nechoh 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.

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?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וַיַּמְלֵךְ֩1 of 21

king

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

פַּרְעֹ֨ה2 of 21
H0
נְכֹ֜ה3 of 21

And Pharaohnechoh

H6549

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

אֶת4 of 21
H853

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

אֶלְיָקִ֣ים5 of 21

made Eliakim

H471

eljakim, the name of four israelites

בֶּן6 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

יֹֽאשִׁיָּ֣הוּ7 of 21

in the room of Josiah

H2977

joshijah, the name of two israelites

תַּ֚חַת8 of 21
H8478

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

יֹֽאשִׁיָּ֣הוּ9 of 21

in the room of Josiah

H2977

joshijah, the name of two israelites

אָבִ֔יו10 of 21

his father

H1

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

וַיַּסֵּ֥ב11 of 21

and turned

H5437

to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively

אֶת12 of 21
H853

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

שְׁמ֖וֹ13 of 21

his name

H8034

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

יְהֽוֹיָקִ֑ים14 of 21

to Jehoiakim

H3079

jehojakim, a jewish king

וְאֶת15 of 21
H853

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

יְהֽוֹאָחָ֣ז16 of 21

Jehoahaz

H3059

jehoachaz, the name of three israelites

לָקָ֔ח17 of 21

and took

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

וַיָּבֹ֥א18 of 21

and he came

H935

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

מִצְרַ֖יִם19 of 21

to Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

וַיָּ֥מָת20 of 21

and died

H4191

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

שָֽׁם׃21 of 21
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 23:34 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 23:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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