King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 23:35 Mean?

2 Kings 23:35 in the King James Version says “And Jehoiakim gave the silver and the gold to Pharaoh; but he taxed the land to give the money according to the commandm...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Kings 23:35 · KJV

Context

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.

37

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

Read 2 Kings 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 Pharaoh-nechoh.

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 · 28 words
הַכֶּ֤סֶף1 of 28

“the money”

H3701

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

הַזָּהָב֙2 of 28

“and the gold”

H2091

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

לָתֵ֖ת3 of 28

“gave”

H5414

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

יְהֽוֹיָקִים֙4 of 28

“And Jehoiakim”

H3079

jehojakim, a jewish king

פַרְעֹ֑ה5 of 28

“of Pharaoh”

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

אַ֚ךְ6 of 28
H389

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

הֶֽעֱרִ֣יךְ7 of 28

“but he taxed”

H6186

to set in a row, i.e., arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications)

אֶת8 of 28
H853

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

הָאָ֔רֶץ9 of 28

“of the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

לָתֵ֖ת10 of 28

“gave”

H5414

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

אֶת11 of 28
H853

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

הַכֶּ֤סֶף12 of 28

“the money”

H3701

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

עַל13 of 28
H5921

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

פִּ֣י14 of 28

“according to the commandment”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

פַרְעֹ֑ה15 of 28

“of Pharaoh”

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

אִ֣ישׁ16 of 28

“of every one”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

כְּעֶרְכּ֗וֹ17 of 28

“according to his taxation”

H6187

a pile, equipment, estimate

נָגַ֞שׂ18 of 28

“he exacted”

H5065

to drive (an animal, a workman, a debtor, an army); by implication, to tax, harass, tyrannize

אֶת19 of 28
H853

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

הַכֶּ֤סֶף20 of 28

“the money”

H3701

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

וְאֶת21 of 28
H853

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

הַזָּהָב֙22 of 28

“and the gold”

H2091

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

אֶת23 of 28
H853

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

עַ֣ם24 of 28

“of the people”

H5971

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

הָאָ֔רֶץ25 of 28

“of the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

לָתֵ֖ת26 of 28

“gave”

H5414

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

לְפַרְעֹ֥ה27 of 28
H0
נְכֹֽה׃28 of 28

“it unto Pharaohnechoh”

H6549

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

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 23:35 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 23:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 23:332 Kings 15:19-20

Test Your Knowledge

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

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