King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 23:9 Mean?

2 Kings 23:9 in the King James Version says “Nevertheless the priests of the high places came not up to the altar of the LORD in Jerusalem, but they did eat of the u...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Nevertheless the priests of the high places came not up to the altar of the LORD in Jerusalem, but they did eat of the unleavened bread among their brethren.”

2 Kings 23:9 · KJV

Context

7

And he brake down the houses of the sodomites, that were by the house of the LORD, where the women wove hangings for the grove. hangings: Heb. houses

8

And he brought all the priests out of the cities of Judah, and defiled the high places where the priests had burned incense, from Geba to Beersheba, and brake down the high places of the gates that were in the entering in of the gate of Joshua the governor of the city, which were on a man's left hand at the gate of the city.

9

Nevertheless the priests of the high places came not up to the altar of the LORD in Jerusalem, but they did eat of the unleavened bread among their brethren.

10

And he defiled Topheth, which is in the valley of the children of Hinnom, that no man might make his son or his daughter to pass through the fire to Molech.

11

And he took away the horses that the kings of Judah had given to the sun, at the entering in of the house of the LORD, by the chamber of Nathanmelech the chamberlain, which was in the suburbs, and burned the chariots of the sun with fire. chamberlain: or, eunuch, or, officer

Read 2 Kings 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Nevertheless the priests of the high places came not up to the altar of the LORD in Jerusalem, but they did eat of the unleavened bread among their brethren.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 23: Comprehensive reformation cannot avert certain judgment. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. 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 · 15 words
אַ֗ךְ1 of 15
H389

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

לֹ֤א2 of 15
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יַֽעֲלוּ֙3 of 15

“came not up”

H5927

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

כֹּֽהֲנֵ֣י4 of 15

“Nevertheless the priests”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

הַבָּמ֔וֹת5 of 15

“of the high places”

H1116

an elevation

אֶל6 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מִזְבַּ֥ח7 of 15

“to the altar”

H4196

an altar

יְהוָ֖ה8 of 15

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

בִּירֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם9 of 15

“in Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

כִּ֛י10 of 15
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אִם11 of 15
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

אָֽכְל֥וּ12 of 15

“but they did eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

מַצּ֖וֹת13 of 15

“of the unleavened bread”

H4682

properly, sweetness; concretely, sweet (i.e., not soured or bittered with yeast); specifically, an unfermented cake or loaf, or (elliptically) the fes

בְּת֥וֹךְ14 of 15

“among”

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

אֲחֵיהֶֽם׃15 of 15

“their brethren”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

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 23:9 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 23:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 44:10-14Malachi 2:8-91 Samuel 2:36Ezekiel 44:29-31

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 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

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Kings 23 with CommentaryAll 2 Kings ChaptersComplete 2 Kings QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes