2 Kings 22:20
Behold therefore, I will gather thee unto thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace; and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place. And they brought the king word again.
Original Language Analysis
לָכֵן֩
H3651
לָכֵן֩
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
1 of 24
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
וְנֶֽאֱסַפְתָּ֣
Behold therefore I will gather
H622
וְנֶֽאֱסַפְתָּ֣
Behold therefore I will gather
Strong's:
H622
Word #:
3 of 24
to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 24
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אֲבֹתֶ֗יךָ
thee unto thy fathers
H1
אֲבֹתֶ֗יךָ
thee unto thy fathers
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
5 of 24
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
וְנֶֽאֱסַפְתָּ֣
Behold therefore I will gather
H622
וְנֶֽאֱסַפְתָּ֣
Behold therefore I will gather
Strong's:
H622
Word #:
6 of 24
to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)
בְּשָׁלוֹם֒
in peace
H7965
בְּשָׁלוֹם֒
in peace
Strong's:
H7965
Word #:
9 of 24
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
10 of 24
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִרְאֶ֣ינָה
shall not see
H7200
תִרְאֶ֣ינָה
shall not see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
11 of 24
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
עֵינֶ֔יךָ
and thine eyes
H5869
עֵינֶ֔יךָ
and thine eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
12 of 24
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
בְּכֹל֙
H3605
בְּכֹל֙
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
13 of 24
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
15 of 24
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
מֵבִ֖יא
which I will bring
H935
מֵבִ֖יא
which I will bring
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
17 of 24
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
18 of 24
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַמָּק֣וֹם
upon this place
H4725
הַמָּק֣וֹם
upon this place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
19 of 24
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
הַזֶּ֑ה
H2088
וַיָּשִׁ֥בוּ
And they brought
H7725
וַיָּשִׁ֥בוּ
And they brought
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
21 of 24
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
Cross References
Psalms 37:37Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.1 Chronicles 17:11And it shall come to pass, when thy days be expired that thou must go to be with thy fathers, that I will raise up thy seed after thee, which shall be of thy sons; and I will establish his kingdom.Genesis 25:8Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people.Jeremiah 22:10Weep ye not for the dead, neither bemoan him: but weep sore for him that goeth away: for he shall return no more, nor see his native country.
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 22 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 Reform Begins) 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 22 regarding rediscovery of god's word brings renewal?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Behold therefore, I will gather thee unto thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace; and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place. And they brought the king word again.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 22: Rediscovery of God's word brings renewal. 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.