2 Kings 23:16
And as Josiah turned himself, he spied the sepulchres that were there in the mount, and sent, and took the bones out of the sepulchres, and burned them upon the altar, and polluted it, according to the word of the LORD which the man of God proclaimed, who proclaimed these words.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּ֣פֶן
turned
H6437
וַיִּ֣פֶן
turned
Strong's:
H6437
Word #:
1 of 29
to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc
וַיַּ֨רְא
himself he spied
H7200
וַיַּ֨רְא
himself he spied
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
3 of 29
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 29
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 29
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
שָׁם֙
H8033
בָּהָ֔ר
that were there in the mount
H2022
בָּהָ֔ר
that were there in the mount
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
8 of 29
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
וַיִּשְׁלַ֗ח
and sent
H7971
וַיִּשְׁלַ֗ח
and sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
9 of 29
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
וַיִּקַּ֤ח
and took
H3947
וַיִּקַּ֤ח
and took
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
10 of 29
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 29
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָֽעֲצָמוֹת֙
the bones
H6106
הָֽעֲצָמוֹת֙
the bones
Strong's:
H6106
Word #:
12 of 29
a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
13 of 29
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
16 of 29
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וַֽיְטַמְּאֵ֑הוּ
and polluted
H2930
וַֽיְטַמְּאֵ֑הוּ
and polluted
Strong's:
H2930
Word #:
18 of 29
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)
הַדְּבָרִ֖ים
it according to the word
H1697
הַדְּבָרִ֖ים
it according to the word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
19 of 29
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
יְהוָ֗ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֗ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
20 of 29
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
21 of 29
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
קָרָ֔א
proclaimed
H7121
קָרָ֔א
proclaimed
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
22 of 29
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
אִ֣ישׁ
which the man
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
which the man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
23 of 29
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)
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים
of God
H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים
of God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
24 of 29
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
25 of 29
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
קָרָ֔א
proclaimed
H7121
קָרָ֔א
proclaimed
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
26 of 29
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
27 of 29
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Matthew 24:35Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.John 10:35If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;1 Kings 13:32For the saying which he cried by the word of the LORD against the altar in Beth-el, and against all the houses of the high places which are in the cities of Samaria, shall surely come to pass.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 23 regarding comprehensive reformation cannot avert certain judgment?
- 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
And as Josiah turned himself, he spied the sepulchres that were there in the mount, and sent, and took the bones out of the sepulchres, and burned them upon the altar, and polluted it, according to the word of the LORD which the man of God proclaimed, who proclaimed these words.
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.