2 Kings 23:8
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 Beer-sheba, 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.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּבֵ֤א
And he brought
H935
וַיָּבֵ֤א
And he brought
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
1 of 33
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 33
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 33
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים
all the priests
H3548
הַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים
all the priests
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
4 of 33
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
הָעִֽיר׃
of the city
H5892
הָעִֽיר׃
of the city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
5 of 33
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
יְהוּדָ֔ה
of Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָ֔ה
of Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
6 of 33
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
וַיְטַמֵּ֣א
and defiled
H2930
וַיְטַמֵּ֣א
and defiled
Strong's:
H2930
Word #:
7 of 33
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 33
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 33
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
קִטְּרוּ
had burned incense
H6999
קִטְּרוּ
had burned incense
Strong's:
H6999
Word #:
11 of 33
to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)
שָׁ֙מָּה֙
H8033
שָׁ֙מָּה֙
Strong's:
H8033
Word #:
12 of 33
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
הַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים
all the priests
H3548
הַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים
all the priests
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
13 of 33
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
15 of 33
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
19 of 33
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 #:
22 of 33
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
פֶּ֜תַח
that were in the entering in
H6607
פֶּ֜תַח
that were in the entering in
Strong's:
H6607
Word #:
23 of 33
an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way
הָעִֽיר׃
of the city
H5892
הָעִֽיר׃
of the city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
27 of 33
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
אֲשֶֽׁר
H834
אֲשֶֽׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
28 of 33
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
29 of 33
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
שְׂמֹ֥אול
left hand
H8040
שְׂמֹ֥אול
left hand
Strong's:
H8040
Word #:
30 of 33
properly, dark (as enveloped), i.e., the north; hence (by orientation), the left hand
אִ֖ישׁ
which were on a man's
H376
אִ֖ישׁ
which were on a man's
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
31 of 33
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)
Cross References
1 Kings 15:22Then king Asa made a proclamation throughout all Judah; none was exempted: and they took away the stones of Ramah, and the timber thereof, wherewith Baasha had builded; and king Asa built with them Geba of Benjamin, and Mizpah.Joshua 21:17And out of the tribe of Benjamin, Gibeon with her suburbs, Geba with her suburbs,
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 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 Beer-sheba, 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.
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.