2 Kings 23:8

2 Kings 23:8 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then Josiah brought all the priests from the cities of Judah and desecrated the high places, from Geba to Beersheba, where the priests had burned incense. He tore down the high places of the gates at the entrance of the gate of Joshua the governor of the city, which was to the left of the city gate.

King James Version KJV

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.

American Standard Version ASV

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 he brake down the high places of the gates that were at the entrance of the gate of Joshua the governor of the city, which were on a man’s left hand at the gate of the city.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And he made all the priests from the towns of Judah come into Jerusalem, and he made unclean the high places where the priests had been burning offerings, from Geba to Beer-sheba; and he had the high places of the evil spirits pulled down which were by the doorway of Joshua, the ruler of the town, on the left side of the way into the town.

Free Bible Version FBV

Josiah brought to Jerusalem all the priests from the towns of Judah and defiled the high places, from Geba to Beersheba, where the priests had sacrificed burnt offerings. He demolished the high places of the gates, near to the entrance of the gate of Joshua, the governor of the city, which was left of the town gate.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Also he brought all the priests out of the cities of Iudah, and defiled the hie places where the Priests had burnt incense, euen from Geba to Beer-sheba, and destroyed the hie places of the gates, that were in the entring in of the gate of Ioshua the gouernour of the citie, which was at the left hand of the gate of the citie.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And he bringeth in all the priests out of the cities of Judah, and defileth the high places where the priests have made perfume, from Geba unto Beer-Sheba, and hath broken down the high places of the gates that [are] at the opening of the gate of Joshua, head of the city, that [is] on a man's left hand at the gate of the city;

World English Bible WEB

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 he broke down the high places of the gates that were at the entrance of the gate of Joshua the governor of the city, which were on a man’s left hand at the gate of the city.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And he gathered together all the priests out of the cities of Juda: and he defiled the high places, where the priests offered sacrifice, from Gabaa to Bersabee: and he broke down the altars of the gates that were in the entering in of the gate of Josue governor of tile city, which was on the left hand of the gate of the city.

Translation for Translators T4T

Josiah also brought to Jerusalem all the priests who were offering sacrifices in the other cities in Judah. He also desecrated the places on the tops of hills where the priests had burned incense to honor idols, from Geba in the north to Beersheba in the south. Those priests were not allowed to offer sacrifices in the temple, but they were allowed to eat the unleavened bread that the priests who worked in the temple ate. He also commanded that the altars that were dedicated to the goat demons near the gate built by Joshua, the mayor of Jerusalem, be destroyed. Those altars were at the left of the main gate into the city.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 23:8

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

2 Kings 23:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יָּבֵ֤א אֶת כָּל הַ/כֹּֽהֲנִים֙ מֵ/עָרֵ֣י יְהוּדָ֔ה וַ/יְטַמֵּ֣א אֶת הַ/בָּמ֗וֹת אֲשֶׁ֤ר קִטְּרוּ שָׁ֨מָּ/ה֙ הַ/כֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים מִ/גֶּ֖בַע עַד בְּאֵ֣ר שָׁ֑בַע וְ/נָתַ֞ץ אֶת בָּמ֣וֹת הַ/שְּׁעָרִ֗ים אֲשֶׁר פֶּ֜תַח שַׁ֤עַר יְהוֹשֻׁ֨עַ֙ שַׂר הָ/עִ֔יר אֲשֶֽׁר עַל שְׂמֹ֥אול אִ֖ישׁ בְּ/שַׁ֥עַר הָ/עִֽיר

וַ/יָּבֵ֤א bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

הַ/כֹּֽהֲנִים֙ kôhên H3548 priest Art | N-mp

מֵ/עָרֵ֣י ʻîyr H5892 excitement Prep | N-fp

יְהוּדָ֔ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 Judah N-proper

וַ/יְטַמֵּ֣א ṭâmêʼ H2930 to defile Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

הַ/בָּמ֗וֹת bâmâh H1116 high place Art | N-fp

אֲשֶׁ֤ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

קִטְּרוּ qâṭar H6999 to offer V-Piel-Perf-3cp

שָׁ֨מָּ/ה֙ shâm H8033 there Adv | Suff

הַ/כֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים kôhên H3548 priest Art | N-mp

מִ/גֶּ֖בַע Gebaʻ H1387 Geba Prep | N-proper

עַד ʻad H5704 till Prep

בְּאֵ֣ר Bᵉʼêr Shebaʻ H884 Beersheba N-proper

שָׁ֑בַע Bᵉʼêr Shebaʻ H884 Beersheba N-proper

וְ/נָתַ֞ץ nâthats H5422 to tear Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

בָּמ֣וֹת bâmâh H1116 high place N-fp

הַ/שְּׁעָרִ֗ים shaʻar H8179 gate Art | N-mp

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

פֶּ֜תַח pethach H6607 entrance N-ms

שַׁ֤עַר shaʻar H8179 gate N-ms

יְהוֹשֻׁ֨עַ֙ Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ H3091 Joshua N-proper

שַׂר sar H8269 ruler N-ms

הָ/עִ֔יר ʻîyr H5892 excitement Art | N-fs

אֲשֶֽׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

שְׂמֹ֥אול sᵉmôʼwl H8040 left N-ms

אִ֖ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms

בְּ/שַׁ֥עַר shaʻar H8179 gate Prep | N-ms

הָ/עִֽיר ʻîyr H5892 excitement Art | N-fs

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 23:8

וַ/יָּבֵ֤א bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

הַ/כֹּֽהֲנִים֙ kôhên H3548 "priest" Art | N-mp

In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.

Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)

Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.

מֵ/עָרֵ֣י ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" Prep | N-fp

In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.

Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror

Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.

יְהוּדָ֔ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 "Judah" N-proper

Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.

Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob

Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.

וַ/יְטַמֵּ֣א ṭâmêʼ H2930 "to defile" Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to be foul or contaminated, often in a moral or ceremonial sense. It is used in the Bible to describe something that is unclean or polluted. In the book of Leviticus, it talks about being unclean and how to become clean again.

Definition: 1) to be unclean, become unclean, become impure 1a) (Qal) to be or become unclean 1a1) sexually 1a2) religiously 1a3) ceremonially 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to defile oneself, be defiled 1b1a) sexually 1b1b) by idolatry 1b1c) ceremonially 1b2) to be regarded as unclean 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to defile 1c1a) sexually 1c1b) religiously 1c1c) ceremonially 1c2) to pronounce unclean, declare unclean (ceremonially) 1c3) to profane (God's name) 1d) (Pual) to be defiled 1e) (Hithpael) to be unclean 1f) (Hothpael) to be defiled

Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: defile (self), pollute (self), be (make, make self, pronounce) unclean, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 34:5; Leviticus 22:5; Psalms 79:1.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

הַ/בָּמ֗וֹת bâmâh H1116 "high place" Art | N-fp

A high place or elevation, often referring to a cultic platform or mountain. In the Bible, it can also refer to battlefields or funeral mounds, as seen in various passages.

Definition: 1) high place, ridge, height, bamah (technical name for cultic platform) 1a) high place, mountain 1b) high places, battlefields 1c) high places (as places of worship) 1d) funeral mound?

Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: height, high place, wave. See also: Leviticus 26:30; 1 Chronicles 16:39; Psalms 18:34.

אֲשֶׁ֤ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

קִטְּרוּ qâṭar H6999 "to offer" V-Piel-Perf-3cp

This word refers to the act of burning incense as an act of worship, often using a special altar. It involves turning something into a fragrant smoke, and is an important part of Old Testament rituals and sacrifices.

Definition: : burn v 1) to sacrifice, burn incense, burn sacrifices, make sacrifices smoke 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to make sacrifices smoke 1a2) to sacrifice 1b) (Pual) to smoke a sacrifice 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make sacrifices smoke 1c2) to cause incense to smoke, offer incense 1c3) to make smoke upon 1d) (Hophal) to be made to smoke

Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: burn (incense, sacrifice) (upon), (altar for) incense, kindle, offer (incense, a sacrifice). See also: Exodus 29:13; 2 Kings 15:35; Isaiah 65:3.

שָׁ֨מָּ/ה֙ shâm H8033 "there" Adv | Suff

The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.

Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)

Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.

הַ/כֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים kôhên H3548 "priest" Art | N-mp

Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.

מִ/גֶּ֖בַע Gebaʻ H1387 "Geba" Prep | N-proper

Geba is a place in Palestine, a city in the tribe of Benjamin, near Jerusalem. It is mentioned in the Bible as a significant location.

Definition: Gaba or Geba or Gibeah = "hill" a city in Benjamin, modern 'Jeba', which stands on the top of a steep terraced hill, six miles or ten kilometres north east of Jerusalem and three miles or five kilometres from Gibeah, on the edge of the Wadi Suweinit looking northward to the opposite village of ancient Michmash, modern 'Mukhmas' Another name of giv.on (גִּבְעוֹן "Gibeon" H1391)

Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: Gaba, Geba, Gibeah. See also: Joshua 18:24; 1 Chronicles 6:45; Isaiah 10:29.

עַד ʻad H5704 "till" Prep

This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.

Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)

Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.

בְּאֵ֣ר Bᵉʼêr Shebaʻ H884 "Beersheba" N-proper

Beersheba was a city in Palestine, located at the south edge of Israel, and its name means 'well of the sevenfold oath'. It was an important place in the Bible.

Definition: § Beer-sheba = "well of the sevenfold oath" a city at the south edge of Israel

Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: Beer-shebah. See also: Genesis 21:14; 2 Samuel 17:11; Amos 8:14.

שָׁ֑בַע Bᵉʼêr Shebaʻ H884 "Beersheba" N-proper

Beersheba was a city in Palestine, located at the south edge of Israel, and its name means 'well of the sevenfold oath'. It was an important place in the Bible.

Definition: § Beer-sheba = "well of the sevenfold oath" a city at the south edge of Israel

Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: Beer-shebah. See also: Genesis 21:14; 2 Samuel 17:11; Amos 8:14.

וְ/נָתַ֞ץ nâthats H5422 "to tear" Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms

The act of tearing down or destroying something, like a wall or a city, is what this word describes, and it can also mean to overthrow or defeat someone.

Definition: 1) to pull down, break down, cast down, throw down, beat down, destroy, overthrow, break out (teeth) 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pull down 1a2) to break down, break off 1b) (Niphal) to be pulled or broken down 1c) (Piel) to tear down 1d) (Pual) to be torn down 1e) (Hophal) to be broken, be broken down

Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: beat down, break down (out), cast down, destroy, overthrow, pull down, throw down. See also: Exodus 34:13; 2 Chronicles 23:17; Psalms 52:7.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

בָּמ֣וֹת bâmâh H1116 "high place" N-fp

A high place or elevation, often referring to a cultic platform or mountain. In the Bible, it can also refer to battlefields or funeral mounds, as seen in various passages.

Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: height, high place, wave. See also: Leviticus 26:30; 1 Chronicles 16:39; Psalms 18:34.

הַ/שְּׁעָרִ֗ים shaʻar H8179 "gate" Art | N-mp

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gate or door, often referring to city entrances or temple doors, like in Genesis and Exodus. It can also symbolize a meeting place or marketplace. The word is used to describe important locations in the Bible.

Definition: : gate 1) gate 1a) gate (of entrance) 1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place) 1b1) city, town 1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle) 1d) heaven

Usage: Occurs in 302 OT verses. KJV: city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). See also: Genesis 19:1; 1 Chronicles 9:18; Psalms 9:14.

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

פֶּ֜תַח pethach H6607 "entrance" N-ms

A pethach is an entrance or doorway, like the gates of Jerusalem or the door to the temple, often symbolizing transition or access to a new place.

Definition: opening, doorway, entrance

Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: door, entering (in), entrance (-ry), gate, opening, place. See also: Genesis 4:7; Judges 9:40; Psalms 24:7.

שַׁ֤עַר shaʻar H8179 "gate" N-ms

Usage: Occurs in 302 OT verses. KJV: city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). See also: Genesis 19:1; 1 Chronicles 9:18; Psalms 9:14.

יְהוֹשֻׁ֨עַ֙ Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ H3091 "Joshua" N-proper

Joshua was a leader in the Bible, first mentioned in Ezra 2:2, who helped the Israelites return from exile. His name means Jehovah is salvation, and he is also known as Jeshua in some parts of the Bible. He was a key figure in the conquest of Canaan.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.2.2; son of: Jehozadak (H3087); father of: Joiakim (H3113); also called Jeshua at Ezr.2.2; 3.2,8; 4.3; 5.2; 1x12.1,7,10,26; § Joshua or Jehoshua = "Jehovah is salvation" 1) son of Nun of the tribe of Ephraim and successor to Moses as the leader of the children of Israel; led the conquest of Canaan 2) a resident of Beth-shemesh on whose land the Ark of the Covenant came to a stop after the Philistines returned it 3) son of Jehozadak and high priest after the restoration 4) governor of Jerusalem under king Josiah who gave his name to a gate of the city of Jerusalem

Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: Jehoshua, Jehoshuah, Joshua. Compare H1954 (הוֹשֵׁעַ), H3442 (יֵשׁוּעַ). See also: Exodus 17:9; Joshua 9:15; Zechariah 6:11.

שַׂר sar H8269 "ruler" N-ms

A leader or person in charge, like a prince or captain, as seen in the Bible with King David and other rulers.

Definition: 1) prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain 1a) chieftain, leader 1b) vassal, noble, official (under king) 1c) captain, general, commander (military) 1d) chief, head, overseer (of other official classes) 1e) heads, princes (of religious office) 1f) elders (of representative leaders of people) 1g) merchant-princes (of rank and dignity) 1h) patron-angel 1i) Ruler of rulers (of God) 1j) warden

Usage: Occurs in 368 OT verses. KJV: captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward. See also: Genesis 12:15; 1 Kings 22:32; 2 Chronicles 32:21.

הָ/עִ֔יר ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" Art | N-fs

Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror

Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.

אֲשֶֽׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

שְׂמֹ֥אול sᵉmôʼwl H8040 "left" N-ms

This word means 'left' or 'north', referring to the left hand or side, as seen in KJV translations. It describes direction or orientation.

Definition: 1) the left, the left hand, the left side 1a) left 1b) left hand 1c) north (as one faces east)

Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: left (hand, side). See also: Genesis 13:9; 1 Kings 22:19; Proverbs 3:16.

אִ֖ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

בְּ/שַׁ֥עַר shaʻar H8179 "gate" Prep | N-ms

Usage: Occurs in 302 OT verses. KJV: city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). See also: Genesis 19:1; 1 Chronicles 9:18; Psalms 9:14.

הָ/עִֽיר ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" Art | N-fs

Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror

Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.

Study Notes — 2 Kings 23:8

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
2 Kings 23:8 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 23:8
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 23:8
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 23:8
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 23:8
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 23:8
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 23:8
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 23:8
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 23:8
Sermons on 2 Kings 23:8

Context — Josiah Destroys Idolatry

6He brought the Asherah pole from the house of the LORD to the Kidron Valley outside Jerusalem, and there he burned it, ground it to powder, and threw its dust on the graves of the common people. 7He also tore down the quarters of the male shrine prostitutes that were in the house of the LORD, where the women had woven tapestries for Asherah.

8Then Josiah brought all the priests from the cities of Judah and desecrated the high places, from Geba to Beersheba, where the priests had burned incense. He tore down the high places of the gates at the entrance of the gate of Joshua the governor of the city, which was to the left of the city gate.

9Although the priests of the high places did not come up to the altar of the LORD in Jerusalem, they ate unleavened bread with their fellow priests. 10He also desecrated Topheth in the Valley of Ben-hinnom so that no one could sacrifice his son or daughter in the fire to Molech.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Kings 15:22	Then King Asa summoned all the men of Judah, with no exceptions, and they carried away the stones of Ramah and the timbers Baasha had used for building. And with these materials King Asa built up Geba of Benjamin, as well as Mizpah.
2	Joshua 21:17	And from the tribe of Benjamin they gave them Gibeon, Geba,
3	1 Kings 19:3	And Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there,
4	Judges 20:1	Then all the Israelites from Dan to Beersheba and from the land of Gilead came out, and the congregation assembled as one man before the LORD at Mizpah.
5	Isaiah 10:29	They have crossed at the ford: “We will spend the night at Geba.” Ramah trembles; Gibeah of Saul flees.
6	1 Chronicles 6:60	And from the tribe of Benjamin they were given Gibeon, Geba, Alemeth, and Anathoth, together with their pasturelands. So they had thirteen cities in all among their families.
7	Genesis 26:23	From there Isaac went up to Beersheba,
8	Genesis 21:31	So that place was called Beersheba, because it was there that the two of them swore an oath.
9	Zechariah 14:10	All the land from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem will be turned into a plain, but Jerusalem will be raised up and will remain in her place, from the Benjamin Gate to the site of the First Gate to the Corner Gate, and from the Tower of Hananel to the royal winepresses.

2 Kings 23:8 Summary

This verse tells us about King Josiah's efforts to clean up the worship practices in Judah. He brought all the priests from the cities of Judah and had them destroy the high places where people were worshiping false gods. This was an important step in Josiah's reform efforts, as he sought to bring the people back to worshiping the one true God, as commanded in Deuteronomy 6:4-5. By destroying the high places, Josiah was helping the people to focus on worshiping God in the way that He had commanded, as seen in 2 Chronicles 34:3-7.

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the high places that Josiah desecrated?

The high places were locations where the people of Judah had built altars to worship false gods, contrary to the command of Deuteronomy 12:2-3, which instructed the Israelites to destroy all the high places where the nations they were displacing worshiped their gods.

Why did Josiah bring all the priests from the cities of Judah?

Josiah brought all the priests from the cities of Judah to desecrate the high places and to ensure that they would no longer offer sacrifices to false gods, as commanded in Deuteronomy 13:6-10, and to have them worship at the temple in Jerusalem as instructed in 2 Chronicles 34:3-7.

What is the significance of the location from Geba to Beersheba?

The location from Geba to Beersheba represents the entire territory of Judah, from the north to the south, indicating that Josiah's reform efforts were comprehensive and widespread, as seen in 2 Kings 23:1-25.

How does this verse relate to the overall theme of 2 Kings?

This verse is part of the larger narrative of 2 Kings, which highlights the importance of faithfulness to God's commands, as seen in the stories of the kings of Judah and Israel, and the consequences of disobedience, as warned in verses like Deuteronomy 28:1-68.

Reflection Questions

What are some 'high places' in my life that I need to desecrate, or remove, in order to be more faithful to God?
How can I, like Josiah, take a stand against the false idols and influences in my community, as encouraged in Isaiah 59:1-21?
What are some ways that I can ensure that I am worshiping God in spirit and truth, as commanded in John 4:24, and not just going through the motions of religious rituals?
How can I support and encourage my spiritual leaders to remain faithful to God's commands, as seen in the example of Josiah in 2 Kings 23:1-25?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 23:8

And he brought all the priests out of the cities of Judah,.... Who were of the sons of Aaron, and had served in the high places there: and defiled the high places where the priests had burnt incense;

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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 Beersheba, and brake down the high places of the gates that

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 23:8

All the priests, to wit, belonging to the high places there following, whether such as worshipped idols, or rather, such as worshipped God in those forbidden places, , as may be gathered from the following verse. Defiled the high places, by burning dead men’ s bones upon them, as ,16,20, or by putting them to some other unclean or filthy use. From Geba; the northern border of the kingdom of Judah; of which see . To Beer-sheba, which was the southern border; see ; i.e. from one end to the other. The high places of the gates; which were erected by the gates of the city here mentioned, unto the honour of their tutelary gods, which after the manner of the heathen they owned for the protectors of their city and habitations. In the entering in of the gate of Joshua the governor of the city: this circumstance is noted to show Josiah’ s great zeal and impartiality, in rooting out all monuments of idolatry, without any respect unto those great persons who were concerned in them, or affected to them.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 23:8

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 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.Ver. 8. The high places of the gates.] Where, in imitation of the heathens, they had set their tutelar and guardian gods, and had their fans profana. Of Joshua the governor of the city.] A great man, but none of the best. He had a good name; but Josiah might have said to him, as Alexander did to a soldier of his own name, but a coward, Either change thy name, or put on more courage; so, more piety.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 23:8

(8) And he brought all the priests . . .—Josiah caused all the priests of the local sanctuaries of Jehovah to migrate to Jerusalem, and polluted the high places to which they had been attached, in order to get rid of the illegitimate worship once for all. From Geba.—The present Jeba, near the ancient Ramah (1 Kings 15:22). To Beer-sheba.—Where was a specially frequented high place (Amos 5:5, Amos 8:14; and Note on 2 Chronicles 34:6). The high places of the gates.—Altars erected within the gates, that persons entering or leaving the city might make an offering to ensure success in their business. That were in the entering in . . .—Thenius renders, (the high place) which was at the entry of the gate of Joshua the governor of the city, (as well as) that which was on the left in the city gate. But this assumption of two localities is very precarious. The Authorised Version appears to be correct (a similar repetition of the relative referring to the same antecedent occurs in 2 Kings 23:13). Joshua is an unknown personage, and it is not clear whether “the gate of Joshua” was a gate of the city named after him, or the great gate of his residence; nor is it certain that “the gate of the city” was that now called the Jaffa Gate. It is possible that the governor’s residence lay near the principal gate of the city, on the left as one entered. Several “high places” stood in the open space in front of it, between it and the city gate. These would naturally be called “the high places of the gates.”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 23:8

Verse 8. The gate of Joshua] The place where he, as governor of the city, heard and decided causes. Near this we find there were public altars, where sometimes the true God, at other times false gods, were honoured.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 23:8

8. all the priests out of the cities of Judah] These were the priests who had betaken themselves to the various high places throughout the land, and conducted the worship there (2 Chronicles 33:17). These services were offered ‘to the Lord their God only’. But such forbidden places Josiah destroyed and defiled their sites so that they should never be restored. The priests were brought to Jerusalem and were hereafter employed on lower duties as Levites. from Geba to Beer-sheba] That is, throughout all Judah just as ‘from Dan to Beersheba’ is used (Judges 20:1; 1 Samuel 3:20) for the whole land of Canaan. Geba was in the northern border of the tribe of Benjamin. It is probably the same as Gibeah which is spoken of in Judges 20:31 : Beersheba was in the extreme south of Judah. We know from Amos 8:14 that a ‘manner’ (R.V. way) of idolatrous worship prevailed there. the high places of the gates] The open spaces kept about the gates of Oriental cities afforded exactly the site which would be chosen for some shrine of the popular worship, especially when the kings, Manasseh and Amon, had given their strong support to idolatry. It would be thought to harmonize with the royal wishes if an altar were erected close to the place where the king’s public judgement-seat was wont to be. in [R.V. at] the entering in, &c.] As the English of both A.V. and R.V. stands, ‘the gate of Joshua the governor of the city’ must be the same which is called in the next clause ‘the gate of the city’. In that case, as the text speaks of ‘high places’, we must understand that there was more than one ‘high place’ in the same neighbourhood. But as they are called ‘high places of the gates’ it has seemed necessary to some to render the words as if a conjunction were omitted, ‘The high places of the gates, that which was in the entering in of the gate of Joshua … and also that which was … at the gate of the city’. Thus the two localities would be different. As ‘the gate of Joshua’ is mentioned nowhere else, we cannot say where it was, or whether a gate so described could also be called ‘a gate of the city’. It seems more probable that it was some inner gate, near the governor’s official residence.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 23:8

8. Priests out of the cities of Judah — Levitical priests who had been turned aside to the service of the high places.

Sermons on 2 Kings 23:8

	Sermon	Description
	Ten Keys to Total Victory (Key #1 Lay Aside Your Weights!) by Robert Wurtz II	Robert Wurtz II preaches on the first key to total victory, emphasizing the importance of laying aside weights and sins that easily beset us, drawing from Hebrews 12:1. He delves i
	One Good Prophet, One Bad Prophet, and One Ugly but Seriously Important Lesson by Brent Barnett	Brent Barnett delves into the intriguing yet crucial story of the unnamed 'man of God' in 1 Kings 13, who boldly confronts King Jeroboam about idol worship, obeys God's commands, b
	(Elijah Legacy) 9. Do Not Tolerate Jezebel by David Davis	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Elijah and his confrontation with Jezebel. He emphasizes the supernatural power that was upon Elijah as he ran across the Jezree
	Let's Go On by Anton Bosch	Anton Bosch preaches about the common experience of feeling discouraged, tired, and frustrated in the spiritual journey, drawing parallels to moments of despair in the lives of bib
	That I Might Finish My Course With Joy by A.B. Simpson	A.B. Simpson emphasizes the critical importance of completing our God-given tasks, reflecting on the sorrow of unfinished work in the Christian life. He illustrates this through th
	Election and Reprobation #9 Concerning Jacob and Esau by John Calvin	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of meditating on God's word and holding onto His promises, even in the midst of suffering and afflictions. He encourages beli