2 Chronicles 34:1
2 Chronicles 34:1 in Multiple Translations
Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years.
Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem one and thirty years.
Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign; and he reigned thirty and one years in Jerusalem.
Josiah was eight years old when he became king; he was ruling in Jerusalem for thirty-one years.
Josiah was eight when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem for thirty-one years.
Iosiah was eight yeere olde when hee began to reigne, and he reigned in Ierusalem one and thirtie yeere.
A son of eight years [is] Josiah in his reigning, and thirty and one years he hath reigned in Jerusalem,
Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem.
Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem one and thirty years.
Josias was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned one and thirty years in Jerusalem.
Josiah was eight years old when he became the king of Judah. He ruled from Jerusalem for 31 years.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Chronicles 34:1
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 Chronicles 34:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בֶּן
שְׁמוֹנֶ֥ה
שָׁנִ֖ים
יֹאשִׁיָּ֣הוּ
בְ/מָלְכ֑/וֹ
וּ/שְׁלֹשִׁ֤ים
וְ/אַחַת֙
שָׁנָ֔ה
מָלַ֖ךְ
בִּ/ירוּשָׁלִָֽם
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
שְׁמוֹנֶ֥ה
shᵉmôneh
H8083
eight
Adj
שָׁנִ֖ים
shâneh
H8141
year
N-fp
יֹאשִׁיָּ֣הוּ
Yôʼshîyâh
H2977
Josiah
N-proper
בְ/מָלְכ֑/וֹ
mâlak
H4427
to reign
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
וּ/שְׁלֹשִׁ֤ים
shᵉlôwshîym
H7970
thirty
Conj | Adj
וְ/אַחַת֙
ʼechâd
H259
one
Conj | Adj
שָׁנָ֔ה
shâneh
H8141
year
N-fs
מָלַ֖ךְ
mâlak
H4427
to reign
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
בִּ/ירוּשָׁלִָֽם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
Jerusalem
Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Chronicles 34:1
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
שְׁמוֹנֶ֥ה
shᵉmôneh
H8083
"eight"
Adj
The Hebrew word for the number eight, which was considered a special number in biblical times. It is used to describe quantities, such as eight days or eight years, and also appears in ordinal forms, like eighth or eighth day.
Definition: 1) eight, eighth 1a) eight (as cardinal number) 1b) eighth (as ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers
Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: eight(-een, -eenth), eighth. See also: Genesis 5:4; 1 Chronicles 16:38; Jeremiah 32:1.
שָׁנִ֖ים
shâneh
H8141
"year"
N-fp
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
יֹאשִׁיָּ֣הוּ
Yôʼshîyâh
H2977
"Josiah"
N-proper
Josiah means 'whom Jehovah heals' and was a king of Judah who led great revivals to worship God, as seen in 2 Kings 22-23. He reigned for 31 years and was the son of Amon. Josiah is also the name of another Israelite mentioned in Zechariah 6:10.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Zec.6.10; son of: Zephaniah (H6846I); also called Hen at Zec.6.14; Also named: chen (חֵן "Hen" H2581) § Josiah = "whom Jehovah heals" 1) son of Amon by Jedidah who succeeded his father to the throne of Judah and reigned for 31 years; his reign is noteworthy for the great revivals back to the worship of Jehovah which he led 2) a returned exile and son of Zephaniah at whose house took place the solemn and symbolical crowning of Joshua the high priest in the time of Zechariah the prophet
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: Josiah. See also: 1 Kings 13:2; 2 Chronicles 35:22; Jeremiah 1:2.
בְ/מָלְכ֑/וֹ
mâlak
H4427
"to reign"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
To advise or counsel is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to reign or rule as a king. It is used in the Bible to describe the actions of leaders, like King Solomon, who sought wisdom to rule God's people. This word is found in the book of 1 Kings.
Definition: 1) to be or become king or queen, reign 1a) (Qal) to be or become king or queen, reign 1b) (Hiphil) to make one king or queen, cause to reign 1c) (Hophal) to be made king or queen
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: consult, [idiom] indeed, be (make, set a, set up) king, be (make) queen, (begin to, make to) reign(-ing), rule, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 36:31; 2 Kings 8:15; 2 Chronicles 10:17.
וּ/שְׁלֹשִׁ֤ים
shᵉlôwshîym
H7970
"thirty"
Conj | Adj
Thirty is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also be used as an ordinal to describe something as thirtieth. It is used to count quantities in the Bible.
Definition: thirty, thirtieth Aramaic equivalent: te.la.tin (תְּלָתִין "thirty" H8533)
Usage: Occurs in 163 OT verses. KJV: thirty, thirtieth. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:3; 1 Samuel 11:8; Jeremiah 38:10.
וְ/אַחַת֙
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Conj | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
שָׁנָ֔ה
shâneh
H8141
"year"
N-fs
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
מָלַ֖ךְ
mâlak
H4427
"to reign"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To advise or counsel is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to reign or rule as a king. It is used in the Bible to describe the actions of leaders, like King Solomon, who sought wisdom to rule God's people. This word is found in the book of 1 Kings.
Definition: 1) to be or become king or queen, reign 1a) (Qal) to be or become king or queen, reign 1b) (Hiphil) to make one king or queen, cause to reign 1c) (Hophal) to be made king or queen
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: consult, [idiom] indeed, be (make, set a, set up) king, be (make) queen, (begin to, make to) reign(-ing), rule, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 36:31; 2 Kings 8:15; 2 Chronicles 10:17.
בִּ/ירוּשָׁלִָֽם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
"Jerusalem"
Prep | N-proper
Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.
Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split
Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.
Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 34:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Chronicles 34:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 34:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 34:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 34:1
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 34:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 34:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 34:1
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 34:1
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Chronicles 34:1
- Sermons on 2 Chronicles 34:1
Context — Josiah Reigns in Judah
1Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years.
2And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and walked in the ways of his father David; he did not turn aside to the right or to the left. 3In the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, Josiah began to seek the God of his father David, and in the twelfth year he began to cleanse Judah and Jerusalem of the high places, the Asherah poles, the carved idols, and the cast images.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zephaniah 1:1 | This is the word of the LORD that came to Zephaniah son of Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah, the son of Hezekiah, in the days of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah: |
| 2 | Jeremiah 1:2 | The word of the LORD came to Jeremiah in the thirteenth year of the reign of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah, |
| 3 | 2 Chronicles 33:25 | But the people of the land killed all those who had conspired against King Amon, and they made his son Josiah king in his place. |
| 4 | Matthew 1:10–11 | Hezekiah was the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amon, Amon the father of Josiah, and Josiah the father of Jeconiah and his brothers at the time of the exile to Babylon. |
| 5 | Ecclesiastes 4:13 | Better is a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to take a warning. |
| 6 | 2 Chronicles 26:1 | All the people of Judah took Uzziah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king in place of his father Amaziah. |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 2:26 | And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with man. |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 24:1 | Joash was seven years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem forty years. His mother’s name was Zibiah; she was from Beersheba. |
| 9 | 1 Kings 3:7–9 | And now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king in my father David’s place. But I am only a little child, not knowing how to go out or come in. Your servant is here among the people You have chosen, a people too numerous to count or number. Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” |
| 10 | 1 Kings 13:2 | And he cried out against the altar by the word of the LORD, “O altar, O altar, this is what the LORD says: ‘A son named Josiah will be born to the house of David, and upon you he will sacrifice the priests of the high places who burn incense upon you, and human bones will be burned upon you.’” |
2 Chronicles 34:1 Summary
[Josiah became king when he was just eight years old, which is very young. This shows that God can use anyone, no matter how old they are, to do great things. As it says in Jeremiah 1:7, God can use us to accomplish great things if we are willing to obey Him. Josiah reigned as king for thirty-one years, which is a long time, and it shows that he was able to establish a stable and God-honoring reign.]
Frequently Asked Questions
How old was Josiah when he became king?
Josiah was eight years old when he became king, as stated in 2 Chronicles 34:1. This is a remarkable age for a king, and it shows that God can use anyone, regardless of their age, to accomplish great things, as seen in the example of Jeremiah, who was also called by God at a young age (Jeremiah 1:6-7).
What can we learn from Josiah's young age as king?
Josiah's young age as king teaches us that God is not limited by our age or experience, and that He can use us to achieve great things if we are willing to obey Him, as seen in the example of Timothy, who was also a young leader in the early church (1 Timothy 4:12).
How long did Josiah reign as king?
According to 2 Chronicles 34:1, Josiah reigned as king for thirty-one years. This is a significant amount of time, and it shows that Josiah was able to establish a long and stable reign, which was likely due to his commitment to following God, as seen in Deuteronomy 17:18-20.
What does Josiah's reign tell us about God's plan for Israel?
Josiah's reign tells us that God is faithful to His people and that He will raise up leaders who will follow Him, even in times of great spiritual darkness, as seen in the example of King David, who was also a leader after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14).
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to be called by God at a young age, and how can I respond to His call in my own life?
- How can I, like Josiah, prioritize following God and seeking His will, even when it's difficult or unpopular?
- What are some ways that I can use my own life and circumstances to serve God and bring glory to His name, just as Josiah did?
- How can I trust God to use me, despite my own limitations or weaknesses, to accomplish great things for His kingdom?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 34:1
Ver. 1,2. Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign,.... Of these two verses, [See comments on 2 Kings 22:1], [See comments on 2 Kings 22:2].
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 34:1
Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem one and thirty years.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 34:1
2 CHAPTER 34 Josiah’ s good reign, ,2. He destroyeth idolatry, . He repairs the temple, . The book of the law found, . Huldah prophesieth the destruction of Jerusalem, . Josiah’ s covenant with God, . Of this chapter, see the notes on 2Ki 22 2 Kings 23.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 34:1
2 Chronicles 34:1 Josiah [was] eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem one and thirty years.Ver. 1. Josiah was eight years old.] Woe to that land whose prince is a child, saith Solomon; but Josiah was an extraordinary child, and a great blessing to his people. So was our Edward VI, that second Josiah, who began early likewise, and lived much in a little time, in brevi vitae spacio tempora virtutum multa replevit. See 2 Kings 22:1. Jerome.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 34:1
(1, 2) Length and character of the reign.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 34:1
CHAPTER XXXIV Josiah reigns thirty-one years; destroys idolatry in Judah, as also in Manasseh, Ephraim, Simeon, and even to Naphtali, 1-7. He begins to repair the temple, and collects money for the purpose, and employs workmen, 8-13. Hilkiah the priest finds the book of the law in the temple, which is read by Shaphan before the king, 14-19. He is greatly troubled, and consults Huldah the prophetess, 20-22. Her exhortation, and message to the king, 23-28. He causes it to be read to the elders of Judah, and they make a covenant with God, 29, 32. Josiah reforms every abomination, and the people serve God all his days, 33. NOTES ON CHAP. XXXIV
Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 34:1
Ch. 2 Chronicles 34:1-2 (= 2 Kings 22:1-2). Josiah’s good Reign 1. In Jerusalem one and thirty years] R.V. thirty and one years in Jerusalem (as 2 Kin.). Here the Chronicler omits Josiah’s mother’s name; cp. 2 Chronicles 33:1; 2 Chronicles 33:21.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Chronicles 34:1
Compare the parallel history of 2 Kings 22 notes; 23:1-30 notes; the writer here being more full on the celebration of the Passover.
Sermons on 2 Chronicles 34:1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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All Men Are My Teachers by Jack Hyles | Jack Hyles shares a powerful testimony of how the wisdom and encouragement of Dr. Gustave Norling, John R. Rice, and other influential figures in his life shaped his ministry. Thro |
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The Seven Pillars of Wisdom by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches on the clear contrast between the Bride and the Harlot as depicted in Proverbs chapter 9. The Bride invites the foolish to turn from sin and learn the fear of t |
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Seek God for Wisdom by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the necessity of seeking Divine wisdom with the same fervor as one would seek hidden treasure, as highlighted in Proverbs 2:4 and Matthew 13:44. He explains t |
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Three-Fold Vision - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the need for a three-fold vision in the life of a believer, drawing from the life of King Uzziah, who, despite his initial faithfulness and prosperity, |
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Seeing the Lord and Seeing Ourselves by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks delves into the story of King Uzziah, highlighting his rise to power at a young age, his initial righteousness, and his downfall due to pride and self-sufficiency. |
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Samuel Grew Up "In Favour Both With the Lord and With Men" by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches on the powerful story of Hannah's prayer for a child, highlighting her selfless vow to dedicate her son to the Lord, shifting the focus from her need to God's n |
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The Soul-Winner and the Children by Samuel Logan Brengle | Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the vital role of soul-winners in reaching children for Christ, highlighting their openness and receptiveness to the Gospel. He stresses the importa |