2 Chronicles 34:5
2 Chronicles 34:5 in Multiple Translations
Then he burned the bones of the priests on their altars. So he cleansed Judah and Jerusalem.
And he burnt the bones of the priests upon their altars, and cleansed Judah and Jerusalem.
And he burnt the bones of the priests upon their altars, and purged Judah and Jerusalem.
And he had the bones of the priests burned on their altars, and so he made Judah and Jerusalem clean.
He burned the bones of the idolatrous priests on their altars. In this way he cleansed Judah and Jerusalem.
Also he burnt the bones of the Priests vpon their altars, and purged Iudah and Ierusalem.
and the bones of the priests he hath burnt on their altars, and cleanseth Judah and Jerusalem,
He burned the bones of the priests on their altars, and purged Judah and Jerusalem.
And he burnt the bones of the priests upon their altars, and cleansed Judah and Jerusalem.
And he burnt the bones of the priests on the altars of the idols, and he cleansed Juda and Jerusalem.
They burned the bones of the priests who had offered sacrifices; they burned them on their own altars. In that way Josiah caused Jerusalem and other places in Judah to be acceptable places to worship Yahweh again.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Chronicles 34:5
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 34:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/עַצְמוֹת֙
כֹּֽהֲנִ֔ים
שָׂרַ֖ף
עַל
מזבחותים
מִזְבְּחוֹתָ֑/ם
וַ/יְטַהֵ֥ר
אֶת
יְהוּדָ֖ה
וְ/אֶת
יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם
וְ/עַצְמוֹת֙
ʻetsem
H6106
bone
Conj | N-fp
כֹּֽהֲנִ֔ים
kôhên
H3548
priest
N-mp
שָׂרַ֖ף
sâraph
H8313
to burn
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
מזבחותים
mizbêach
H4196
altar
N-mp
מִזְבְּחוֹתָ֑/ם
mizbêach
H4196
altar
N-mp | Suff
וַ/יְטַהֵ֥ר
ṭâhêr
H2891
be pure
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יְהוּדָ֖ה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
Judah
N-proper
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
Jerusalem
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Chronicles 34:5
וְ/עַצְמוֹת֙
ʻetsem
H6106
"bone"
Conj | N-fp
In the original Hebrew, this word refers to a bone or the body, and can also mean the substance or essence of something. It is used in many parts of the Bible, including in the book of Genesis and Psalms, to describe the physical body.
Definition: : bone/limb 1) bone, essence, substance 1a) bone 1a1) body, limbs, members, external body 1b) bone (of animal) 1c) substance, self
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: body, bone, [idiom] life, (self-) same, strength, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 2:23; Job 33:19; Psalms 6:3.
כֹּֽהֲנִ֔ים
kôhên
H3548
"priest"
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.
שָׂרַ֖ף
sâraph
H8313
"to burn"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to set something on fire, and is used in the Bible to describe burning or kindling flames, like in Psalm 83:14. It can also mean to utterly destroy something. The word is related to fire and burning, and is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to burn 1a) (Qal) to burn 1b) (Niphal) to be burned 1c) (Piel) burner, burning (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be burnt up, be burned Also means: sa.raph (סָרַף "to burn" H5635)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: (cause to, make a) burn((-ing), up) kindle, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 11:3; 1 Kings 13:2; Psalms 46:10.
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.
מזבחותים
mizbêach
H4196
"altar"
N-mp
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Definition: altar
Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.
מִזְבְּחוֹתָ֑/ם
mizbêach
H4196
"altar"
N-mp | Suff
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Definition: altar
Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.
וַ/יְטַהֵ֥ר
ṭâhêr
H2891
"be pure"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to be pure, either physically, morally, or ceremonially. It appears in Leviticus for purification rituals and in Psalm 51 where David asks God to purify his heart. This concept is central to Jewish and Christian ideas of cleanliness and holiness.
Definition: 1) to be clean, be pure 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be clean (physically-of disease) 1a2) to be clean ceremonially 1a3) to purify, be clean morally, made clean 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to cleanse, purify 1b1a) physically 1b1b) ceremonially 1b1c) morally 1b2) to pronounce clean 1b3) to perform the ceremony of cleansing 1c) (Pual) to be cleansed, be pronounced clean 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to purify oneself 1d1a) ceremonially 1d1b) morally 1d2) to present oneself for purification
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: be (make, make self, pronounce) clean, cleanse (self), purge, purify(-ier, self). See also: Genesis 35:2; Numbers 19:12; Psalms 51:4.
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.
יְהוּדָ֖ה
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.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | 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.
יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
"Jerusalem"
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 34:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Chronicles 34:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 34:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 34:5
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 34:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 34:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 34:5
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 34:5
- Sermons on 2 Chronicles 34:5
Context — Josiah Destroys Idolatry
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.
4Then in his presence the altars of the Baals were torn down, and he cut to pieces the incense altars that were above them. He shattered the Asherah poles, the carved idols, and the cast images, crushed them to dust, and scattered them over the graves of those who had sacrificed to them.
5Then he burned the bones of the priests on their altars. So he cleansed Judah and Jerusalem.
6Josiah did the same in the cities of Manasseh, Ephraim, and Simeon, as far as Naphtali, and in the ruins around them. 7He tore down the altars and Asherah poles, crushed the idols to powder, and cut to pieces all the incense altars throughout the land of Israel. Then he returned to Jerusalem.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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 | Jeremiah 3:10 | Yet in spite of all this, her unfaithful sister Judah did not return to Me with all her heart, but only in pretense,” declares the LORD. |
| 3 | Numbers 35:33 | Do not pollute the land where you live, for bloodshed pollutes the land, and no atonement can be made for the land on which the blood is shed, except by the blood of the one who shed it. |
| 4 | 2 Kings 23:16 | And as Josiah turned, he saw the tombs there on the hillside, and he sent someone to take the bones out of the tombs, and he burned them on the altar to defile it, according to the word of the LORD proclaimed by the man of God who had foretold these things. |
| 5 | 2 Chronicles 34:7 | He tore down the altars and Asherah poles, crushed the idols to powder, and cut to pieces all the incense altars throughout the land of Israel. Then he returned to Jerusalem. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 8:1–2 | “At that time,” declares the LORD, “the bones of the kings of Judah, the bones of the officials, the bones of the priests, the bones of the prophets, and the bones of the people of Jerusalem will be removed from their graves. They will be exposed to the sun and moon, and to all the host of heaven which they have loved, served, followed, consulted, and worshiped. Their bones will not be gathered up or buried, but will become like dung lying on the ground. |
| 7 | 2 Kings 23:20 | On the altars he slaughtered all the priests of the high places, and he burned human bones on them. Then he returned to Jerusalem. |
| 8 | Ezekiel 22:24 | “Son of man, say to her, ‘In the day of indignation, you are a land that has not been cleansed, upon which no rain has fallen.’ |
| 9 | Jeremiah 4:14 | Wash the evil from your heart, O Jerusalem, so that you may be saved. How long will you harbor wicked thoughts within you? |
2 Chronicles 34:5 Summary
In 2 Chronicles 34:5, King Josiah took a bold step to cleanse Judah and Jerusalem of idolatry by burning the bones of the priests on their altars. This act was a symbol of his commitment to obeying God's commands and removing all forms of false worship, as seen in Deuteronomy 12:2-3. By doing so, King Josiah was able to restore true worship and bring his people back to the one true God, as promised in 2 Chronicles 7:14. This verse reminds us of the importance of seeking God and following His commands, even when it's difficult or challenging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did King Josiah burn the bones of the priests on their altars in 2 Chronicles 34:5?
King Josiah burned the bones of the priests on their altars as an act of cleansing and purification, as the priests had led the people in idolatrous worship, contrary to the commands of Deuteronomy 12:2-3 and Exodus 20:3-5.
Was King Josiah's action of burning the bones of the priests a form of desecration or disrespect?
No, King Josiah's action was not a form of desecration or disrespect, but rather an act of obedience to God's commands to remove all forms of idolatry, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:5 and 2 Kings 23:15.
What is the significance of the altars in this verse?
The altars in 2 Chronicles 34:5 represent the places where the priests had led the people in idolatrous worship, and by burning the bones of the priests on these altars, King Josiah was symbolically destroying the remnants of idolatry and restoring true worship, as commanded in Leviticus 26:30 and Ezekiel 6:13.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of 2 Chronicles?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of 2 Chronicles, which emphasizes the importance of faithful obedience to God's commands and the consequences of disobedience, as seen in 2 Chronicles 7:14 and 2 Chronicles 36:15-16.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be tolerating or participating in idolatrous worship, and how can I take steps to cleanse myself from these influences?
- How can I, like King Josiah, take bold action to remove the remnants of sin and idolatry from my life and community?
- What are some ways that I can promote true worship and obedience to God in my daily life, and how can I encourage others to do the same?
- What can I learn from King Josiah's example about the importance of seeking God and following His commands, even in the face of opposition or challenge?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 34:5
And he burnt the bones of the priests upon their altars,.... On which they sacrificed, in detestation of their idolatry, and to deter from it; and this he did according to the prophecy of him, above
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 34:5
And he burnt the bones of the priests upon their altars, and cleansed Judah and Jerusalem.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 34:5
2 Chronicles 34:5 And he burnt the bones of the priests upon their altars, and cleansed Judah and Jerusalem.Ver. 5. And he burnt the bones.] That those altars might be defiled, discredited, and abhorred for ever. He cleansed Judah and Jerusalem.] Cleansed it as well as he could; bringing them to an outward conformity, whose hearts were still full of harlotry; as well appeared when Josiah’ s head was laid.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 34:5
(5) And he burnt . . . upon their altar.—See 2 Kings 23:13-14; 2 Kings 23:16; 2 Kings 23:20 for details. Literally, and bones of priests he burnt. They were bones taken from the graves of the idolatrous priests, who were thus punished, while their altars were irreparably defiled. (For the horror with which such a violation of the dead was then regarded, see Amos 2:1.) And cleansed (i.e., “purged,” 2 Chronicles 34:3) Judah and Jerusalem.—This phrase does not occur at all in the parallel account.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 34:5
Verse 5. He burnt the bones of the priests] כומריא kumeraiya, the kemarim, says the Targum. See this word explained, 2Kg 23:5.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 34:5
5. he burnt the bones of the priests] Specially at Beth-el; 2 Kings 23:15-16. cleansed] R.V. purged (as in 2 Chronicles 34:3; 2 Chronicles 34:8).
Sermons on 2 Chronicles 34:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Radical Jesus) 32 Radical Prayer by Glenn Meldrum | In this sermon, the preacher highlights the lack of passion and desperation for God among professing Christians. He emphasizes the need for revival in our land and how it can only |
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Jeremiah 2:5 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith explores the theme of 'False-Hearted Lovers' in Jeremiah 2:5, emphasizing God's lament over His people's unfaithfulness. He highlights the superficiality of reformation |
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(2 Samuel) Settling an Old Debt by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of keeping promises and being people of our word. They highlight how the entertainment industry often operates on dishonesty, b |
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Studies in Zechariah 06 Zechariah 6: by John W. Bramhall | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the vision described in Zechariah 6:1-8. The vision involves four chariots coming from between two mountains of brass. Each chariot is pulle |
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False Religion and Its Doom. by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar warns against the dangers of false religion, emphasizing that God demands truth and sincerity in worship. He explains that false religion, regardless of its zeal, is |
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A Renewal of the Mind and Thoughts by Al Whittinghill | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of renewing our minds and washing our hearts from wickedness. He references Jeremiah chapter 4, verse 14, where God calls upo |
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Rev. 6:10. How Long? by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar explores the profound question 'How long?' as expressed in Revelation 6:10, emphasizing its significance in human experience and divine communication. He categorizes |