2 Kings 22:11
2 Kings 22:11 in Multiple Translations
When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes
And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, that he rent his clothes.
And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, that he rent his clothes.
And the king, hearing the words of the book of the law, took his robe in his hands, violently parting it as a sign of his grief;
When the king heard what was in the book of the Law, he tore his clothes.
And when the King had heard the wordes of the booke of the Law, he rent his clothes.
And it cometh to pass, at the king's hearing the words of the book of the law, that he rendeth his garments,
When the king had heard the words of the book of the law, he tore his clothes.
And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, that he rent his clothes.
And the king had heard the words of the law of the Lord, he rent his garments.
When the king heard the laws that were written in the scroll that Shaphan was reading to him, he tore his clothes because he was very dismayed.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 22:11
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 22:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַֽ/יְהִי֙
כִּ/שְׁמֹ֣עַ
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
אֶת
דִּבְרֵ֖י
סֵ֣פֶר
הַ/תּוֹרָ֑ה
וַ/יִּקְרַ֖ע
אֶת
בְּגָדָֽי/ו
וַֽ/יְהִי֙
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
כִּ/שְׁמֹ֣עַ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
דִּבְרֵ֖י
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-mp
סֵ֣פֶר
çêpher
H5612
scroll
N-ms
הַ/תּוֹרָ֑ה
tôwrâh
H8451
instruction
Art | N-fs
וַ/יִּקְרַ֖ע
qâraʻ
H7167
to tear
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
בְּגָדָֽי/ו
beged
H899
treachery
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 22:11
וַֽ/יְהִי֙
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כִּ/שְׁמֹ֣עַ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
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.
דִּבְרֵ֖י
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-mp
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
סֵ֣פֶר
çêpher
H5612
"scroll"
N-ms
This word means a written document, like a scroll or book, used to record important events or messages. It appears in books like Isaiah and Matthew, referring to written records.
Definition: : document 1) missive, document, writing, book 1a) missive 1a1) letter (of instruction), written order, commission, request, written decree 1b) legal document, certificate of divorce, deed of purchase, indictment, sign 1c) book, scroll 1c1) book of prophecies 1c2) genealogical register 1c3) law-book 1c4) book (of poems) 1c5) book (of kings) 1c6) books of the canon, scripture 1c7) record book (of God) 1d) book-learning, writing 1d1) be able to read (after verb 'to know')
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: bill, book, evidence, [idiom] learn(-ed) (-ing), letter, register, scroll. See also: Genesis 5:1; 2 Chronicles 17:9; Psalms 40:8.
הַ/תּוֹרָ֑ה
tôwrâh
H8451
"instruction"
Art | N-fs
The Hebrew word for instruction or law, referring to the Ten Commandments or the first five books of the Bible, guiding human behavior and moral code.
Definition: 1) law, direction, instruction 1a) instruction, direction (human or divine) 1a1) body of prophetic teaching 1a2) instruction in Messianic age 1a3) body of priestly direction or instruction 1a4) body of legal directives 1b) law 1b1) law of the burnt offering 1b2) of special law, codes of law 1c) custom, manner 1d) the Deuteronomic or Mosaic Law
Usage: Occurs in 213 OT verses. KJV: law. See also: Genesis 26:5; Nehemiah 8:7; Psalms 1:2.
וַ/יִּקְרַ֖ע
qâraʻ
H7167
"to tear"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to tear or rend something, and can be used literally or figuratively, as in the case of reviling or enlarging the eyes. In the book of the Prophet Joel, it describes the heavens being torn open. It can also describe the action of wild beasts.
Definition: 1) to tear, tear in pieces 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to tear, rend 1a2) to tear away or out 1a3) to tear, rend asunder 1a3a) to make wide or large (of eyes) 1a3b) to rend open (of heavens) 1a4) to tear, rend (of wild beasts) 1b) (Niphal) to be rent, be split asunder
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: cut out, rend, [idiom] surely, tear. See also: Genesis 37:29; 2 Kings 5:8; Psalms 35:15.
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.
בְּגָדָֽי/ו
beged
H899
"treachery"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to clothing or a covering, like a garment or robe. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus, describing what people wore. The word is often translated as 'apparel' or 'raiment'.
Definition: treachery, deceit
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: apparel, cloth(-es, ing), garment, lap, rag, raiment, robe, [idiom] very (treacherously), vesture, wardrobe. See also: Genesis 24:53; Judges 17:10; Psalms 22:19.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 22:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 22:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 22:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 22:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 22:11
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 22:11
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 22:11
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 22:11
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 22:11
- Sermons on 2 Kings 22:11
Context — Hilkiah Finds the Book of the Law
9And Shaphan the scribe went to the king and reported, “Your servants have paid out the money that was found in the temple and have put it into the hands of the workers and supervisors of the house of the LORD.”
10Moreover, Shaphan the scribe told the king, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” And Shaphan read it in the presence of the king.
11When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes
12and commanded Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Achbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the servant of the king: 13“Go and inquire of the LORD for me, for the people, and for all Judah concerning the words in this book that has been found. For great is the wrath of the LORD that burns against us because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book by doing all that is written about us.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 34:19 | When the king heard the words of the Law, he tore his clothes |
| 2 | Joel 2:13 | So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. And He relents from sending disaster. |
| 3 | 2 Kings 22:19 | because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before the LORD when you heard what I spoke against this place and against its people, that they would become a desolation and a curse, and because you have torn your clothes and wept before Me, I have heard you,’ declares the LORD. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 36:24 | Yet in hearing all these words, the king and his servants did not become frightened or tear their garments. |
| 5 | Jonah 3:6–7 | When word reached the king of Nineveh, he got up from his throne, took off his royal robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. Then he issued a proclamation in Nineveh: “By the decree of the king and his nobles: Let no man or beast, herd or flock, taste anything at all. They must not eat or drink. |
| 6 | Joshua 7:6 | Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown before the ark of the LORD until evening, as did the elders of Israel; and they all sprinkled dust on their heads. |
2 Kings 22:11 Summary
[This verse shows how King Josiah responded with deep sorrow and repentance when he heard the words of God's Law, recognizing how far his people had strayed from God's ways. He tore his clothes as a sign of his grief and commitment to making things right with God, similar to the way David responded to his sin in Psalm 51:1-17. This verse teaches us the importance of responding with humility and a willingness to change when we are confronted with God's Word, as seen in James 1:21-22. By following the king's example, we can learn to receive God's Word with meekness and obedience, and to seek God's will and guidance in our lives.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the king tear his clothes when he heard the words of the Book of the Law?
The king tore his clothes as a sign of repentance and mourning, recognizing the gravity of his people's disobedience to God's laws, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:15, which warns of the consequences of disobedience.
What is the Book of the Law that the king heard?
The Book of the Law refers to the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, which contain God's laws and instructions for the Israelites, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 31:9-13.
How did the king's response compare to other kings in the Bible?
Unlike other kings who hardened their hearts, such as Pharaoh in Exodus 7:13, King Josiah humbled himself and sought to make things right with God, demonstrating a heart of repentance, similar to David's response in Psalm 51:1-17.
What can we learn from the king's reaction to the Book of the Law?
We can learn the importance of responding with humility and repentance when confronted with God's Word, as seen in Isaiah 66:2 and James 1:21-22, which emphasize the need to receive God's Word with meekness and obedience.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to repent and turn back to God, just like King Josiah?
- How can I cultivate a heart of humility and responsiveness to God's Word, like the king in this verse?
- What are some ways I can demonstrate my repentance and commitment to following God's laws, as seen in this verse?
- How can I apply the king's example of seeking God's will and guidance in my own life, especially during times of uncertainty or crisis?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 22:11
And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law,.... From whence it appears that he had never wrote out a copy of it, as the kings of Israel were ordered to do, when
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 22:11
And Shaphan the scribe came to the king, and brought the king word again, and said, Thy servants have gathered the money that was found in the house, and have delivered it into the hand of them that
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 22:11
The words of the book of the law, i. e. the dreadful comminations against them for the sins still reigning among the people. Quest. Did Josiah never see and read a copy of this book before this time? If he did not, how could he do so much towards the reformation of religion, as he did before? if he did, why was he not sooner convinced and humbled by it? Answ. If Josiah had not yet seen a copy of this book, (which is not impossible,) yet there was so much of the law left in the minds and memories of many of the people, as might easily persuade and direct him to all that he did till this time; or if Josiah had seen and read it before, which seems more probable, yet the great reverence which he justly bore to the original book, and the strange, and remarkable, and seasonable finding of it, had very much awakened and quickened him to a more serious and diligent reading, and attentive consideration, of all the passages contained in it, than he used before.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 22:11
2 Kings 22:11 And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, that he rent his clothes.Ver. 11. When the king had heard the words.] Which the wicked account to be but wind, and spoken in terrorem only; though God threaten to make them fire, and as he gave his law in fire, so in fire to require it.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 22:11
11. he rent his clothes] From what is said afterwards in verse 19, we can see that the portions which affected the king were such passages as Deuteronomy 28. There in verse 15, it is said, ‘If thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God … all these curses shall come upon thee’. And in verse 45 ‘all these curses shall come upon thee, and shall pursue thee and overtake thee till thou be destroyed’. And in verse 37, ‘Thou shalt become an astonishment, a proverb and a byword among all nations whither the Lord shall lead thee’.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 22:11
He rent his clothes - Partly grief and horror, like Reuben Genesis 37:29 and Job Job 1:20, partly in repentance, like Ahab 1 Kings 21:27.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 22:11
11. Rent his clothes — So sudden and profound was his grief and terror on fully realizing the extent and fear-fulness of the nation’s apostasy from the law of Jehovah.
Sermons on 2 Kings 22:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Josiah Humbling Himself Before the Lord by Bob Hoekstra | Bob Hoekstra preaches on the story of King Josiah, who, despite his young age, sought the Lord and courageously purged the land of idolatry. Josiah's humility and dedication to God |
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The Burdens of Ravenhill - Part 1 (Compilation) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of viewing the Bible as an absolute truth. He encourages believers to have a deep conviction in the authority and power of Go |
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Revival Lectures Series - Short by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a vision and burden for the lost souls in the world. He highlights the alarming fact that there are more lost people |
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True Believers by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is not concerned with outward appearances, but rather with the condition of our hearts. He compares circumcision and baptism, stati |
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Ten Commandments for Revival by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for revival in the lives of individuals and in the corporate life of believers. He shares about the many needs and struggles that p |
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Gv1601 Prayer by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer and the need to prioritize it in our lives. He shares an example of a man named Buck Singh who dedicated three hours |
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(Early Anabaptism) Foundation Stones in the Anabaptist Faith by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of evangelism and spreading the word of God. He shares the example of Medo Simon's dedication to preaching the gospel in vari |