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2 Kings 23:18

2 Kings 23:18 in Multiple Translations

“Let him rest,” said Josiah. “Do not let anyone disturb his bones.” So they left his bones undisturbed, along with those of the prophet who had come from Samaria.

And he said, Let him alone; let no man move his bones. So they let his bones alone, with the bones of the prophet that came out of Samaria.

And he said, Let him be; let no man move his bones. So they let his bones alone, with the bones of the prophet that came out of Samaria.

So he said, Let him be; let not his bones be moved. So they let his bones be with the bones of the prophet who came from Samaria.

“Let him rest in peace,” said Josiah. “Don't anyone touch his bones.” So they left his bones undisturbed, together with the bones of the prophet who came from Samaria.

Then sayde he, Let him alone: let none remooue his bones. So his bones were saued with the bones of the Prophet that came from Samaria.

And he saith, 'Let him alone, let no man touch his bones;' and they let his bones escape, with the bones of the prophet who came out of Samaria.

He said, “Let him be! Let no one move his bones.” So they let his bones alone, with the bones of the prophet who came out of Samaria.

And he said, Let him alone; let no man move his bones. So they let his bones alone, with the bones of the prophet that came out of Samaria.

And he said: Let him alone, let no man move his bones. So his bones were left untouched with the bones of the prophet that came out of Samaria.

Josiah replied, “Allow his tomb to remain as it is. Do not remove the prophet’s bones from the tomb.” So the people did not remove those bones, or the bones of the other prophet, the one who had come from Samaria.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 23:18

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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 23:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙ הַנִּ֣יחוּ ל֔/וֹ אִ֖ישׁ אַל יָנַ֣ע עַצְמֹתָ֑י/ו וַֽ/יְמַלְּטוּ֙ עַצְמֹתָ֔י/ו אֵ֚ת עַצְמ֣וֹת הַ/נָּבִ֔יא אֲשֶׁר בָּ֖א מִ/שֹּׁמְרֽוֹן
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַנִּ֣יחוּ yânach H3240 to rest V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
ל֔/וֹ Prep | Suff
אִ֖ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms
אַל ʼal H408 not Part
יָנַ֣ע nûwaʻ H5128 to shake V-Hiphil-Juss-3ms
עַצְמֹתָ֑י/ו ʻetsem H6106 bone N-fp | Suff
וַֽ/יְמַלְּטוּ֙ mâlaṭ H4422 to escape Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
עַצְמֹתָ֔י/ו ʻetsem H6106 bone N-fp | Suff
אֵ֚ת ʼêth H854 with Prep
עַצְמ֣וֹת ʻetsem H6106 bone N-fp
הַ/נָּבִ֔יא nâbîyʼ H5030 prophet Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
בָּ֖א bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal-Perf-3ms
מִ/שֹּׁמְרֽוֹן Shômᵉrôwn H8111 Samaria Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 23:18

וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
הַנִּ֣יחוּ yânach H3240 "to rest" V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
To rest or settle down, implying a sense of calmness or stillness, as described in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to rest 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rest, settle down and remain 1a2) to repose, have rest, be quiet 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to rest, give rest to, make quiet 1b2) to cause to rest, cause to alight, set down 1b3) to lay or set down, deposit, let lie, place 1b4) to let remain, leave 1b5) to leave, depart from 1b6) to abandon 1b7) to permit 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to obtain rest, be granted rest 1c2) to be left, be placed 1c3) open space (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: bestow, cast down, lay (down, up), leave (off), let alone (remain), pacify, place, put, set (down), suffer, withdraw, withhold. (The Hiphil forms with the dagesh are here referred to, in accordance with the older grammarians; but if any distinction of the kind is to be made, these should rather be referred to H5117 (נוּחַ), and the others here.) See also: Genesis 2:15; 1 Kings 13:30; Psalms 17:14.
ל֔/וֹ "" Prep | Suff
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.
אַל ʼal H408 "not" Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
יָנַ֣ע nûwaʻ H5128 "to shake" V-Hiphil-Juss-3ms
To shake means to move back and forth, like trembling with fear, as described in the book of Isaiah. It can also mean to be unstable or to wander, like the Israelites in the wilderness.
Definition: 1) to quiver, totter, shake, reel, stagger, wander, move, sift, make move, wave, waver, tremble 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to wave, quiver, vibrate, swing, stagger, tremble, be unstable 1a2) to totter, go tottering 1a2a) vagabond (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be tossed about or around 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to toss about 1c2) to shake, cause to totter 1c3) to shake, disturb 1c4) to cause to wander
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: continually, fugitive, [idiom] make, to (go) up and down, be gone away, (be) move(-able, -d), be promoted, reel, remove, scatter, set, shake, sift, stagger, to and fro, be vagabond, wag, (make) wander (up and down). See also: Genesis 4:12; Psalms 109:25; Psalms 22:8.
עַצְמֹתָ֑י/ו ʻetsem H6106 "bone" N-fp | Suff
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.
וַֽ/יְמַלְּטוּ֙ mâlaṭ H4422 "to escape" Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to escape or be delivered, like slipping away to safety. It is used in the Bible to describe people being saved from danger, like in the book of Psalms. The KJV translates it as deliver or escape.
Definition: 1) to slip away, escape, deliver, save, be delivered 1a)(Niphal) 1a1) to slip away 1a2) to escape 1a3) to be delivered 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to lay, let slip out (of eggs) 1b2) to let escape 1b3) to deliver, save (life) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to give birth to 1c2) to deliver 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to slip forth, slip out, escape 1d2) to escape
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: deliver (self), escape, lay, leap out, let alone, let go, preserve, save, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 19:17; Psalms 41:2; Psalms 22:6.
עַצְמֹתָ֔י/ו ʻetsem H6106 "bone" N-fp | Suff
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.
אֵ֚ת ʼêth H854 "with" Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
עַצְמ֣וֹת ʻetsem H6106 "bone" 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.
הַ/נָּבִ֔יא nâbîyʼ H5030 "prophet" Art | N-ms
A prophet is someone who speaks for God, like a spokesperson. This word is used in the Bible to describe true and false prophets, like those in 1 and 2 Kings.
Definition: 1) spokesman, speaker, prophet 1a) prophet 1b) false prophet 1c) heathen prophet Aramaic equivalent: ne.vi (נְבִיא "prophet" H5029)
Usage: Occurs in 288 OT verses. KJV: prophecy, that prophesy, prophet. See also: Genesis 20:7; 2 Kings 24:2; Psalms 51:2.
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.
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.
בָּ֖א bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal-Perf-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.
מִ/שֹּׁמְרֽוֹן Shômᵉrôwn H8111 "Samaria" Prep | N-proper
Samaria means watch mountain, a region in northern Palestine and the capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel, located near Jerusalem. It was the kingdom of the 10 tribes of Israel after Solomon's death.
Definition: § Samaria = "watch mountain" 1) the region of northern Palestine associated with the northern kingdom of the 10 tribes of Israel which split from the kingdom after the death of Solomon during the reign of his son Rehoboam and were ruled by Jeroboam 2) the capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel located 30 miles (50 km) north of Jerusalem and 6 miles (10 km) northwest of Shechem
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: Samaria. See also: 1 Kings 13:32; 2 Kings 17:5; Isaiah 7:9.

Study Notes — 2 Kings 23:18

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Kings 13:31 After he had buried him, the prophet said to his sons, “When I die, you must bury me in the tomb where the man of God is buried. Lay my bones beside his bones,
2 1 Kings 13:1–22 Suddenly, as Jeroboam was standing beside the altar to burn incense, there came a man of God from Judah to Bethel by the word of the LORD. 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.’” That day the man of God gave a sign, saying, “The LORD has spoken this sign: ‘Surely the altar will be split apart, and the ashes upon it will be poured out.’” Now when King Jeroboam, who was at the altar in Bethel, heard the word that the man of God had cried out against it, he stretched out his hand and said, “Seize him!” But the hand he stretched out toward him withered, so that he could not pull it back. And the altar was split apart, and the ashes poured out, according to the sign that the man of God had given by the word of the LORD. Then the king responded to the man of God, “Intercede with the LORD your God and pray that my hand may be restored.” So the man of God interceded with the LORD, and the king’s hand was restored to him as it was before. Then the king said to the man of God, “Come home with me and refresh yourself, and I will give you a reward.” But the man of God replied, “If you were to give me half your possessions, I still would not go with you, nor would I eat bread or drink water in this place. For this is what I was commanded by the word of the LORD: ‘You must not eat bread or drink water or return by the way you came.’” So the man of God went another way and did not return by the way he had come to Bethel. Now a certain old prophet was living in Bethel, and his sons came and told him all the deeds that the man of God had done that day in Bethel. They also told their father the words that the man had spoken to the king. “Which way did he go?” their father asked. And his sons showed him the way taken by the man of God, who had come from Judah. So the prophet said to his sons, “Saddle the donkey for me.” Then they saddled the donkey for him, and he mounted it and went after the man of God. He found him sitting under an oak tree and asked, “Are you the man of God who came from Judah?” “I am,” he replied. So the prophet said to the man of God, “Come home with me and eat some bread.” But the man replied, “I cannot return with you or eat bread or drink water with you in this place. For I have been told by the word of the LORD: ‘You must not eat bread or drink water there or return by the way you came.’” Then the prophet replied, “I too am a prophet like you, and an angel spoke to me by the word of the LORD, saying, ‘Bring him back with you to your house, so that he may eat bread and drink water.’” The old prophet was lying to him, but the man of God went back with him, ate bread in his house, and drank water. While they were sitting at the table, the word of the LORD came to the prophet who had brought him back, and the prophet cried out to the man of God who had come from Judah, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Because you have defied the word of the LORD and have not kept the commandment that the LORD your God gave you, but you went back and ate bread and drank water in the place where He told you not to do so, your body shall never reach the tomb of your fathers.’”

2 Kings 23:18 Summary

In this verse, Josiah chooses to leave the bones of a prophet undisturbed, showing respect for the man who had spoken the truth of God. This teaches us the importance of respecting and honoring those who have spoken God's truth, even if they faced opposition or hardship (as seen in Hebrews 11:32-38). It also reminds us that God values those who proclaim His word, and that we should strive to show mercy and respect for others, just as Josiah did (see 1 Thessalonians 5:20 and Jeremiah 23:4). By respecting the prophet's bones, Josiah was showing that he valued the truth of God and the people who spoke it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Josiah decide to leave the bones of the prophet undisturbed?

Josiah chose to leave the bones of the prophet undisturbed because he recognized the prophet as a man of God who had spoken the truth, as seen in 2 Kings 23:17, and he wanted to show respect for him, much like the respect shown to the prophets in Hebrews 11:32-38.

What can we learn from Josiah's decision to spare the prophet's bones?

We can learn that respecting and honoring those who have spoken the truth of God is important, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 5:20, and that God values those who proclaim His word, as seen in Jeremiah 23:4.

How does this verse relate to the rest of 2 Kings 23?

This verse is part of Josiah's larger effort to reform Judah and remove the idols and high places, as seen in 2 Kings 23:15 and 2 Kings 23:19, and it shows that even in the midst of judgment, God's people can show mercy and respect for those who have spoken the truth.

What does this verse teach us about the importance of respecting the remains of the dead?

This verse teaches us that respecting the remains of the dead is important, as seen in the way Josiah chose to leave the prophet's bones undisturbed, and it reminds us of the biblical teaching to respect and care for the bodies of the dead, as seen in Deuteronomy 21:23 and Ezekiel 39:15.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I can show respect for those who have spoken the truth of God in my life?
  2. How can I balance the need to confront sin and error with the need to show mercy and respect for others, as seen in Josiah's actions?
  3. What can I learn from the prophet's willingness to speak the truth, even if it meant facing opposition and hardship, as seen in 2 Kings 23:17?
  4. How can I apply the lesson of respecting and honoring those who have spoken the truth of God in my own relationships and interactions with others?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 23:18

And he said, let him alone, let no man move his bones,.... Not take them out of the grave, as they had done the rest: so they let his bones alone, with the bones of the prophet that came out of

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 23:18

And he said, Let him alone; let no man move his bones. So they let his bones alone, with the bones of the prophet that came out of Samaria. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 23:18

Which were now mixed together. Samaria; the place of his birth or former abode, though now he were in Beth-el, .

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 23:18

(18) Let him alone.—Or, Let him rest.So they let his bones alone.—A different verb. And they suffered his bones to escape, scil., disturbance. With the bones of the prophet . . .—See 1 Kings 13:31-32. That came out of Samaria.—This simply designates the old prophet who deceived the Judæan man of God, as a citizen of the Northern kingdom, which was called Samaria, after its capital.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 23:18

Verse 18. The prophet that came out of Samaria] 1Kg 13:32.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 23:18

18. Let him alone] R.V. Let him be. The verb translated ‘let alone’, in a later clause of the verse is not the same as this. Hence the change in the English. that came out of Samaria] i.e. The prophet of Bethel, for that place belonged to what was afterwards known as the kingdom of Samaria. The word ‘Samaria’ is used here in accordance with the language of Josiah’s day. Samaria did not exist in Jeroboam’s time, the city which ultimately gave name to the district having only been built in the reign of Omri (1 Kings 16:24).

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 23:18

18. They let his bones alone — Literally, let them escape; that is, from the desecration which the bones of others in the neighbouring sepulchres suffered.

Sermons on 2 Kings 23:18

SermonDescription
Vance Havner Don't Miss Your Miracle by Vance Havner In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of surrendering one's life to God and being open to His calling. He shares personal anecdotes of individuals who were impacte
William Fitch Tragedy of Deflected Aims by William Fitch In this sermon, the preacher discusses the tragedy of deflected aims and the importance of staying focused on the will of God. He emphasizes that the Bible is full of human stories
John Hunter The Man of God - 1 Kings 13 by John Hunter In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of men of God who can effectively deliver the word of God to the audience. He compares the young man who appeared before Jero
David Shirley Progress of Redemption #03 by David Shirley In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Solomon in the book of 1 Kings. He highlights how Solomon's disobedience to God's commands led to the decline and division of t
Greg Locke The Dynamics and the Downfall of the Man of God by Greg Locke In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being a fearless and dynamic preacher of the word of God. He criticizes preachers who have lost their fearlessness and foc
Carter Conlon The Prophet From Judea by Carter Conlon Carter Conlon emphasizes the importance of remaining steadfast in faith and obedience to God's calling, warning against the dangers of compromise and the influence of those who liv
Brent Barnett 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

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