And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the ways of David his father, and declined neither to the right hand, nor to the left.

2 CHRONICLES 34:2KJV
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2 Chronicles 34:2 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 34:2 mean?

2 Chronicles 34:2 describes how King Josiah did what was right in God’s eyes, following the example of King David, and stayed true to God’s ways without turning aside in any direction. The verse highlights Josiah’s steady and faithful commitment to living as God wanted.

This verse is part of the story of Josiah, a young king of Judah. The writer is describing Josiah’s character and reign, showing that he followed the traditions of King David, who was considered the ideal king. The phrase about not turning to the right or left means Josiah did not stray from the path he believed God wanted him to walk.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 34:2

  • "right" (יָשָׁר, yashar): This word means "upright" or "straight," and it emphasizes that Josiah’s actions were not just good by human standards, but were in line with what God considers correct.
  • "walked" (הָלַךְ, halakh): In Hebrew thought, to "walk" in someone’s ways means to live according to their example or teachings. Here, it stresses that Josiah patterned his life after David’s faithful example.
  • "declined" (סוּר, sur): This word means "to turn aside" or "to depart." The verse uses it to say Josiah did not wander off course, highlighting his consistency and focus.

Why 2 Chronicles 34:2 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that Josiah was only partially faithful; it emphasizes that his commitment to God was whole-hearted and unwavering.
  • The mention of David connects Josiah to the most respected king in Israel’s history, showing that Josiah’s reforms and actions were in line with the best traditions of his people.
  • The language about not turning to the right or left shows that faithfulness is not just about starting well, but about steady, ongoing obedience, which sets the stage for the rest of Josiah’s story in the chapter.

Where else these words appear

“left” Hebrew H8040 · used in 53 verses

  • Genesis 13:9 Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.
  • Judges 3:21 And Ehud put forth his left hand, and took the dagger from his right thigh, and thrust it into his belly:
  • 2 Chronicles 18:18 Again he said, Therefore hear the word of the LORD; I saw the LORD sitting upon his throne, and all the host of heaven standing on his right hand and on his left.

“right” Hebrew H3477 · used in 119 verses

  • Exodus 15:26 And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.
  • 2 Chronicles 28:1 Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: but he did not that which was right in the sight of the LORD, like David his father:
  • Proverbs 2:7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.

“hand” Hebrew H3225 · used in 133 verses

  • Genesis 13:9 Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.
  • 1 Kings 2:19 Bathsheba therefore went unto king Solomon, to speak unto him for Adonijah. And the king rose up to meet her, and bowed himself unto her, and sat down on his throne, and caused a seat to be set for the king's mother; and she sat on his right hand.
  • Psalms 109:6 Set thou a wicked man over him: and let Satan stand at his right hand.