And the archers shot at king Josiah; and the king said to his servants, Have me away; for I am sore wounded.

2 CHRONICLES 35:23KJV
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2 Chronicles 35:23 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 35:23 mean?

2 Chronicles 35:23 describes how King Josiah was struck by arrows from enemy archers during a battle, leading him to tell his servants to take him away because he was badly wounded. The verse shows the moment Josiah realizes the seriousness of his injury and seeks help from those around him.

In this scene, King Josiah is fighting against Pharaoh Necho’s army at Megiddo. The “archers” are enemy soldiers using bows, and their attack leaves Josiah severely hurt. Josiah’s words to his servants reveal both the urgency of his wound and his reliance on those close to him in his final moments.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 35:23

  • The word for “archers” is יָרָה (yarah), which often means “to shoot” or “to throw.” Here, it refers to those who shoot arrows, emphasizing the weapon and method of Josiah’s injury.
  • The word for “wounded” is חָלָה (chalah), which means “to be weak, sick, or wounded.” The use of this word highlights that Josiah’s injury was not just a minor wound, but something that left him gravely weakened.

Why 2 Chronicles 35:23 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Josiah’s death was not immediate but came after he was seriously wounded and removed from the battlefield, showing his humanity and vulnerability.
  • The detail about Josiah asking his servants for help highlights the loyalty of those around him and the king’s dependence on others in his final moments.
  • The verse connects to the wider narrative by marking the end of Josiah’s reign, a significant turning point in the history of Judah, and setting the stage for the nation’s coming troubles.

Where else these words appear

“Josiah” Hebrew H2977 · used in 48 verses

  • 1 Kings 13:2 And he cried against the altar in the word of the LORD, and said, O altar, altar, thus saith the LORD; Behold, a child shall be born unto the house of David, Josiah by name; and upon thee shall he offer the priests of the high places that burn incense upon thee, and men's bones shall be burnt upon thee.
  • 2 Chronicles 33:25 But the people of the land slew all them that had conspired against king Amon; and the people of the land made Josiah his son king in his stead.
  • Jeremiah 3:6 The LORD said also unto me in the days of Josiah the king, Hast thou seen that which backsliding Israel hath done? she is gone up upon every high mountain and under every green tree, and there hath played the harlot.

“wounded” Hebrew H2470 · used in 73 verses

  • Genesis 48:1 And it came to pass after these things, that one told Joseph, Behold, thy father is sick: and he took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.
  • 2 Kings 20:1 In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.
  • Isaiah 39:1 At that time Merodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah: for he had heard that he had been sick, and was recovered.

“archers” Hebrew H3384 · used in 75 verses

  • Genesis 31:51 And Laban said to Jacob, Behold this heap, and behold this pillar, which I have cast betwixt me and thee;
  • 2 Samuel 11:24 And the shooters shot from off the wall upon thy servants; and some of the king's servants be dead, and thy servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also.
  • Psalms 45:4 And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.