2 Chronicles 35:27 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 35:27 mean?

2 Chronicles 35:27 says that all the actions of King Josiah, from the beginning to the end of his reign, are recorded in another historical book called “the book of the kings of Israel and Judah.” This verse points readers to another source for more details about Josiah’s life and reign.

The writer of Chronicles is summarizing the end of Josiah’s story and letting readers know that if they want a fuller account, they can find it in another record. This was a common way for biblical writers to acknowledge other sources and to show that their own account is part of a larger history.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 35:27

• “Deeds” (דָּבָר, davar) often means “words” or “matters,” but here it refers to Josiah’s actions or accomplishments, emphasizing everything he did, not just a few highlights.
• “Book” (סֵפֶר, sefer) means a written record or scroll, showing that the chronicler is referencing an actual historical document, not just oral tradition.
• “Kings” (מֶלֶךְ, melech) is plural here, referring to the rulers of both Israel and Judah, which highlights that the events are part of the shared history of both kingdoms.

Why 2 Chronicles 35:27 matters

• This verse clarifies that the account in Chronicles is not the only record of Josiah’s reign; there are other sources that provide more information.
• By mentioning both Israel and Judah, the chronicler connects Josiah’s story to the broader history of God’s people, not just the southern kingdom of Judah.
• The verse helps readers understand that the biblical writers were careful historians who pointed to other records, inviting readers to seek a fuller understanding of the past.