Now the rest of the acts of Josiah, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?

2 KINGS 23:28KJV
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2 Kings 23:28 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 23:28 mean?

2 Kings 23:28 says that the rest of King Josiah’s actions and accomplishments are recorded elsewhere, specifically in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah. This verse signals to the reader that the biblical account is not exhaustive and points to another historical record for more details about Josiah’s reign.

The verse is part of a summary statement often found at the end of a king’s story in the books of Kings. The writer is addressing the reader, letting them know that if they want to learn more about Josiah, they should look in another official record. This helps set up the transition to the next king and shows that the biblical narrative is selective in what it includes.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 23:28

  • The word for "rest" is יֶתֶר (yeter), which means "what remains" or "the remainder." This signals that what follows is a summary, and there are more details not included here.
  • "Acts" is דָּבָר (davar), a word that can mean "words," "matters," or "deeds." Here, it refers to Josiah’s actions or accomplishments as king.
  • "Written" is כָּתַב (katav), meaning "to write." The verse emphasizes that these records were formally documented, not just passed down orally.
  • "Book" is סֵפֶר (sefer), which refers to a scroll or written document. This points to an actual historical record, not just a general tradition.

Why 2 Kings 23:28 matters

  • The verse clarifies that the biblical account is not the only source of information about Josiah, suggesting that other records existed and were valued as historical sources.
  • By mentioning the "book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah," the verse connects Josiah’s story to the broader history of Judah’s monarchy and shows a pattern used for many kings in the biblical narrative.
  • This summary helps the reader understand that the focus of the biblical text is selective, highlighting certain events for theological or narrative reasons rather than providing a full biography.

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 34:1 Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem one and thirty years.
  • 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.

“rest” Hebrew H3499 · used in 95 verses

  • Genesis 49:3 Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power:
  • 1 Kings 22:39 Now the rest of the acts of Ahab, and all that he did, and the ivory house which he made, and all the cities that he built, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?
  • 2 Chronicles 28:26 Now the rest of his acts and of all his ways, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.