2 Chronicles 35:23
New International Version
Archers shot King Josiah, and he told his officers, “Take me away; I am badly wounded.”

New Living Translation
But the enemy archers hit King Josiah with their arrows and wounded him. He cried out to his men, “Take me from the battle, for I am badly wounded!”

English Standard Version
And the archers shot King Josiah. And the king said to his servants, “Take me away, for I am badly wounded.”

Berean Standard Bible
There the archers shot King Josiah, who said to his servants, “Take me away, for I am badly wounded!”

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

New King James Version
And the archers shot King Josiah; and the king said to his servants, “Take me away, for I am severely wounded.”

New American Standard Bible
The archers shot King Josiah, and the king said to his servants, “Take me away, for I am badly wounded.”

NASB 1995
The archers shot King Josiah, and the king said to his servants, “Take me away, for I am badly wounded.”

NASB 1977
And the archers shot King Josiah, and the king said to his servants, “Take me away, for I am badly wounded.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then the archers shot King Josiah, and the king said to his servants, “Take me away, for I am badly wounded.”

Amplified Bible
The archers shot King Josiah, and the king said to his servants, “Take me away, for I am badly wounded.”

Christian Standard Bible
The archers shot King Josiah, and he said to his servants, “Take me away, for I am severely wounded! ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The archers shot King Josiah, and he said to his servants, “Take me away, for I am severely wounded!”

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

Contemporary English Version
During the battle an Egyptian soldier shot Josiah with an arrow. Josiah told his servants, "Get me out of here! I've been hit."

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Some archers shot King Josiah. The king told his officers, "Take me away because I'm badly wounded."

Good News Translation
During the battle King Josiah was struck by Egyptian arrows. He ordered his servants, "Take me away; I'm badly hurt!"

International Standard Version
Some archers shot King Josiah, and the king told his servants, "Take me away, because I'm badly wounded."

Majority Standard Bible
There the archers shot King Josiah, who said to his servants, ?Take me away, for I am badly wounded!?

NET Bible
Archers shot King Josiah; the king ordered his servants, "Take me out of this chariot, for I am seriously wounded."

New Heart English Bible
The archers shot at king Josiah; and the king said to his servants, "Take me away, because I am seriously wounded."

Webster's Bible Translation
And the archers shot at king Josiah; and the king said to his servants, Have me away; for I am severely wounded.

World English Bible
The archers shot at King Josiah; and the king said to his servants, “Take me away, because I am seriously wounded!”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and the archers shoot at King Josiah, and the king says to his servants, “Remove me, for I have become very sick.”

Young's Literal Translation
and the archers shoot at king Josiah, and the king saith to his servants, 'Remove me, for I have become very sick.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And the archers will shoot at king Josiah; and the king will say to his servants, Cause me to pass away; for I was made sick greatly.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And there he was wounded by the archers, and he said to his servants: Carry me out of the battle, for I am grievously wounded.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And there, having been wounded by archers, he said to his servants: “Lead me away from the battle. For I have been severely wounded.”

New American Bible
Then the archers shot King Josiah, who said to his servants, “Take me away, I am seriously wounded.”

New Revised Standard Version
The archers shot King Josiah; and the king said to his servants, “Take me away, for I am badly wounded.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then Pharaoh the lame shot two arrows at Josiah; and the king said to his servants, Take me away; for I am severely wounded.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Pharaoh the Cripple struck Yoshiah with two arrows, and the King said to his Servants: “Take me away, for I am struck with a mortal wound!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the archers shot at king Josiah; and the king said to his servants: 'Have me away; for I am sore wounded.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the archers shot at king Josias; and the king said to his servants, Take me away, for I am severely wounded.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Death of Josiah
22Josiah, however, did not turn away from him; instead, in order to engage him in battle, he disguised himself. He did not listen to Neco’s words from the mouth of God, but went to fight him on the Plain of Megiddo. 23There the archers shot King Josiah, who said to his servants, “Take me away, for I am badly wounded!” 24So his servants took him out of his chariot, put him in his second chariot, and brought him to Jerusalem, where he died. And Josiah was buried in the tomb of his fathers, and all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for him.…

Cross References
2 Kings 23:29-30
During Josiah’s reign, Pharaoh Neco king of Egypt marched up to help the king of Assyria at the Euphrates River. King Josiah went out to confront him, but Neco faced him and killed him at Megiddo. / From Megiddo his servants carried his body in a chariot, brought him to Jerusalem, and buried him in his own tomb. Then the people of the land took Jehoahaz son of Josiah, anointed him, and made him king in place of his father.

Jeremiah 22:10
Do not weep for him who is dead; do not mourn his loss. Weep bitterly for him who is exiled, for he will never return to see his native land.

Zechariah 12:11
On that day the wailing in Jerusalem will be as great as the wailing of Hadad-rimmon in the plain of Megiddo.

Lamentations 4:20
The LORD’s anointed, the breath of our life, was captured in their pits. We had said of him, “Under his shadow we will live among the nations.”

2 Chronicles 36:1
Then the people of the land took Jehoahaz son of Josiah and made him king in Jerusalem in place of his father.

Isaiah 57:1
The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; devout men are taken away, while no one considers that the righteous are taken away from the presence of evil.

1 Kings 22:34-35
However, a certain man drew his bow without taking special aim, and he struck the king of Israel between the joints of his armor. So the king said to his charioteer, “Turn around and take me out of the battle, for I am badly wounded!” / The battle raged throughout that day, and the king was propped up in his chariot facing the Arameans. And the blood from his wound ran out onto the floor of the chariot, and that evening he died.

2 Samuel 1:25
How the mighty have fallen in the thick of battle! Jonathan lies slain on your heights.

Psalm 78:64
His priests fell by the sword, but their widows could not lament.

Hosea 10:15
Thus it will be done to you, O Bethel, because of your great wickedness. When the day dawns, the king of Israel will be utterly cut off.

Matthew 23:37
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!

Luke 13:34
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!

Acts 7:52
Which of the prophets did your fathers fail to persecute? They even killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One. And now you are His betrayers and murderers—

Revelation 11:8
Their bodies will lie in the street of the great city—figuratively called Sodom and Egypt—where their Lord was also crucified.

Matthew 5:12
Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.


Treasury of Scripture

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

the archers

2 Chronicles 18:33
And a certain man drew a bow at a venture, and smote the king of Israel between the joints of the harness: therefore he said to his chariot man, Turn thine hand, that thou mayest carry me out of the host; for I am wounded.

Genesis 49:23
The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot at him, and hated him:

2 Kings 9:24
And Jehu drew a bow with his full strength, and smote Jehoram between his arms, and the arrow went out at his heart, and he sunk down in his chariot.

wounded [heb] made sick

1 Kings 22:34
And a certain man drew a bow at a venture, and smote the king of Israel between the joints of the harness: wherefore he said unto the driver of his chariot, Turn thine hand, and carry me out of the host; for I am wounded.

2 Kings 8:29
And king Joram went back to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds which the Syrians had given him at Ramah, when he fought against Hazael king of Syria. And Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah went down to see Joram the son of Ahab in Jezreel, because he was sick.

Jump to Previous
Archers Arrows Badly Bowmen Josiah Josi'ah Officers Remove Servants Severely Shoot Shot Sick Sore Wounded
Jump to Next
Archers Arrows Badly Bowmen Josiah Josi'ah Officers Remove Servants Severely Shoot Shot Sick Sore Wounded
2 Chronicles 35
1. Josiah keeps a most solemn Passover
20. He provoking Pharaoh Neco, is slain at Megiddo
25. Lamentations for Josiah














There the archers shot King Josiah
King Josiah was the last of the righteous kings of Judah, known for his reforms and dedication to the worship of Yahweh. His death occurred during a battle at Megiddo against Pharaoh Neco of Egypt. The archers' involvement suggests a strategic military engagement, as archers were often used to weaken or kill key figures from a distance. This event marks a significant turning point for Judah, as Josiah's death led to a rapid decline in the nation's spiritual and political state. The location, Megiddo, is historically significant as a site of many battles and is often associated with the concept of Armageddon in eschatological contexts.

who said to his servants,
Josiah's communication with his servants highlights the hierarchical structure of ancient Near Eastern societies, where kings were supported by a retinue of loyal servants and soldiers. This phrase indicates the presence of his attendants even in the chaos of battle, reflecting the loyalty and duty expected of those serving the king.

“Take me away,
This request demonstrates Josiah's awareness of his critical condition and his desire to be removed from the battlefield, possibly to receive medical attention or to avoid capture. It reflects the human instinct for survival and the king's reliance on his servants for protection and assistance in his vulnerable state.

for I am badly wounded!”
The severity of Josiah's injuries is emphasized here, marking the tragic end of a king who had sought to restore true worship in Judah. His death can be seen as a fulfillment of the prophecy given by Huldah the prophetess, who foretold that Josiah would die in peace, which can be interpreted as peace with God rather than a peaceful death. This moment foreshadows the coming judgment on Judah and serves as a reminder of the consequences of straying from God's covenant. Josiah's death also prefigures the suffering of Christ, the ultimate righteous king, who would be wounded for the transgressions of His people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. King Josiah
The King of Judah known for his religious reforms and dedication to the worship of Yahweh. He is remembered for restoring the temple and reinstating the Passover.

2. Archers
The soldiers who shot King Josiah during the battle. They were likely part of Pharaoh Necho's army, as Josiah was opposing Necho's passage through Judah.

3. Servants of Josiah
The individuals who were with King Josiah during the battle and whom he instructed to take him away after being wounded.

4. Pharaoh Necho
The Egyptian Pharaoh at the time, who was on his way to assist the Assyrians against the Babylonians. Josiah opposed his passage, leading to the battle where he was wounded.

5. Megiddo
The location where the battle took place, a significant site in biblical history often associated with conflict.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of Disobedience
Josiah's decision to engage Pharaoh Necho, despite warnings, serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking God's guidance and obeying His will.

The Legacy of Leadership
Josiah's reforms and dedication to God left a lasting impact on Judah, demonstrating how godly leadership can influence a nation.

The Reality of Mortality
Josiah's untimely death reminds us of the brevity of life and the importance of living in accordance with God's purposes.

The Importance of Heeding Warnings
Josiah's account encourages us to listen to wise counsel and warnings, especially when they come from God or His messengers.

Trusting God's Sovereignty
Even in the face of unexpected events, such as Josiah's death, we are reminded to trust in God's overarching plan and sovereignty.(23) And the archers shot.--Comp. the death of Ahab (2Chronicles 18:33, and of Saul, 1Chronicles 10:3).

Have me away.--LXX., ????????? ??. "Take me out" (of the war-chariot).

For I am sore wounded.--So Ahab. (2Chronicles 18:33).



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
There the archers
וַיֹּרוּ֙ (way·yō·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3384: To flow as water, to lay, throw, to point out, to teach

shot
הַיֹּרִ֔ים (hay·yō·rîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3384: To flow as water, to lay, throw, to point out, to teach

King
לַמֶּ֖לֶךְ (lam·me·leḵ)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

Josiah,
יֹאשִׁיָּ֑הוּ (yō·šî·yā·hū)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2977: Josiah -- 'Yah supports', two Israelites

who
הַמֶּ֤לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

said
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

to his servants,
לַעֲבָדָיו֙ (la·‘ă·ḇā·ḏāw)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

“Take me away,
הַעֲבִיר֔וּנִי (ha·‘ă·ḇî·rū·nî)
Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine plural | first person common singular
Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on

for
כִּ֥י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

I am severely
מְאֹֽד׃ (mə·’ōḏ)
Adverb
Strong's 3966: Vehemence, vehemently, wholly, speedily

wounded!”
הָחֳלֵ֖יתִי (hā·ḥo·lê·ṯî)
Verb - Hofal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 2470: To be weak or sick


Links
2 Chronicles 35:23 NIV
2 Chronicles 35:23 NLT
2 Chronicles 35:23 ESV
2 Chronicles 35:23 NASB
2 Chronicles 35:23 KJV

2 Chronicles 35:23 BibleApps.com
2 Chronicles 35:23 Biblia Paralela
2 Chronicles 35:23 Chinese Bible
2 Chronicles 35:23 French Bible
2 Chronicles 35:23 Catholic Bible

OT History: 2 Chronicles 35:23 The archers shot at king Josiah (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr)
2 Chronicles 35:22
Top of Page
Top of Page