Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his robes. New Living Translation When the king heard what was written in the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes in despair. English Standard Version When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes. Berean Standard Bible When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes King James Bible And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, that he rent his clothes. New King James Version Now it happened, when the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, that he tore his clothes. New American Standard Bible When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes. NASB 1995 When the king heard the words of the book of the law, he tore his clothes. NASB 1977 And it came about when the king heard the words of the book of the law, that he tore his clothes. Legacy Standard Bible Now it happened that when the king heard the words of the book of the law, he tore his clothes. Amplified Bible Now when the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes. Christian Standard Bible When the king heard the words of the book of the law, he tore his clothes. Holman Christian Standard Bible When the king heard the words of the book of the law, he tore his clothes. American Standard Version And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, that he rent his clothes. Contemporary English Version When Josiah heard what was in The Book of God's Law, he tore his clothes in sorrow. English Revised Version And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, that he rent his clothes. GOD'S WORD® Translation When the king heard what the book of the Teachings said, he tore his clothes [in distress]. Good News Translation When the king heard the book being read, he tore his clothes in dismay, International Standard Version When the king heard what was written in the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes NET Bible When the king heard the words of the law scroll, he tore his clothes. New Heart English Bible It happened, when the king had heard the words of the scroll of the law, that he tore his clothes. Webster's Bible Translation And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, that he rent his clothes. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhen the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes World English Bible When the king had heard the words of the book of the law, he tore his clothes. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd it comes to pass, at the king’s hearing the words of the Scroll of the Law, that he tears his garments, Young's Literal Translation And it cometh to pass, at the king's hearing the words of the book of the law, that he rendeth his garments, Smith's Literal Translation And it will be when the king heard the words of the book of the law, and he will rend his garments. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the king had heard the words of the law of the Lord, he rent his garments. Catholic Public Domain Version and the king had heard the words of the book of the law of the Lord, he tore his garments. New American Bible When the king heard the words of the book of the law, he tore his garments. New Revised Standard Version When the king heard the words of the book of the law, he tore his clothes. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, he tore his clothes. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And when the King heard the words of the Scroll of the Torah, he ripped his clothes. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the Law, that he rent his clothes. Brenton Septuagint Translation And it came to pass, when the king heard the words of the book of the law, that he rent his garments. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Hilkiah Finds the Book of the Law…10Moreover, Shaphan the scribe told the king, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” And Shaphan read it in the presence of the king. 11 When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes 12and commanded Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Achbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the servant of the king:… Cross References 2 Chronicles 34:19 When the king heard the words of the Law, he tore his clothes Jeremiah 36:24 Yet in hearing all these words, the king and his servants did not become frightened or tear their garments. Deuteronomy 31:24-26 When Moses had finished writing in a book the words of this law from beginning to end, / he gave this command to the Levites who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD: / “Take this Book of the Law and place it beside the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, so that it may remain there as a witness against you. 2 Kings 23:2-3 And he went up to the house of the LORD with all the people of Judah and Jerusalem, as well as the priests and the prophets—all the people small and great—and in their hearing he read all the words of the Book of the Covenant that had been found in the house of the LORD. / So the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD to follow the LORD and to keep His commandments, decrees, and statutes with all his heart and all his soul, and to carry out the words of the covenant that were written in this book. And all the people entered into the covenant. Nehemiah 8:9 Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to all of them, “This day is holy to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the Law. Isaiah 66:2 Has not My hand made all these things? And so they came into being,” declares the LORD. “This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word. Jeremiah 26:18-19 “Micah the Moreshite prophesied in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah and told all the people of Judah that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Zion will be plowed like a field, Jerusalem will become a heap of rubble, and the temple mount a wooded ridge.’ / Did Hezekiah king of Judah or anyone else in Judah put him to death? Did Hezekiah not fear the LORD and seek His favor, and did not the LORD relent of the disaster He had pronounced against them? But we are about to bring great harm on ourselves!” 2 Chronicles 34:21 “Go and inquire of the LORD for me and for those remaining in Israel and Judah concerning the words in the book that has been found. For great is the wrath of the LORD that has been poured out on us because our fathers have not kept the word of the LORD by doing all that is written in this book.” Romans 3:20 Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin. Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Acts 2:37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and asked Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” James 1:23-25 For anyone who hears the word but does not carry it out is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror, / and after observing himself goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. / But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom, and continues to do so—not being a forgetful hearer, but an effective doer—he will be blessed in what he does. Matthew 5:17-18 Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. / For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Luke 24:27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was written in all the Scriptures about Himself. Romans 15:4 For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope. Treasury of Scripture And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, that he rent his clothes. that he rent. 2 Kings 22:19 Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the LORD, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard thee, saith the LORD. 2 Chronicles 34:19 And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the law, that he rent his clothes. Jeremiah 36:24 Yet they were not afraid, nor rent their garments, neither the king, nor any of his servants that heard all these words. Jump to Previous Book Clothes Garments Grief Hands Heard Hearing King's Law Parting Rendeth Rent Robe Robes Sign Tore Violently WordsJump to Next Book Clothes Garments Grief Hands Heard Hearing King's Law Parting Rendeth Rent Robe Robes Sign Tore Violently Words2 Kings 22 1. Josiah's good reign.3. He takes care for the repair of the temple. 8. Hilkiah having found a book of the law, 12. Josiah sends to Huldah to enquire of the Lord. 15. Huldah prophesies the destruction of Jerusalem, but respite thereof in Josiah's time. When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law This phrase refers to King Josiah of Judah, who reigned from approximately 640 to 609 BC. The "Book of the Law" is generally understood to be a portion of the Torah, likely Deuteronomy, discovered during temple renovations. This discovery is significant as it highlights the neglect of God's law in Judah prior to Josiah's reforms. The reading of the law brought awareness of the nation's deviation from God's commandments, emphasizing the importance of Scripture in guiding the moral and spiritual life of the people. This event parallels the rediscovery of God's Word in personal and communal life, leading to repentance and revival. he tore his clothes Persons / Places / Events 1. King JosiahThe king of Judah who reigned from approximately 640 to 609 BC. Known for his religious reforms and dedication to restoring the worship of Yahweh. 2. Hilkiah the High Priest The high priest who discovered the Book of the Law in the temple during renovations ordered by King Josiah. 3. Shaphan the Scribe The royal secretary who read the Book of the Law to King Josiah, leading to the king's dramatic reaction. 4. The Book of the Law Likely a portion of the Torah, possibly Deuteronomy, found during temple repairs, which had been neglected for many years. 5. Jerusalem The capital city of Judah, where the temple was located and where these events took place. Teaching Points The Power of God's WordThe rediscovery of the Book of the Law demonstrates the transformative power of Scripture. When God's Word is read and understood, it can lead to profound personal and communal change. Repentance and Humility Josiah's tearing of his clothes is a sign of deep repentance and humility. This act teaches us the importance of responding to God's Word with a contrite heart. The Importance of Spiritual Leadership Josiah's leadership in reforming Judah's religious practices shows the impact a godly leader can have. Spiritual leaders today should prioritize the teaching and application of Scripture. Neglect of Scripture The fact that the Book of the Law was lost and forgotten serves as a warning against neglecting God's Word. Regular engagement with Scripture is essential for spiritual health. Revival through Scripture Josiah's reforms led to a national revival. This illustrates how returning to the foundational truths of Scripture can bring about renewal in our lives and communities. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Kings 22:11?2. How does Josiah's reaction in 2 Kings 22:11 demonstrate reverence for God's Word? 3. What can we learn from Josiah's response to "words of the Law"? 4. How does Josiah's humility compare to other biblical leaders' reactions to God's Word? 5. How can we cultivate a heart sensitive to God's Word like Josiah's? 6. What steps can we take to ensure we respond to Scripture with urgency? 7. Why did King Josiah tear his clothes upon hearing the words of the Law in 2 Kings 22:11? 8. What does 2 Kings 22:11 reveal about the importance of Scripture in ancient Israel? 9. How does 2 Kings 22:11 demonstrate the impact of rediscovering God's Word? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 22? 11. Why does no external archaeological record substantiate the dramatic religious reforms Josiah supposedly enacted in 2 Kings 22? 12. Who was Josiah in the Bible? 13. Does the sudden discovery of lost scriptures in 2 Kings 22:8-13 contradict earlier biblical claims that the Law was carefully preserved? 14. How can we verify that the 'Book of the Law' truly existed and was merely 'found' in the Temple as claimed in 2 Kings 22:8? What Does 2 Kings 22:11 Mean When the king heardThe moment is a jolt of realization. Josiah listens to Shaphan read the rediscovered Book of the Law, and conviction strikes him. Until that reading, the king ruled with sincerity but without the full light of God’s explicit commands. Hearing exposes forgotten truth—just as Romans 10:17 notes that “faith comes by hearing.” Likewise, in Acts 2:37 the crowd is “pierced to the heart” after hearing Peter’s sermon; revelation always calls for response. the words of the Book of the Law These are not mere historical records; they are the covenant terms God spoke through Moses (Deuteronomy 31:24-26). For Josiah, they function like a mirror (James 1:23-25), reflecting the nation’s sin and his duty as king. Psalm 19:7-11 celebrates this same Law as “perfect, reviving the soul,” and Hebrews 4:12 reminds us it “judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Confronted with divine standards, Josiah sees how far Judah has drifted into idolatry (2 Kings 21:3-9). he tore his clothes Tearing garments is an outward sign of inward grief and repentance (Joel 2:13, Esther 4:1). Josiah’s reaction testifies that true leadership humbles itself under God’s authority. Compare 2 Chronicles 34:19, which parallels this scene, and see also Jonah 3:6, where even a pagan king dons sackcloth at God’s warning. The gesture signals urgency: judgment is imminent unless the nation repents (Deuteronomy 28:15-68). summary 2 Kings 22:11 shows that when God’s Word is freshly heard and rightly understood, it forces a decision. Josiah hears, recognizes the Law’s holiness, and responds with humble repentance. The verse challenges every believer: let Scripture confront us, break our complacency, and lead us into obedient action. Verse 11. - And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the Law, that he rent his clothes. To Josiah the book was evidently, as to Hilkiah, in some sort a discovery. It was not, however, a wholly new thing; rather, he accepted it as the recovery of a thing that was known to have been lost, and was now happily found. And in accepting it he regarded it as authoritative. It was not to him "a book of Law" (Ewald), but "the book of the Law." We can well imagine that, although the book may have been lost early in Manasseh's reign, yet echoes of it had lingered on(1) in the liturgies of the Jehovistic worship; (2) in the teachings of the prophets; (3) in the traditional teaching of religious families; so that the pious ear recognized its phrases as familiar. . . . Hebrew When the kingהַמֶּ֔לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king heard כִּשְׁמֹ֣עַ (kiš·mō·a‘) Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently the words דִּבְרֵ֖י (diḇ·rê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause of the Book סֵ֣פֶר (sê·p̄er) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 5612: A missive, document, writing, book of the Law, הַתּוֹרָ֑ה (hat·tō·w·rāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 8451: Direction, instruction, law he tore וַיִּקְרַ֖ע (way·yiq·ra‘) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7167: To rend his clothes בְּגָדָֽיו׃ (bə·ḡā·ḏāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 899: A covering, clothing, treachery, pillage Links 2 Kings 22:11 NIV2 Kings 22:11 NLT 2 Kings 22:11 ESV 2 Kings 22:11 NASB 2 Kings 22:11 KJV 2 Kings 22:11 BibleApps.com 2 Kings 22:11 Biblia Paralela 2 Kings 22:11 Chinese Bible 2 Kings 22:11 French Bible 2 Kings 22:11 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Kings 22:11 It happened when the king had heard (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) |