Old Testament

2 Kings 23:1

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

The king sent for all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem to gather before him.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

And the king sent, and they gathered unto him all the elders of Judah and of Jerusalem.

What 2 Kings 23:1 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this moment, the king is taking a significant step to unite the leaders of Judah and Jerusalem. By calling all the elders together, he is showing the importance of community and shared responsibility. This gathering is not just a formality; it signifies a collective effort to address the issues facing their society. The elders represent wisdom and experience, and their presence indicates that the king values their input. This action sets the stage for important decisions that will impact the entire nation. It highlights the need for collaboration in leadership and governance. When leaders come together, they can create a stronger foundation for their people. This moment reminds us that effective leadership often involves listening to others and working together for the common good. It’s a call to action for all of us to engage with our communities and seek guidance from those with experience and knowledge. Together, we can face challenges and make meaningful changes.

How to apply 2 Kings 23:1 to your life

Consider how you can engage with your community and seek the wisdom of others. Whether in your family, workplace, or local groups, collaboration can lead to better decisions. Don’t hesitate to gather insights from those around you to tackle challenges together. Every voice matters in creating positive change. Embrace teamwork in your daily life to strengthen relationships and outcomes.

Curated for this public verse page. 2 Kings Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of the Israelites enslaved in Egypt

Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Moses

Walls uncovered by archaeologists on the mound of Tell es-Sultan, with palm trees in the distance.

Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Jericho

The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about 2 Kings 23:1

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying 2 Kings 23:1

At a Glance — the Book of 2 Kings

Author
Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
Written
Around 560 BC
Genre
Historical narrative
Original Audience
Exiled Israelites in Babylon

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does 2 Kings 23:1 mean?

2 Kings 23:1 describes a moment when the king calls all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem to gather. This signifies the importance of unity and collaboration among leaders to address societal issues.

What is the significance of the elders in 2 Kings 23:1?

The elders represent wisdom and experience in the community. Their gathering indicates that the king values their input and recognizes the need for collective decision-making.

How can we apply the message of 2 Kings 23:1 today?

We can apply this message by engaging with our communities and seeking the wisdom of others. Collaboration in decision-making can lead to better outcomes in various aspects of life.

What themes are present in 2 Kings 23:1?

The themes in 2 Kings 23:1 include leadership, community, collaboration, wisdom, and responsibility. These themes emphasize the importance of working together for the common good.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.