Old Testament
2 Kings 23:7
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He tore down the houses of the sodomites that were by the house of the LORD, where the women wove hangings for the grove.
Compare translations
And he brake down the houses of the sodomites, that were by the house of the LORD, where the women wove hangings for the grove.
What 2 Kings 23:7 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, we see a significant action taken by King Josiah as he cleanses the worship practices around the temple. He removes the houses associated with the sodomites, which were places of immoral practices. This act symbolizes a return to pure worship and a rejection of corrupt influences. The women who wove hangings for the grove were likely involved in rituals that were not aligned with the true worship of God. By tearing down these houses, Josiah is making a bold statement about the importance of maintaining a sacred space for worship. It reflects a desire to restore integrity and holiness in the community. This moment serves as a reminder of the need to evaluate what influences we allow in our lives and to take action against those that lead us away from our values. Josiah's actions encourage us to seek purity in our own lives and to stand against practices that compromise our beliefs and integrity. His commitment to God’s standards challenges us to reflect on our own choices and their impact on our spiritual journey.
How to apply 2 Kings 23:7 to your life
Consider what influences surround you and how they align with your values. Just as Josiah took action to remove corrupt practices, think about what you might need to change in your life. This could involve distancing yourself from negative influences or seeking out positive ones that encourage your growth. Make a commitment to uphold your beliefs in your daily life. Your choices matter and can lead to a more fulfilling path forward.
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.
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
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 PlansAsk AI about 2 Kings 23:7
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 23:7
Related Bible verses
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 23:7 mean by 'houses of the sodomites'?
In 2 Kings 23:7, 'houses of the sodomites' refers to places associated with immoral practices, likely linked to ritual prostitution and idolatry. King Josiah's actions to tear down these houses signify a strong rejection of corrupt worship practices that had infiltrated the temple area, emphasizing the need for purity in worship.
Why did King Josiah tear down the houses near the temple?
King Josiah tore down the houses near the temple to cleanse the worship practices in Jerusalem. His actions were part of a broader reform to eliminate idolatry and restore true worship of God. By removing these corrupt influences, Josiah aimed to create a sacred space dedicated solely to the worship of the Lord.
What can we learn from Josiah's actions in this verse?
Josiah's actions teach us the importance of evaluating and removing negative influences in our lives. Just as he took a stand against corrupt practices, we are encouraged to identify and eliminate anything that compromises our values and beliefs. This commitment to purity and integrity can lead to a more authentic spiritual journey.
How does this verse relate to the theme of worship?
This verse highlights the theme of worship by illustrating the need for a pure and dedicated space for honoring God. Josiah's reforms were aimed at restoring true worship by removing distractions and corrupt practices that detracted from the holiness of the temple. It serves as a reminder that our worship should be free from influences that do not align with our faith.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.