Old Testament
2 Kings 9:35
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
But when they went to bury her, all they found was her skull, her feet, and the palms of her hands.
Compare translations
And they went to bury her: but they found no more of her than the skull, and the feet, and the palms of her hands.
What 2 Kings 9:35 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, the story reveals a shocking end to a character who had lived a life of wickedness. When the people went to bury her, they expected to find a body, but instead, they only discovered her skull, feet, and hands. This gruesome finding symbolizes the consequences of her actions and the judgment she faced. It serves as a stark reminder that our choices have lasting effects, and we cannot escape the repercussions of our behavior. The fragmented remains reflect a life that was once whole but ultimately led to destruction. This moment emphasizes the importance of living a life aligned with values that promote goodness and integrity. It challenges us to consider how we want to be remembered and what legacy we leave behind. The imagery is powerful, urging us to reflect on our own lives and the paths we choose to take. Ultimately, it highlights the reality that our actions define us, and we must be mindful of the impact they have on ourselves and others around us.
How to apply 2 Kings 9:35 to your life
Consider the choices you make daily and how they shape your future. Reflect on the legacy you want to leave behind. Strive to live with integrity and purpose, ensuring that your actions align with your values. Remember, every decision counts and contributes to your story. Make them meaningful and positive for yourself and others around you.
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 Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, 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.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
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 9:35
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 9:35
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 9:35 mean?
2 Kings 9:35 describes the gruesome discovery made when people went to bury Jezebel. Instead of finding her body, they only found her skull, feet, and hands, symbolizing the consequences of her wicked life and the judgment she faced.
What is the significance of the remains found in 2 Kings 9:35?
The remains found in 2 Kings 9:35—just the skull, feet, and hands—represent the fragmented end of a life lived in wickedness. This imagery serves as a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of one's choices and the inevitable consequences of one's actions.
How does 2 Kings 9:35 relate to the theme of legacy?
2 Kings 9:35 illustrates how Jezebel's legacy is one of destruction and judgment. The fragmented remains found at her burial serve as a stark reminder that our actions define our legacy and that we should strive to leave behind a positive impact.
What lessons can we learn from 2 Kings 9:35?
From 2 Kings 9:35, we learn the importance of making choices that align with integrity and goodness. The verse challenges us to reflect on our lives and consider the lasting effects of our actions on our legacy.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.