2 Kings 23:23
New International Version
But in the eighteenth year of King Josiah, this Passover was celebrated to the LORD in Jerusalem.

New Living Translation
But in the eighteenth year of King Josiah’s reign, this Passover was celebrated to the LORD in Jerusalem.

English Standard Version
But in the eighteenth year of King Josiah this Passover was kept to the LORD in Jerusalem.

Berean Standard Bible
But in the eighteenth year of Josiah’s reign, this Passover was observed to the LORD in Jerusalem.

King James Bible
But in the eighteenth year of king Josiah, wherein this passover was holden to the LORD in Jerusalem.

New King James Version
But in the eighteenth year of King Josiah this Passover was held before the LORD in Jerusalem.

New American Standard Bible
But in the eighteenth year of King Josiah, this Passover was celebrated to the LORD in Jerusalem.

NASB 1995
But in the eighteenth year of King Josiah, this Passover was observed to the LORD in Jerusalem.

NASB 1977
But in the eighteenth year of King Josiah, this Passover was observed to the LORD in Jerusalem.

Legacy Standard Bible
But in the eighteenth year of King Josiah, this Passover was celebrated to Yahweh in Jerusalem.

Amplified Bible
But in the eighteenth year of King Josiah, this Passover to the LORD was kept in Jerusalem.

Christian Standard Bible
But in the eighteenth year of King Josiah, the LORD’s Passover was observed in Jerusalem.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But in the eighteenth year of King Josiah, this Passover was observed to the LORD in Jerusalem.

American Standard Version
but in the eighteenth year of king Josiah was this passover kept to Jehovah in Jerusalem.

Contemporary English Version
But in Josiah's eighteenth year as king of Judah, everyone came to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover.

English Revised Version
but in the eighteenth year of king Josiah was this passover kept to the LORD in Jerusalem.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But in the eighteenth year of King Josiah's reign, this Passover was celebrated in Jerusalem for the LORD.

Good News Translation
Now at last, in the eighteenth year of the reign of Josiah, the Passover was celebrated in Jerusalem.

International Standard Version
In the eighteenth year of the reign of King Josiah, this Passover was observed in Jerusalem to honor the LORD.

Majority Standard Bible
But in the eighteenth year of Josiah’s reign, this Passover was observed to the LORD in Jerusalem.

NET Bible
But in the eighteenth year of King Josiah's reign, such a Passover of the LORD was observed in Jerusalem.

New Heart English Bible
but in the eighteenth year of king Josiah was this Passover kept to the LORD in Jerusalem.

Webster's Bible Translation
But in the eighteenth year of king Josiah, in which this passover was held to the LORD in Jerusalem.

World English Bible
but in the eighteenth year of King Josiah, this Passover was kept to Yahweh in Jerusalem.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
but in the eighteenth year of King Josiah, this Passover has been made to YHWH in Jerusalem.

Young's Literal Translation
but in the eighteenth year of king Josiah, hath this passover been made to Jehovah in Jerusalem.

Smith's Literal Translation
But in the eighteenth year to king Josiah was done this passover to Jehovah in Jerusalem.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
As was this phase that was kept to the Lord in Jerusalem, in the eighteenth year of king Josias.

Catholic Public Domain Version
as this Passover, which was kept to the Lord in Jerusalem, in the eighteenth year of king Josiah.

New American Bible
until the eighteenth year of King Josiah, when this Passover of the LORD was kept in Jerusalem.

New Revised Standard Version
but in the eighteenth year of King Josiah this passover was kept to the LORD in Jerusalem.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Like that in the eighteenth year of King Josiah, when this passover was kept to the LORD in Jerusalem.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Except only in the eighteenth year of King Yoshiah, when this Passover was made to LORD JEHOVAH in Jerusalem!
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
but in the eighteenth year of king Josiah was this passover kept to the LORD in Jerusalem.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
But in the eighteenth year of king Josias, was the passover kept to the Lord in Jerusalem.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Josiah Restores the Passover
22No such Passover had been observed from the days of the judges who had governed Israel through all the days of the kings of Israel and Judah. 23But in the eighteenth year of Josiah’s reign, this Passover was observed to the LORD in Jerusalem. 24Furthermore, Josiah removed the mediums and spiritists, the household gods and idols, and all the abominations that were seen in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem. He did this to carry out the words of the law written in the book that Hilkiah the priest had found in the house of the LORD.…

Cross References
Exodus 12:14
And this day will be a memorial for you, and you are to celebrate it as a feast to the LORD, as a permanent statute for the generations to come.

Deuteronomy 16:1-8
Observe the month of Abib and celebrate the Passover to the LORD your God, because in the month of Abib the LORD your God brought you out of Egypt by night. / You are to offer to the LORD your God the Passover sacrifice from the herd or flock in the place the LORD will choose as a dwelling for His Name. / You must not eat leavened bread with it; for seven days you are to eat with it unleavened bread, the bread of affliction, because you left the land of Egypt in haste—so that you may remember for the rest of your life the day you left the land of Egypt. ...

2 Chronicles 35:1-19
Then Josiah kept the Passover to the LORD in Jerusalem, and the Passover lamb was slaughtered on the fourteenth day of the first month. / He appointed the priests to their duties and encouraged them in the service of the house of the LORD. / To the Levites who taught all Israel and were holy to the LORD, Josiah said: “Put the holy ark in the temple built by Solomon son of David king of Israel. It is not to be carried around on your shoulders. Now serve the LORD your God and His people Israel. ...

Leviticus 23:4-8
These are the LORD’s appointed feasts, the sacred assemblies you are to proclaim at their appointed times. / The Passover to the LORD begins at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month. / On the fifteenth day of the same month begins the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the LORD. For seven days you must eat unleavened bread. ...

Numbers 9:1-5
In the first month of the second year after Israel had come out of the land of Egypt, the LORD spoke to Moses in the Wilderness of Sinai: / “The Israelites are to observe the Passover at its appointed time. / You are to observe it at the appointed time, at twilight on the fourteenth day of this month, in accordance with its statutes and ordinances.” ...

Joshua 5:10-12
On the evening of the fourteenth day of the month, while the Israelites were camped at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho, they kept the Passover. / The day after the Passover, on that very day, they ate unleavened bread and roasted grain from the produce of the land. / And the day after they had eaten from the produce of the land, the manna ceased. There was no more manna for the Israelites, so that year they began to eat the crops of the land of Canaan.

1 Kings 9:25
Three times a year Solomon offered burnt offerings and peace offerings on the altar he had built for the LORD, burning incense with them before the LORD. So he completed the temple.

2 Chronicles 30:1-27
Then Hezekiah sent word throughout all Israel and Judah, and he also wrote letters to Ephraim and Manasseh inviting them to come to the house of the LORD in Jerusalem to keep the Passover of the LORD, the God of Israel. / For the king and his officials and the whole assembly in Jerusalem had decided to keep the Passover in the second month, / since they had been unable to keep it at the regular time, because not enough priests had consecrated themselves and the people had not been gathered in Jerusalem. ...

Ezra 6:19-22
On the fourteenth day of the first month, the exiles kept the Passover. / All the priests and Levites had purified themselves and were ceremonially clean. And the Levites slaughtered the Passover lamb for all the exiles, for their priestly brothers, and for themselves. / The Israelites who had returned from exile ate it, together with all who had separated themselves from the uncleanness of the peoples of the land to seek the LORD, the God of Israel. ...

Matthew 26:17-19
On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?” / He answered, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him that the Teacher says, ‘My time is near. I will keep the Passover with My disciples at your house.’” / So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover.

Mark 14:12-16
On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb was to be sacrificed, Jesus’ disciples asked Him, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?” / So He sent two of His disciples and told them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jug of water will meet you. Follow him, / and whichever house he enters, say to the owner, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is My guest room, where I may eat the Passover with My disciples?’ ...

Luke 22:7-13
Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb was to be sacrificed. / Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.” / “Where do You want us to prepare it?” they asked. ...

John 2:13
When the Jewish Passover was near, Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

John 11:55
Now the Jewish Passover was near, and many people went up from the country to Jerusalem to purify themselves before the Passover.

John 13:1
It was now just before the Passover Feast, and Jesus knew that His hour had come to leave this world and return to the Father. Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the very end.


Treasury of Scripture

But in the eighteenth year of king Josiah, wherein this passover was held to the LORD in Jerusalem.

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Celebrated Eighteenth Held Holden Jerusalem Josiah Josi'ah Kept Observed Passover Rule Wherein
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Celebrated Eighteenth Held Holden Jerusalem Josiah Josi'ah Kept Observed Passover Rule Wherein
2 Kings 23
1. Josiah causes the book to be read in a solemn assembly.
3. He renews the covenant of the Lord.
4. He destroys idolatry.
15. He burns dead men's bones upon the altar of Bethel, as was prophesied.
21. He keeps a most solemn Passover.
24. He puts away witches and all abomination.
26. God's final wrath against Judah.
29. Josiah, provoking Pharaoh Neco, is slain at Megiddo.
31. Jehoahaz, succeeding him,
33. is imprisoned by Pharaoh Neco, who makes Jehoiakim king.
36. Jehoiakim's wicked reign.














But in the eighteenth year
This phrase marks a significant point in the reign of King Josiah, a king of Judah known for his religious reforms. The "eighteenth year" signifies a time of maturity and established authority in Josiah's rule. Historically, this was around 622 BC, a period of significant religious revival in Judah. Josiah's reforms were deeply rooted in his discovery of the Book of the Law, which led to a national return to covenantal faithfulness. The number eighteen in Hebrew culture can symbolize life and new beginnings, reflecting the renewal Josiah brought to his people.

of the reign of Josiah
Josiah was one of the few kings of Judah who was wholly committed to following the ways of the LORD. His reign is marked by a return to the worship of Yahweh and the eradication of idolatry. The name "Josiah" means "Yahweh supports" or "healed by Yahweh," which is fitting given his role in restoring the spiritual health of the nation. His reign is a testament to the impact of godly leadership and the importance of aligning national policies with divine commandments.

this Passover
The Passover is a pivotal Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from Egyptian bondage. It is a time of remembrance and celebration of God's faithfulness and power. In the context of Josiah's reforms, the observance of Passover signifies a return to foundational religious practices and a re-establishment of national identity centered on God's redemptive acts. The Hebrew word for Passover, "Pesach," implies a passing over or protection, symbolizing God's mercy and deliverance.

was observed
The observance of Passover under Josiah was not merely a ritualistic act but a heartfelt return to covenantal worship. The Hebrew root for "observed" suggests careful attention and adherence to divine instructions. This observance was a public declaration of faith and obedience, reflecting a collective commitment to the LORD. It underscores the importance of worship that is both sincere and aligned with God's revealed will.

to the LORD
The phrase "to the LORD" emphasizes the object and focus of the Passover celebration. It was not just a cultural or national event but an act of worship directed towards Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. The use of "LORD" in all capitals in English translations signifies the divine name YHWH, highlighting the personal and relational nature of God with His people. This focus on the LORD underscores the centrality of God in the life and worship of Israel.

in Jerusalem
Jerusalem, the city of David, holds profound significance as the spiritual and political center of Israel. It is the location of the Temple, the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. The observance of Passover in Jerusalem underlines the importance of centralized worship and the unity of the nation under God's covenant. Historically, Jerusalem was the heart of Jewish worship, and its mention here reinforces the idea of returning to the roots of faith and obedience.

(23) Wherein.--Omit this word. As Ewald says, the meaning of these two verses is, that the passover was never so celebrated before, especially as regards (1) the offerings over and above the paschal lamb (Deuteronomy 16:2), and (2) the strict unity of the place of this festival (Deuteronomy 16:5). The assumption that no passover had ever been held before (De Wette), is obsolete, even among "advanced critics," and does not merit serious discussion.

Verse 23. - But in the eighteenth year of King Josiah, wherein this Passover was holden to the Lord in Jerusalem (compare, on the date, 2 Kings 22:3 and 2 Chronicles 35:19). The eighteenth year of Josiah corresponded probably, in part to B.C. 622, in part to B.C. 621.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But
כִּ֗י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

in the eighteenth
בִּשְׁמֹנֶ֤ה (biš·mō·neh)
Preposition-b | Number - feminine singular
Strong's 8083: A cardinal number, eight, eighth

year
שָׁנָ֔ה (šā·nāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8141: A year

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

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

this
הַזֶּ֛ה (haz·zeh)
Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

Passover
הַפֶּ֧סַח (hap·pe·saḥ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6453: A pretermission, exemption, Passover

was observed
נַעֲשָׂ֞ה (na·‘ă·śāh)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

to the LORD
לַיהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

in Jerusalem.
בִּירוּשָׁלִָֽם׃ (bî·rū·šā·lim)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel


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OT History: 2 Kings 23:23 But in the eighteenth year of king (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg)
2 Kings 23:22
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