Bible Strands
2 Kings 22:11
When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — King Josiah is present when the scribe Shaphan finishes reading from the scroll discovered by Hilkiah the priest. The moment occurs immediately after the public reading of the Law in the temple.
The words — The Hebrew verb וַיִּקְרַע (va.yi.kra) means "and he tore," describing the physical act of ripping garments. The phrase סֵפֶר הַתּוֹרָה (Sefer ha.Torah) literally translates to "scroll of the law."
The thread — This reaction parallels the account in 2 Chronicles 34:19, where the king tears his clothes upon hearing the Law. The motif of garment-rending appears in other mourning contexts, such as the reference in Joel 2:13.
Why it lands — The text records a physical response to hearing the written Law without explaining the theological motivation. The action demands recognition that the discovered scroll carries authoritative weight requiring immediate, visible acknowledgment.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, that he rent his clothes.
Cross-references
- 2 Chronicles 34:19 When the king heard the words of the Law, he tore his clothes
- Joel 2:13 So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. And He relents from sending disaster.
- Jonah 3:6 When word reached the king of Nineveh, he got up from his throne, took off his royal robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.
- Joshua 7:6 Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown before the ark of the LORD until evening, as did the elders of Israel; and they all sprinkled dust on their heads.
- 2 Kings 22:19 because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before the LORD when you heard what I spoke against this place and against its people, that they would become a desolation and a curse, and because you have torn your clothes and wept before Me, I have heard you,’ declares the LORD.
- Jeremiah 36:24 Yet in hearing all these words, the king and his servants did not become frightened or tear their garments.