15 The word “king” is not in the original text of either the first or the third line. It is implicit in the connection and is supplied in the translation for clarity. As the next verse makes clear, the king who will never return to see his native land is Shallum, also known as Jehoahaz (cf. 1 Chr 3:15; 2 Kgs 23:30, 33–34). He was made king by popular acclaim after the death of his father, Josiah, who was killed at Megiddo trying to stop Pharaoh Necho from going to the aid of the Assyrians. According to 2 Kgs 23:32 he was a wicked king. He was deposed by Necho and carried into exile where he died. The dead king alluded to is his father, Josiah, who was a godly king and was accordingly spared from seeing the destruction of his land (2 Kgs 22:20).

In other versions

Weep not for him who is dead,

nor grieve for him,

but weep bitterly for him who goes away,

for he shall return no more

to see his native land.

Do not weep for the dead king or mourn his loss;

rather, weep bitterly for him who is exiled,

because he will never return

nor see his native land again.

Do not weep for the dead;

do not mourn for him.

Weep bitterly for the one who has gone away,

for he will never return again

and see his native land.

Do not weep for the dead king or mourn his loss.

Instead, weep for the captive king being led away!

For he will never return to see his native land again.

You must not weep for the dead person,

and you must not show sympathy for him.

Weep bitterly for the one who goes away,

for he will not return, or see the land of his birth again.

Weep ye not for the dead, neither bemoan him:

But weep sore for him that goeth away:

For he shall return no more,

Nor see his native country.

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