King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 22:42 Mean?

1 Kings 22:42 in the King James Version says “Jehoshaphat was thirty and five years old when he began to reign; and he reigned twenty and five years in Jerusalem. And...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Jehoshaphat was thirty and five years old when he began to reign; and he reigned twenty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi.”

1 Kings 22:42 · KJV

Context

40

So Ahab slept with his fathers; and Ahaziah his son reigned in his stead.

41

And Jehoshaphat the son of Asa began to reign over Judah in the fourth year of Ahab king of Israel.

42

Jehoshaphat was thirty and five years old when he began to reign; and he reigned twenty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi.

43

And he walked in all the ways of Asa his father; he turned not aside from it, doing that which was right in the eyes of the LORD: nevertheless the high places were not taken away; for the people offered and burnt incense yet in the high places.

44

And Jehoshaphat made peace with the king of Israel.

Read 1 Kings 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jehoshaphat was thirty and five years old when he began to reign; and he reigned twenty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of ahab's death and jehoshaphat's alliance, within the book's focus on prophetic ministry of Elijah confronting Baalism.

The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Elijah's ministry (c. 860-850 BCE) occurred during Ahab's reign, a time of intense spiritual crisis in Israel.

Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage illustrate the importance of complete obedience to God's word without compromise?
  2. What does Elijah's ministry reveal about God's character and His commitment to His covenant people?
  3. How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
יְהוֹשָׁפָט1 of 11

“Jehoshaphat”

yə·hō·wō·šā·p̄āṭ

H3092
בֶּן2 of 11

“old”

ben

H1121
שְׁלֹשִׁים3 of 11

“thirty”

šə·lō·šîm

H7970
וְחָמֵשׁ4 of 11

“and five”

wə·ḥā·mêš

H2568
שָׁנָה5 of 11

“years”

šā·nāh

H8141
בְּמָלְכוֹ6 of 11

“when he became king”

bə·māl·ḵō·w

H4427
וְעֶשְׂרִים7 of 11

“and twenty”

wə·'eś·rîm

H6242
וְחָמֵשׁ8 of 11

“-five”

wə·ḥā·mêš

H2568
שָׁנָה9 of 11

“years”

šā·nāh

H8141
מָלַךְ10 of 11

“he reigned”

mā·laḵ

H4427
בִּירוּשָׁלִָם11 of 11

“in Jerusalem”

bî·rū·šā·lim

H3389

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Kings 22:42 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Kings 22:42 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 14:212 Kings 8:161 Kings 15:101 Kings 15:22 Kings 1:17

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in 1 Kings 22 →

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