King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 24:15 Mean?

2 Chronicles 24:15 in the King James Version says “But Jehoiada waxed old, and was full of days when he died; an hundred and thirty years old was he when he died.” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But Jehoiada waxed old, and was full of days when he died; an hundred and thirty years old was he when he died.”

2 Chronicles 24:15 · King James Version

Context

13

So the workmen wrought, and the work was perfected by them, and they set the house of God in his state, and strengthened it. the work: Heb. the healing went up upon the work

14

And when they had finished it, they brought the rest of the money before the king and Jehoiada, whereof were made vessels for the house of the LORD, even vessels to minister, and to offer withal, and spoons, and vessels of gold and silver. And they offered burnt offerings in the house of the LORD continually all the days of Jehoiada. to offer: or, pestils

15

But Jehoiada waxed old, and was full of days when he died; an hundred and thirty years old was he when he died.

16

And they buried him in the city of David among the kings, because he had done good in Israel, both toward God, and toward his house.

17

Now after the death of Jehoiada came the princes of Judah, and made obeisance to the king. Then the king hearkened unto them.

Read 2 Chronicles 24 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
But Jehoiada waxed old, and was full of days when he died; an hundred and thirty years old was he when he died.

This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing Initial faithfulness deteriorating after mentor's death. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immediate divine retribution—kings who seek God prosper, while those who forsake Him face judgment. This pattern provides instruction for the post-exilic community on the conditions for God's blessing.

The account demonstrates God's covenant faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. Even in judgment, God preserves a remnant and offers restoration through repentance. The repeated cycle of apostasy, judgment, and restoration reveals both human sinfulness and divine mercy. References to the temple, proper worship, and priestly service emphasize the Chronicler's concern for correct religious observance.

Theologically, these accounts point beyond immediate history to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line. Despite repeated failures, God preserves David's dynasty, anticipating the perfect King who will reign in righteousness. The pattern of judgment for sin and restoration through repentance prefigures the gospel message of salvation through Christ.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This passage occurs during the divided monarchy period when Judah existed separately from northern Israel. The Chronicler writes from a post-exilic perspective, addressing the restored community in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile (539 BCE onward). His emphasis on temple worship, proper religious observance, and God's covenant faithfulness speaks directly to the needs of his audience who had just rebuilt the temple and were reestablishing their identity as God's people.

The historical context demonstrates both God's judgment on persistent sin and His readiness to restore those who genuinely repent. The Chronicler omits most northern kingdom material, focusing on Judah and the Davidic line to emphasize God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Lachish, Beersheba, and Jerusalem corroborate the biblical accounts of various kings' reigns and building projects.

Understanding the Chronicler's post-exilic perspective is crucial—he's not merely recording history but applying past lessons to his contemporary audience, showing that the same principles of seeking God, maintaining proper worship, and covenant faithfulness that determined blessing or judgment in the past still apply.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse illustrate the principle of divine retribution (blessing for obedience, judgment for sin)?
  2. What specific applications does this passage have for maintaining spiritual faithfulness in contemporary Christian life?
  3. How does this account point to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line and the coming Messiah?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וַיִּזְקַ֧ן1 of 10

“waxed old”

H2204

to be old

יְהֽוֹיָדָ֛ע2 of 10

“But Jehoiada”

H3077

jehojada, the name of three israelites

וַיִּשְׂבַּ֥ע3 of 10

“and was full”

H7646

to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)

יָמִ֖ים4 of 10

“of days”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

וַיָּמֹ֑ת5 of 10

“when he died”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

בֶּן6 of 10

“old”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

מֵאָ֧ה7 of 10

“an hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

וּשְׁלֹשִׁ֛ים8 of 10

“and thirty”

H7970

thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth

שָׁנָ֖ה9 of 10

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

בְּמוֹתֽוֹ׃10 of 10

“was he when he died”

H4194

death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 24:15 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 2 Chronicles 24:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 91:16Job 5:26Genesis 15:15Psalms 90:101 Chronicles 23:1Genesis 25:8

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