King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 1:17 Mean?

2 Kings 1:17 in the King James Version says “So he died according to the word of the LORD which Elijah had spoken. And Jehoram reigned in his stead in the second yea... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

So he died according to the word of the LORD which Elijah had spoken. And Jehoram reigned in his stead in the second year of Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat king of Judah; because he had no son.

2 Kings 1:17 · KJV


Context

15

And the angel of the LORD said unto Elijah, Go down with him: be not afraid of him. And he arose, and went down with him unto the king.

16

And he said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Forasmuch as thou hast sent messengers to enquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron, is it not because there is no God in Israel to enquire of his word? therefore thou shalt not come down off that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die.

17

So he died according to the word of the LORD which Elijah had spoken. And Jehoram reigned in his stead in the second year of Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat king of Judah; because he had no son.

18

Now the rest of the acts of Ahaziah which he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
So he died according to the word of the LORD which Elijah had spoken. And Jehoram reigned in his stead in the second year of Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat king of Judah; because he had no son.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 1: Divine judgment on apostasy and affirmation of prophetic authority. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. During this period, Israel and Judah struggled with persistent idolatry, particularly Baal worship introduced under Ahab and Jezebel.

The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 1 takes place during the mid-9th century BCE, around 850 BCE, during the transition from Elijah to Elisha. The chapter's theme (Ahaziah's Illness and Elijah's Final Confrontations) reflects the historical reality of prophetic succession and divine affirmation of Elisha's ministry following Elijah's remarkable translation. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 1 regarding divine judgment on apostasy and affirmation of prophetic authority?
  2. What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
  3. In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וַיָּ֜מָת1 of 21

So he died

H4191

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

כִּדְבַ֥ר2 of 21

according to the word

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

יְהוָ֣ה׀3 of 21

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֲשֶׁר4 of 21
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

דִּבֶּ֣ר5 of 21

had spoken

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֵֽלִיָּ֗הוּ6 of 21

which Elijah

H452

elijah, the name of the famous prophet and of two other israelites

וַיִּמְלֹ֤ךְ7 of 21

reigned

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

לִֽיהוֹרָ֥ם8 of 21

And Jehoram

H3088

jehoram, the name of a syrian and of three israelites

תַּחְתָּ֔יו9 of 21
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

בִּשְׁנַ֣ת10 of 21

year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

שְׁתַּ֔יִם11 of 21

in his stead in the second

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

לִֽיהוֹרָ֥ם12 of 21

And Jehoram

H3088

jehoram, the name of a syrian and of three israelites

בֵּֽן׃13 of 21

because he had no son

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

יְהֽוֹשָׁפָ֖ט14 of 21

of Jehoshaphat

H3092

jehoshaphat, the name of six israelites; also of a valley near jerusalem

מֶ֣לֶךְ15 of 21

king

H4428

a king

יְהוּדָ֑ה16 of 21

of Judah

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

כִּ֛י17 of 21
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לֹא18 of 21
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הָ֥יָה19 of 21
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

ל֖וֹ20 of 21
H0
בֵּֽן׃21 of 21

because he had no son

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


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

2 Kings 1:17 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 Kings 1:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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