King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 11:2 Mean?

2 Kings 11:2 in the King James Version says “But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among th... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's sons which were slain; and they hid him, even him and his nurse, in the bedchamber from Athaliah, so that he was not slain.

2 Kings 11:2 · KJV


Context

1

And when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal. seed: Heb. seed of the kingdom

2

But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's sons which were slain; and they hid him, even him and his nurse, in the bedchamber from Athaliah, so that he was not slain.

3

And he was with her hid in the house of the LORD six years. And Athaliah did reign over the land.

4

And the seventh year Jehoiada sent and fetched the rulers over hundreds, with the captains and the guard, and brought them to him into the house of the LORD, and made a covenant with them, and took an oath of them in the house of the LORD, and shewed them the king's son.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's sons which were slain; and they hid him, even him and his nurse, in the bedchamber from Athaliah, so that he was not slain.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 11: Preservation of Davidic line and covenant faithfulness. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. This passage occurs during the decline toward Israel's exile, demonstrating how persistent covenant unfaithfulness leads to national disaster.

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

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 11 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Athaliah's Usurpation and Downfall) reflects the historical reality of progressive political instability and external threats, particularly from Aram (Syria) and later Assyria. 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 11 regarding preservation of davidic line and covenant faithfulness?
  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 · 28 words
וַתִּקַּ֣ח1 of 28

took

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

יְהוֹשֶׁ֣בַע2 of 28

But Jehosheba

H3089

jehosheba, an israelitess

בַּת3 of 28

the daughter

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙4 of 28

of king

H4428

a king

י֠וֹרָם5 of 28

Joram

H3141

joram, the name of three israelites and one syrian

אֲח֨וֹת6 of 28

sister

H269

a sister (used very widely [like h0251], literally and figuratively)

אֲחַזְיָ֗ה7 of 28

of Ahaziah

H274

achazjah, the name of a jewish and an israelite king

אֶת8 of 28
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יוֹאָ֣שׁ9 of 28

Joash

H3101

joash, the name of six israelites

בְּנֵֽי10 of 28

sons

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

אֲחַזְיָ֗ה11 of 28

of Ahaziah

H274

achazjah, the name of a jewish and an israelite king

וַתִּגְנֹ֤ב12 of 28

and stole

H1589

to thieve (literally or figuratively); by implication, to deceive

אֹתוֹ֙13 of 28
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מִתּ֤וֹךְ14 of 28

him from among

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

בְּנֵֽי15 of 28

sons

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

הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙16 of 28

of king

H4428

a king

הוּמָֽת׃17 of 28

so that he was not slain

H4191

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

אֹת֥וֹ18 of 28
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

וְאֶת19 of 28
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מֵֽינִקְתּ֖וֹ20 of 28

him even him and his nurse

H3243

to suck; causatively, to give milk

בַּֽחֲדַ֣ר21 of 28

in the bedchamber

H2315

an apartment (usually literal)

הַמִּטּ֑וֹת22 of 28
H4296

a bed (as extended) for sleeping or eating; by analogy, a sofa, litter or bier

וַיַּסְתִּ֧רוּ23 of 28

and they hid

H5641

to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively

אֹת֛וֹ24 of 28
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מִפְּנֵ֥י25 of 28

from

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

עֲתַלְיָ֖הוּ26 of 28

Athaliah

H6271

athaljah, the name of an israelitess and two israelites

וְלֹ֥א27 of 28
H3808

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

הוּמָֽת׃28 of 28

so that he was not slain

H4191

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


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 11:2 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 11:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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