King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 12:21 Mean?

2 Kings 12:21 in the King James Version says “For Jozachar the son of Shimeath, and Jehozabad the son of Shomer, his servants, smote him, and he died; and they buried...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For Jozachar the son of Shimeath, and Jehozabad the son of Shomer, his servants, smote him, and he died; and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David: and Amaziah his son reigned in his stead.”

2 Kings 12:21 · KJV

Context

19

And the rest of the acts of Joash, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?

20

And his servants arose, and made a conspiracy, and slew Joash in the house of Millo , which goeth down to Silla. the house: or, Bethmillo

21

For Jozachar the son of Shimeath, and Jehozabad the son of Shomer, his servants, smote him, and he died; and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David: and Amaziah his son reigned in his stead.

Read 2 Kings 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For Jozachar the son of Shimeath, and Jehozabad the son of Shomer, his servants, smote him, and he died; and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David: and Amaziah his son reigned in his stead.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 12: Religious reform and temple restoration. 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.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 12 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Joash Repairs the Temple) 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 12 regarding religious reform and temple restoration?
  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 · 19 words
וְיוֹזָכָ֣ר1 of 19

“For Jozachar”

H3108

jozacar, an israelite

בְנ֖וֹ2 of 19

“his 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

שִׁ֠מְעָת3 of 19

“of Shimeath”

H8100

shimath, an ammonitess

וִיהֽוֹזָבָ֨ד4 of 19

“and Jehozabad”

H3075

jehozabad, the name of three israelites

בְנ֖וֹ5 of 19

“his 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

שֹׁמֵ֤ר׀6 of 19

“of Shomer”

H7763

shomer, the name of two israelites

עֲבָדָיו֙7 of 19

“his servants”

H5650

a servant

הִכֻּ֣הוּ8 of 19

“smote”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

וַיָּמֹ֔ת9 of 19

“him and he died”

H4191

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

וַֽיִּקְבְּר֥וּ10 of 19

“and they buried”

H6912

to inter

אֹת֛וֹ11 of 19
H853

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

עִם12 of 19
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

אֲבֹתָ֖יו13 of 19

“him with his fathers”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

בְּעִ֣יר14 of 19

“in the city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

דָּוִ֑ד15 of 19

“of David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַיִּמְלֹ֛ךְ16 of 19

“reigned”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

אֲמַצְיָ֥ה17 of 19

“and Amaziah”

H558

amatsjah, the name of four israelites

בְנ֖וֹ18 of 19

“his 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

תַּחְתָּֽיו׃19 of 19
H8478

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

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 12:21 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 12:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 24:26-272 Kings 14:1

Places in This Verse

City of DavidSettlement · Modern: City of David · 31.77°N, 35.24°E46 verses across 7 books
View all places in 2 Kings 12 →

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 12 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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