King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 13:1 Mean?

2 Kings 13:1 in the King James Version says “In the three and twentieth year of Joash the son of Ahaziah king of Judah Jehoahaz the son of Jehu began to reign over I... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

In the three and twentieth year of Joash the son of Ahaziah king of Judah Jehoahaz the son of Jehu began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned seventeen years. three: Heb. twentieth year and third year

2 Kings 13:1 · KJV


Context

1

In the three and twentieth year of Joash the son of Ahaziah king of Judah Jehoahaz the son of Jehu began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned seventeen years. three: Heb. twentieth year and third year

2

And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, and followed the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which made Israel to sin; he departed not therefrom. followed: Heb. walked after

3

And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he delivered them into the hand of Hazael king of Syria, and into the hand of Benhadad the son of Hazael, all their days.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
In the three and twentieth year of Joash the son of Ahaziah king of Judah Jehoahaz the son of Jehu began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned seventeen years.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 13: God's patience with recurring apostasy. 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. 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 13 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Decline of Israel and Judah) 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 13 regarding god's patience with recurring apostasy?
  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
שָׁנָֽה׃1 of 19

year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

עֶשְׂרִ֤ים2 of 19

and twentieth

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

וְשָׁלֹשׁ֙3 of 19

In the three

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

שָׁנָֽה׃4 of 19

year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

לְיוֹאָ֥שׁ5 of 19

of Joash

H3101

joash, the name of six israelites

בֶּן6 of 19

the 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

אֲחַזְיָ֖הוּ7 of 19

of Ahaziah

H274

achazjah, the name of a jewish and an israelite king

מֶ֣לֶךְ8 of 19

king

H4428

a king

יְהוּדָ֑ה9 of 19

of Judah

H3063

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

מָ֠לַךְ10 of 19

began to reign

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

יְהֽוֹאָחָ֨ז11 of 19

Jehoahaz

H3059

jehoachaz, the name of three israelites

בֶּן12 of 19

the 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

יֵה֤וּא13 of 19

of Jehu

H3058

jehu, the name of five israelites

עַל14 of 19
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙15 of 19

over Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

בְּשֹׁ֣מְר֔וֹן16 of 19

in Samaria

H8111

shomeron, a place in palestine

שְׁבַ֥ע17 of 19

and reigned seventeen

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

עֶשְׂרֵ֖ה18 of 19
H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

שָׁנָֽה׃19 of 19

year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)


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 13:1 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 13:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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