King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 13:10 Mean?

2 Kings 13:10 in the King James Version says “In the thirty and seventh year of Joash king of Judah began Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz to reign over Israel in Samaria,...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“In the thirty and seventh year of Joash king of Judah began Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned sixteen years.”

2 Kings 13:10 · KJV

Context

8

Now the rest of the acts of Jehoahaz, and all that he did, and his might, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

9

And Jehoahaz slept with his fathers; and they buried him in Samaria: and Joash his son reigned in his stead.

10

In the thirty and seventh year of Joash king of Judah began Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned sixteen years.

11

And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD; he departed not from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel sin: but he walked therein.

12

And the rest of the acts of Joash, and all that he did, and his might wherewith he fought against Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

Read 2 Kings 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
In the thirty and seventh year of Joash king of Judah began Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned sixteen 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 · 17 words
שָׁנָֽה׃1 of 17

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

שְׁלֹשִׁ֤ים2 of 17

“In the thirty”

H7970

thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth

וָשֶׁ֙בַע֙3 of 17

“and seventh”

H7651

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

שָׁנָֽה׃4 of 17

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

לְיוֹאָ֖שׁ5 of 17

“of Joash”

H3101

joash, the name of six israelites

מֶ֣לֶךְ6 of 17

“king”

H4428

a king

יְהוּדָ֑ה7 of 17

“of Judah”

H3063

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

מָ֠לַךְ8 of 17

“to reign”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

יְהוֹאָ֨שׁ9 of 17

“began Jehoash”

H3060

jehoash, the name of two israelite kings

בֶּן10 of 17

“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

יְהֽוֹאָחָ֤ז11 of 17

“of Jehoahaz”

H3059

jehoachaz, the name of three israelites

עַל12 of 17
H5921

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

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙13 of 17

“over Israel”

H3478

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

בְּשֹׁ֣מְר֔וֹן14 of 17

“in Samaria”

H8111

shomeron, a place in palestine

שֵׁ֥שׁ15 of 17

“and reigned sixteen”

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

עֶשְׂרֵ֖ה16 of 17
H6240

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

שָׁנָֽה׃17 of 17

“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 13:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Places in This Verse

Samaria 1Settlement · Modern: Samaria · 32.28°N, 35.20°E113 verses across 12 books
View all places in 2 Kings 13 →

Test Your Knowledge

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