King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 13:12 Mean?

2 Kings 13:12 in the King James Version says “And the rest of the acts of Joash, and all that he did, and his might wherewith he fought against Amaziah king of Judah,...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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?”

2 Kings 13:12 · KJV

Context

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?

13

And Joash slept with his fathers; and Jeroboam sat upon his throne: and Joash was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel.

14

Now Elisha was fallen sick of his sickness whereof he died. And Joash the king of Israel came down unto him, and wept over his face, and said, O my father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof.

Read 2 Kings 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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?

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.

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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 · 22 words
וְיֶ֨תֶר1 of 22

“And the rest”

H3499

properly, an overhanging, i.e., (by implication) a small rope (as hanging free)

דִּבְרֵ֥י2 of 22

“of the acts”

H1697

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

יוֹאָשׁ֙3 of 22

“of Joash”

H3101

joash, the name of six israelites

וְכָל4 of 22
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר5 of 22
H834

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

עָשָׂ֔ה6 of 22

“and all that he did”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

וּגְב֣וּרָת֔וֹ7 of 22

“and his might”

H1369

force (literally or figuratively); by implication, valor, victory

אֲשֶׁ֣ר8 of 22
H834

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

נִלְחַ֔ם9 of 22

“wherewith he fought”

H3898

to feed on; figuratively, to consume

עִ֖ם10 of 22
H5973

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

אֲמַצְיָ֣ה11 of 22

“against Amaziah”

H558

amatsjah, the name of four israelites

לְמַלְכֵ֥י12 of 22

“king”

H4428

a king

יְהוּדָ֑ה13 of 22

“of Judah”

H3063

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

הֲלֹא14 of 22
H3808

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

הֵ֣ם15 of 22
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

כְּתוּבִ֗ים16 of 22

“are they not written”

H3789

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

עַל17 of 22
H5921

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

סֵ֛פֶר18 of 22

“in the book”

H5612

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

דִּבְרֵ֥י19 of 22

“of the acts”

H1697

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

הַיָּמִ֖ים20 of 22
H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

לְמַלְכֵ֥י21 of 22

“king”

H4428

a king

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃22 of 22

“of Israel”

H3478

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

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 13:12 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 13:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 25:17-242 Kings 13:14-252 Kings 14:252 Kings 14:8-16

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 13 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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