King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 13:25 Mean?

2 Kings 13:25 in the King James Version says “And Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz took again out of the hand of Benhadad the son of Hazael the cities, which he had taken ... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz took again out of the hand of Benhadad the son of Hazael the cities, which he had taken out of the hand of Jehoahaz his father by war. Three times did Joash beat him, and recovered the cities of Israel. took: Heb. returned and took

2 Kings 13:25 · KJV


Context

23

And the LORD was gracious unto them, and had compassion on them, and had respect unto them, because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them, neither cast he them from his presence as yet. presence: Heb. face

24

So Hazael king of Syria died; and Benhadad his son reigned in his stead.

25

And Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz took again out of the hand of Benhadad the son of Hazael the cities, which he had taken out of the hand of Jehoahaz his father by war. Three times did Joash beat him, and recovered the cities of Israel. took: Heb. returned and took


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz took again out of the hand of Ben-hadad the son of Hazael the cities, which he had taken out of the hand of Jehoahaz his father by war. Three times did Joash beat him, and recovered the cities of Israel.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 13: God's patience with recurring apostasy. 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 · 26 words
וַיָּ֖שֶׁב1 of 26

again

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

יְהוֹאָ֣שׁ2 of 26

And Jehoash

H3060

jehoash, the name of two israelite kings

בֶּן3 of 26

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

יְהֽוֹאָחָ֥ז4 of 26

of Jehoahaz

H3059

jehoachaz, the name of three israelites

לָקַ֗ח5 of 26

took

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֶת6 of 26
H853

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

עָרֵ֥י7 of 26

the cities

H5892

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

מִיַּ֛ד8 of 26

out of the hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

בֶּן9 of 26
H0
הֲדַ֣ד10 of 26

of Benhadad

H1130

ben-hadad, the name of several syrian kings, possibly a royal title

בֶּן11 of 26

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

חֲזָאֵ֔ל12 of 26

of Hazael

H2371

chazael, a king of syria

אֲשֶׁ֣ר13 of 26
H834

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

לָקַ֗ח14 of 26

took

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מִיַּ֛ד15 of 26

out of the hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

יְהֽוֹאָחָ֥ז16 of 26

of Jehoahaz

H3059

jehoachaz, the name of three israelites

אָבִ֖יו17 of 26

his father

H1

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

בַּמִּלְחָמָ֑ה18 of 26

by war

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

שָׁלֹ֤שׁ19 of 26

Three

H7969

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

פְּעָמִים֙20 of 26

times

H6471

a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)

הִכָּ֣הוּ21 of 26

beat

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

יוֹאָ֔שׁ22 of 26

did Joash

H3101

joash, the name of six israelites

וַיָּ֖שֶׁב23 of 26

again

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אֶת24 of 26
H853

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

עָרֵ֥י25 of 26

the cities

H5892

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

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃26 of 26

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 13:25 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 13:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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