King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 13:8 Mean?

2 Kings 13:8 in the King James Version says “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 chroni... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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?

2 Kings 13:8 · KJV


Context

6

Nevertheless they departed not from the sins of the house of Jeroboam, who made Israel sin, but walked therein: and there remained the grove also in Samaria.) walked: Heb. he walked remained: Heb. stood

7

Neither did he leave of the people to Jehoahaz but fifty horsemen, and ten chariots, and ten thousand footmen; for the king of Syria had destroyed them, and had made them like the dust by threshing.

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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?

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 · 16 words
וְיֶ֨תֶר1 of 16

Now the rest

H3499

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

דִּבְרֵ֥י2 of 16

of the acts

H1697

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

יְהֽוֹאָחָ֛ז3 of 16

of Jehoahaz

H3059

jehoachaz, the name of three israelites

וְכָל4 of 16
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר5 of 16
H834

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

עָשָׂ֖ה6 of 16

and all that he did

H6213

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

וּגְבֽוּרָת֑וֹ7 of 16

and his might

H1369

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

הֲלוֹא8 of 16
H3808

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

הֵ֣ם9 of 16
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

כְּתוּבִ֗ים10 of 16

are they not written

H3789

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

עַל11 of 16
H5921

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

סֵ֛פֶר12 of 16

in the book

H5612

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

דִּבְרֵ֥י13 of 16

of the acts

H1697

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

הַיָּמִ֖ים14 of 16
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

לְמַלְכֵ֥י15 of 16

of the kings

H4428

a king

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃16 of 16

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 13:8 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 13:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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