King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 14:1 Mean?

2 Kings 14:1 in the King James Version says “In the second year of Joash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel reigned Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah.” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“In the second year of Joash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel reigned Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah.”

2 Kings 14:1 · KJV

Context

1

In the second year of Joash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel reigned Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah.

2

He was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem.

3

And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, yet not like David his father: he did according to all things as Joash his father did.

Read 2 Kings 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
In the second year of Joash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel reigned Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 14: Pride leads to downfall; God's mercy continues. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. 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 14 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Amaziah of Judah and Jeroboam II) 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 14 regarding pride leads to downfall; god's mercy continues?
  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 · 13 words
בִּשְׁנַ֣ת1 of 13

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

שְׁתַּ֔יִם2 of 13

“In the second”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

יוֹאָ֖שׁ3 of 13

“of Joash”

H3101

joash, the name of six israelites

בֶן4 of 13

“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

יֽוֹאָחָ֖ז5 of 13

“of Jehoahaz”

H3099

joachaz, the name of two israelites

מֶ֥לֶךְ6 of 13

“king”

H4428

a king

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל7 of 13

“of Israel”

H3478

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

מָלַ֛ךְ8 of 13

“reigned”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

אֲמַצְיָ֥הוּ9 of 13

“Amaziah”

H558

amatsjah, the name of four israelites

בֶן10 of 13

“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

יוֹאָ֖שׁ11 of 13

“of Joash”

H3101

joash, the name of six israelites

מֶ֥לֶךְ12 of 13

“king”

H4428

a king

יְהוּדָֽה׃13 of 13

“of Judah”

H3063

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

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 14:1 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 14:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 13:102 Chronicles 25:1-41 Chronicles 3:122 Kings 14:15

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 14 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Kings 14 with CommentaryAll 2 Kings ChaptersComplete 2 Kings QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes