King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 14:16 Mean?

2 Kings 14:16 in the King James Version says “And Jehoash slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel; and Jeroboam his son reigned in ...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Jehoash slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel; and Jeroboam his son reigned in his stead.”

2 Kings 14:16 · KJV

Context

14

And he took all the gold and silver, and all the vessels that were found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house, and hostages , and returned to Samaria.

15

Now the rest of the acts of Jehoash which he did, and his might, and how he fought with Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

16

And Jehoash slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel; and Jeroboam his son reigned in his stead.

17

And Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah lived after the death of Jehoash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel fifteen years.

18

And the rest of the acts of Amaziah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?

Read 2 Kings 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Jehoash slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel; and Jeroboam his son reigned in his stead.

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.

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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
וַיִּשְׁכַּ֤ב1 of 13

“slept”

H7901

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

יְהוֹאָשׁ֙2 of 13

“And Jehoash”

H3060

jehoash, the name of two israelite kings

עִם3 of 13
H5973

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

אֲבֹתָ֔יו4 of 13

“with his fathers”

H1

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

וַיִּקָּבֵר֙5 of 13

“and was buried”

H6912

to inter

בְּשֹׁ֣מְר֔וֹן6 of 13

“in Samaria”

H8111

shomeron, a place in palestine

עִ֖ם7 of 13
H5973

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

מַלְכֵ֣י8 of 13

“with the kings”

H4428

a king

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל9 of 13

“of Israel”

H3478

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

וַיִּמְלֹ֛ךְ10 of 13

“reigned”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

יָֽרָבְעָ֥ם11 of 13

“and Jeroboam”

H3379

jarobam, the name of two israelite kings

בְּנ֖וֹ12 of 13

“his 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

תַּחְתָּֽיו׃13 of 13
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

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 14:16 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 14:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hosea 1:1Amos 7:10-112 Kings 13:9Amos 1:12 Samuel 7:122 Kings 13:13

Places in This Verse

Samaria 1Settlement · Modern: Samaria · 32.28°N, 35.20°E113 verses across 12 books
View all places in 2 Kings 14 →

Test Your Knowledge

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

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