King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 14:17 Mean?

2 Kings 14:17 in the King James Version says “And Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah lived after the death of Jehoash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel fifteen years...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Kings 14:17 · King James Version

Context

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?

19

Now they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem: and he fled to Lachish; but they sent after him to Lachish, and slew him there.

Read 2 Kings 14 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

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

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?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיְחִ֨י1 of 16

“lived”

H2421

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

אֲמַצְיָ֤הוּ2 of 16

“And Amaziah”

H558

amatsjah, the name of four israelites

בֶּן3 of 16

“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

יוֹאָשׁ֙4 of 16

“of Joash”

H3101

joash, the name of six israelites

מֶ֣לֶךְ5 of 16

“king”

H4428

a king

יְהוּדָ֔ה6 of 16

“of Judah”

H3063

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

אַֽחֲרֵ֣י7 of 16

“after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

מ֔וֹת8 of 16

“the death”

H4194

death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin

יְהוֹאָ֥שׁ9 of 16

“of Jehoash”

H3060

jehoash, the name of two israelite kings

בֶּן10 of 16

“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

יְהֽוֹאָחָ֖ז11 of 16

“of Jehoahaz”

H3059

jehoachaz, the name of three israelites

מֶ֣לֶךְ12 of 16

“king”

H4428

a king

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל13 of 16

“of Israel”

H3478

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

חֲמֵ֥שׁ14 of 16

“fifteen”

H2568

five

עֶשְׂרֵ֖ה15 of 16
H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

שָׁנָֽה׃16 of 16

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

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 14:17 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 14:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 25:25-282 Kings 13:102 Kings 14:232 Kings 14:1-2

Test Your Knowledge

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

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