King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 14:23 Mean?

2 Kings 14:23 in the King James Version says “In the fifteenth year of Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah Jeroboam the son of Joash king of Israel began to reign ...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“In the fifteenth year of Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah Jeroboam the son of Joash king of Israel began to reign in Samaria, and reigned forty and one years.”

2 Kings 14:23 · KJV

Context

21

And all the people of Judah took Azariah, which was sixteen years old, and made him king instead of his father Amaziah.

22

He built Elath, and restored it to Judah, after that the king slept with his fathers.

23

In the fifteenth year of Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah Jeroboam the son of Joash king of Israel began to reign in Samaria, and reigned forty and one years.

24

And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD: he departed not from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin.

25

He restored the coast of Israel from the entering of Hamath unto the sea of the plain, according to the word of the LORD God of Israel, which he spake by the hand of his servant Jonah, the son of Amittai, the prophet, which was of Gathhepher.

Read 2 Kings 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
In the fifteenth year of Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah Jeroboam the son of Joash king of Israel began to reign in Samaria, and reigned forty and one 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.

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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 · 19 words
שָׁנָֽה׃1 of 19

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

חֲמֵשׁ2 of 19

“In the fifteenth”

H2568

five

עֶשְׂרֵ֣ה3 of 19
H6240

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

שָׁנָֽה׃4 of 19

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

לַֽאֲמַצְיָ֥הוּ5 of 19

“of Amaziah”

H558

amatsjah, the name of four israelites

בֶּן6 of 19

“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

יוֹאָ֤שׁ7 of 19

“of Joash”

H3101

joash, the name of six israelites

מֶֽלֶךְ8 of 19

“king”

H4428

a king

יְהוּדָ֑ה9 of 19

“of Judah”

H3063

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

מָ֠לַךְ10 of 19

“began to reign”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

יָֽרָבְעָ֨ם11 of 19

“Jeroboam”

H3379

jarobam, the name of two israelite kings

בֶּן12 of 19

“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

יוֹאָ֤שׁ13 of 19

“of Joash”

H3101

joash, the name of six israelites

מֶֽלֶךְ14 of 19

“king”

H4428

a king

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙15 of 19

“of Israel”

H3478

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

בְּשֹׁ֣מְר֔וֹן16 of 19

“in Samaria”

H8111

shomeron, a place in palestine

אַרְבָּעִ֥ים17 of 19

“and reigned forty”

H705

forty

וְאַחַ֖ת18 of 19

“and one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

שָׁנָֽה׃19 of 19

“year”

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 14:23 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 14:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Amos 7:9-112 Kings 14:27Amos 1:1Hosea 1:1

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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