King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 14:3 Mean?

2 Kings 14:3 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Kings 14:3 · 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.

4

Howbeit the high places were not taken away: as yet the people did sacrifice and burnt incense on the high places.

5

And it came to pass, as soon as the kingdom was confirmed in his hand, that he slew his servants which had slain the king his father.

Read 2 Kings 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 14: Pride leads to downfall; God's mercy continues. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. 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 · 14 words
עָשָֽׂה׃1 of 14

“And he did”

H6213

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

הַיָּשָׁר֙2 of 14

“that which was right”

H3477

straight (literally or figuratively)

בְּעֵינֵ֣י3 of 14

“in the sight”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

יְהוָ֔ה4 of 14

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

רַ֕ק5 of 14

“yet”

H7535

properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although

לֹ֖א6 of 14
H3808

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

כְּדָוִ֣ד7 of 14

“not like David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אָבִ֖יו8 of 14

“his father”

H1

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

כְּכֹ֧ל9 of 14
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁר10 of 14
H834

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

עָשָֽׂה׃11 of 14

“And he did”

H6213

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

יוֹאָ֥שׁ12 of 14

“according to all things as Joash”

H3101

joash, the name of six israelites

אָבִ֖יו13 of 14

“his father”

H1

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

עָשָֽׂה׃14 of 14

“And he did”

H6213

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

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 14:3 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 14:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 25:2-3Zechariah 1:4-62 Kings 12:21 Kings 11:41 Peter 1:182 Chronicles 24:17

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

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