King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 15:12 Mean?

2 Kings 15:12 in the King James Version says “This was the word of the LORD which he spake unto Jehu, saying, Thy sons shall sit on the throne of Israel unto the four... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

This was the word of the LORD which he spake unto Jehu, saying, Thy sons shall sit on the throne of Israel unto the fourth generation. And so it came to pass.

2 Kings 15:12 · KJV


Context

10

And Shallum the son of Jabesh conspired against him, and smote him before the people, and slew him, and reigned in his stead.

11

And the rest of the acts of Zachariah, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel.

12

This was the word of the LORD which he spake unto Jehu, saying, Thy sons shall sit on the throne of Israel unto the fourth generation. And so it came to pass.

13

Shallum the son of Jabesh began to reign in the nine and thirtieth year of Uzziah king of Judah; and he reigned a full month in Samaria. Uzziah: Gr. Ozias a full: Heb. a month of days

14

For Menahem the son of Gadi went up from Tirzah, and came to Samaria, and smote Shallum the son of Jabesh in Samaria, and slew him, and reigned in his stead.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This was the word of the LORD which he spake unto Jehu, saying, Thy sons shall sit on the throne of Israel unto the fourth generation. And so it came to pass.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 15: Political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy. 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 15 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Rapid Succession and Instability) 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 15 regarding political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy?
  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 · 17 words
ה֣וּא1 of 17
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

דְבַר2 of 17

This was the word

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

יְהוָ֗ה3 of 17

of the LORD

H3068

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

אֲשֶׁ֨ר4 of 17
H834

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

דִּבֶּ֤ר5 of 17

which he spake

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֶל6 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יֵהוּא֙7 of 17

unto Jehu

H3058

jehu, the name of five israelites

לֵאמֹ֔ר8 of 17

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

בְּנֵ֣י9 of 17

Thy sons

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

רְבִיעִ֔ים10 of 17

unto the fourth

H7243

fourth; also (fractionally) a fourth

יֵֽשְׁב֥וּ11 of 17

shall sit

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

לְךָ֖12 of 17
H0
עַל13 of 17
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כִּסֵּ֣א14 of 17

on the throne

H3678

properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל15 of 17

of Israel

H3478

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

וַֽיְהִי16 of 17
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כֵֽן׃17 of 17
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner


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 15:12 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 15:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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