King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 15:14 Mean?

2 Kings 15:14 in the King James Version says “For Menahem the son of Gadi went up from Tirzah, and came to Samaria, and smote Shallum the son of Jabesh in Samaria, an...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Kings 15:14 · King James Version

Context

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.

15

And the rest of the acts of Shallum, and his conspiracy which he made, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel.

16

Then Menahem smote Tiphsah, and all that were therein, and the coasts thereof from Tirzah: because they opened not to him, therefore he smote it; and all the women therein that were with child he ripped up.

Read 2 Kings 15 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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.

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

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

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיַּעַל֩1 of 16

“went up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

מְנַחֵ֨ם2 of 16

“For Menahem”

H4505

menachem, an israelite

בֶּן3 of 16

“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

גָּדִ֜י4 of 16

“of Gadi”

H1424

gadi, an israelite

מִתִּרְצָ֗ה5 of 16

“from Tirzah”

H8656

tirtsah, a place in palestine; also an israelitess

וַיָּבֹא֙6 of 16

“and came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בְּשֹֽׁמְר֑וֹן7 of 16

“in Samaria”

H8111

shomeron, a place in palestine

וַיַּ֛ךְ8 of 16

“and smote”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶת9 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שַׁלּ֥וּם10 of 16

“Shallum”

H7967

shallum, the name of fourteen israelites

בֶּן11 of 16

“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

יָבֵ֖ישׁ12 of 16

“of Jabesh”

H3003

jobesh, the name of an israelite and of a place in palestine

בְּשֹֽׁמְר֑וֹן13 of 16

“in Samaria”

H8111

shomeron, a place in palestine

וַיְמִיתֵ֖הוּ14 of 16

“and slew”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

וַיִּמְלֹ֥ךְ15 of 16

“him and reigned”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

תַּחְתָּֽיו׃16 of 16
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 15:14 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 15:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 14:171 Kings 15:331 Kings 16:151 Kings 16:171 Kings 15:211 Kings 16:8-9

Places in This Verse

Samaria 1Settlement · Modern: Samaria · 32.28°N, 35.20°E113 verses across 12 books
TirzahSettlement · Modern: Tell el Farah · 32.29°N, 35.34°E13 verses across 4 books
View all places in 2 Kings 15 →

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