King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 15:23 Mean?

2 Kings 15:23 in the King James Version says “In the fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah Pekahiah the son of Menahem began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and rei...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“In the fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah Pekahiah the son of Menahem began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned two years.”

2 Kings 15:23 · KJV

Context

21

And the rest of the acts of Menahem, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

22

And Menahem slept with his fathers; and Pekahiah his son reigned in his stead.

23

In the fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah Pekahiah the son of Menahem began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned two years.

24

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

25

But Pekah the son of Remaliah, a captain of his, conspired against him, and smote him in Samaria, in the palace of the king's house, with Argob and Arieh, and with him fifty men of the Gileadites : and he killed him, and reigned in his room.

Read 2 Kings 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
In the fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah Pekahiah the son of Menahem began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned two years.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 15: Political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy. 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 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 · 14 words
שְׁנָתָֽיִם׃1 of 14

“and reigned two years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

חֲמִשִּׁ֣ים2 of 14

“In the fiftieth”

H2572

fifty

שְׁנָתָֽיִם׃3 of 14

“and reigned two years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

לַֽעֲזַרְיָ֖ה4 of 14

“of Azariah”

H5838

azarjah, the name of nineteen israelites

מֶ֣לֶךְ5 of 14

“king”

H4428

a king

יְהוּדָ֑ה6 of 14

“of Judah”

H3063

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

מָ֠לַךְ7 of 14

“began to reign”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

פְּקַֽחְיָ֨ה8 of 14

“Pekahiah”

H6494

pekachjah, an israelite king

בֶן9 of 14

“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

מְנַחֵ֧ם10 of 14

“of Menahem”

H4505

menachem, an israelite

עַל11 of 14
H5921

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל12 of 14

“over Israel”

H3478

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

בְּשֹֽׁמְר֖וֹן13 of 14

“in Samaria”

H8111

shomeron, a place in palestine

שְׁנָתָֽיִם׃14 of 14

“and reigned two 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 15:23 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 15:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 20:52 Kings 21:191 Kings 15:251 Kings 22:511 Kings 16:8

Places in This Verse

Samaria 1Settlement · Modern: Samaria · 32.28°N, 35.20°E113 verses across 12 books
View all places in 2 Kings 15 →

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 15 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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