King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 15:30 Mean?

2 Kings 15:30 in the King James Version says “And Hoshea the son of Elah made a conspiracy against Pekah the son of Remaliah, and smote him, and slew him, and reigned... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Hoshea the son of Elah made a conspiracy against Pekah the son of Remaliah, and smote him, and slew him, and reigned in his stead, in the twentieth year of Jotham the son of Uzziah.

2 Kings 15:30 · KJV


Context

28

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.

29

In the days of Pekah king of Israel came Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, and took Ijon, and Abelbethmaachah, and Janoah, and Kedesh, and Hazor, and Gilead, and Galilee, all the land of Naphtali, and carried them captive to Assyria.

30

And Hoshea the son of Elah made a conspiracy against Pekah the son of Remaliah, and smote him, and slew him, and reigned in his stead, in the twentieth year of Jotham the son of Uzziah.

31

And the rest of the acts of Pekah, and all that he did, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel.

32

In the second year of Pekah the son of Remaliah king of Israel began Jotham the son of Uzziah king of Judah to reign.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Hoshea the son of Elah made a conspiracy against Pekah the son of Remaliah, and smote him, and slew him, and reigned in his stead, in the twentieth year of Jotham the son of Uzziah.

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?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַיִּקְשָׁר1 of 18

made

H7194

to tie, physically (gird, confine, compact) or mentally (in love, league)

קֶ֜שֶׁר2 of 18

a conspiracy

H7195

an (unlawful) alliance

הוֹשֵׁ֣עַ3 of 18

And Hoshea

H1954

hoshea, the name of five israelites

בֶּן4 of 18

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

אֵלָ֗ה5 of 18

of Elah

H425

elah, the name of an edomite, of four israelites, and also of a place in palestine

עַל6 of 18
H5921

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

פֶּ֙קַח֙7 of 18

against Pekah

H6492

pekach, an israelite king

בֶּן8 of 18

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

רְמַלְיָ֔הוּ9 of 18

of Remaliah

H7425

remaljah, an israelite

וַיַּכֵּ֙הוּ֙10 of 18

and smote

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

וַיְמִיתֵ֔הוּ11 of 18

him and slew

H4191

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

וַיִּמְלֹ֖ךְ12 of 18

him and reigned

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

תַּחְתָּ֑יו13 of 18
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

בִּשְׁנַ֣ת14 of 18

year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

עֶשְׂרִ֔ים15 of 18

in his stead in the twentieth

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

לְיוֹתָ֖ם16 of 18

of Jotham

H3147

jotham, the name of three israelites

בֶּן17 of 18

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

עֻזִיָּֽה׃18 of 18

of Uzziah

H5818

uzzijah, the name of five israelites


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 15:30 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 15:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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