King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 15:32 Mean?

2 Kings 15:32 in the King James Version says “In the second year of Pekah the son of Remaliah king of Israel began Jotham the son of Uzziah king of Judah to reign.” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Kings 15:32 · KJV

Context

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.

33

Five and twenty years old was he when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jerusha, the daughter of Zadok.

34

And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD: he did according to all that his father Uzziah had done.

Read 2 Kings 15 full chapter

Commentary

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

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.

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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 · 13 words
בִּשְׁנַ֣ת1 of 13

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

שְׁתַּ֔יִם2 of 13

“In the second”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

לְפֶ֥קַח3 of 13

“of Pekah”

H6492

pekach, an israelite king

בֶּן4 of 13

“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

רְמַלְיָ֖הוּ5 of 13

“of Remaliah”

H7425

remaljah, an israelite

מֶ֥לֶךְ6 of 13

“king”

H4428

a king

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל7 of 13

“of Israel”

H3478

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

מָלַ֛ךְ8 of 13

“to reign”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

יוֹתָ֥ם9 of 13

“began Jotham”

H3147

jotham, the name of three israelites

בֶּן10 of 13

“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

עֻזִיָּ֖הוּ11 of 13

“of Uzziah”

H5818

uzzijah, the name of five israelites

מֶ֥לֶךְ12 of 13

“king”

H4428

a king

יְהוּדָֽה׃13 of 13

“of Judah”

H3063

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

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 15:32 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 15:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 3:122 Kings 15:72 Kings 14:212 Kings 15:12 Kings 15:132 Kings 15:23

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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