King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 15:33 Mean?

2 Kings 15:33 in the King James Version says “Five and twenty years old was he when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. And his mother's nam...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Kings 15:33 · KJV

Context

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.

35

Howbeit the high places were not removed: the people sacrificed and burned incense still in the high places. He built the higher gate of the house of the LORD.

Read 2 Kings 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

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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 · 16 words
בֶּן1 of 16

“old”

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

עֶשְׂרִ֨ים2 of 16

“and twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

וְחָמֵ֤שׁ3 of 16

“Five”

H2568

five

שָׁנָ֔ה4 of 16

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

הָיָ֣ה5 of 16
H1961

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

מָלַ֖ךְ6 of 16

“and he reigned”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

וְשֵׁשׁ7 of 16

“sixteen”

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

עֶשְׂרֵ֣ה8 of 16
H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

שָׁנָ֔ה9 of 16

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

מָלַ֖ךְ10 of 16

“and he reigned”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

בִּירֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם11 of 16

“in Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

וְשֵׁ֣ם12 of 16

“name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

אִמּ֔וֹ13 of 16

“And his mother's”

H517

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

יְרוּשָׁ֖א14 of 16

“was Jerusha”

H3388

jerusha or jerushah, as israelitess

בַּת15 of 16

“the daughter”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

צָדֽוֹק׃16 of 16

“of Zadok”

H6659

tsadok, the name of eight or nine 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 15:33 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 15:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 27:1

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in 2 Kings 15 →

Test Your Knowledge

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