King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 15:34 Mean?

2 Kings 15:34 in the King James Version says “And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD: he did according to all that his father Uzziah had done.” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Kings 15:34 · KJV

Context

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.

36

Now the rest of the acts of Jotham, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?

Read 2 Kings 15 full chapter

Commentary

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

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 15: Political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. 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 · 10 words
עָשָֽׂה׃1 of 10

“And he did”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

הַיָּשָׁ֖ר2 of 10

“that which was right”

H3477

straight (literally or figuratively)

בְּעֵינֵ֣י3 of 10

“in the sight”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

יְהוָ֑ה4 of 10

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

כְּכֹ֧ל5 of 10
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁר6 of 10
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָשָֽׂה׃7 of 10

“And he did”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

עֻזִיָּ֥הוּ8 of 10

“Uzziah”

H5818

uzzijah, the name of five israelites

אָבִ֖יו9 of 10

“according to all that his father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

עָשָֽׂה׃10 of 10

“And he did”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

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 15:34 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 15:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 26:4-52 Kings 15:3-42 Chronicles 27:2

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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