King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 15:5 Mean?

2 Kings 15:5 in the King James Version says “And the LORD smote the king, so that he was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house. And Jotham ... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the LORD smote the king, so that he was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house. And Jotham the king's son was over the house, judging the people of the land.

2 Kings 15:5 · KJV


Context

3

And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah had done;

4

Save that the high places were not removed: the people sacrificed and burnt incense still on the high places.

5

And the LORD smote the king, so that he was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house. And Jotham the king's son was over the house, judging the people of the land.

6

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

7

So Azariah slept with his fathers; and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David: and Jotham his son reigned in his stead.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the LORD smote the king, so that he was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house. And Jotham the king's son was over the house, judging the people of the land.

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. 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 · 21 words
וַיְנַגַּ֨ע1 of 21

smote

H5060

properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive

יְהוָ֜ה2 of 21

And the LORD

H3068

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

אֶת3 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙4 of 21

the king

H4428

a king

וַיְהִ֤י5 of 21
H1961

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

מְצֹרָע֙6 of 21

so that he was a leper

H6879

to scourge, i.e., (intransitive and figurative) to be stricken with leprosy

עַד7 of 21
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

י֣וֹם8 of 21

unto the day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

מֹת֔וֹ9 of 21

of his death

H4194

death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin

וַיֵּ֖שֶׁב10 of 21

and dwelt

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

הַבַּ֔יִת11 of 21

house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

הַחָפְשִׁ֑ית12 of 21

in a several

H2669

prostration by sickness

וְיוֹתָ֤ם13 of 21

And Jotham

H3147

jotham, the name of three israelites

בֶּן14 of 21

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

הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙15 of 21

the king

H4428

a king

עַל16 of 21
H5921

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

הַבַּ֔יִת17 of 21

house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

שֹׁפֵ֖ט18 of 21

judging

H8199

to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal

אֶת19 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עַ֥ם20 of 21

the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

הָאָֽרֶץ׃21 of 21

of the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)


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 15:5 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 15:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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