King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 15:8 Mean?

2 Kings 15:8 in the King James Version says “In the thirty and eighth year of Azariah king of Judah did Zachariah the son of Jeroboam reign over Israel in Samaria si...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“In the thirty and eighth year of Azariah king of Judah did Zachariah the son of Jeroboam reign over Israel in Samaria six months.”

2 Kings 15:8 · King James Version

Context

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.

8

In the thirty and eighth year of Azariah king of Judah did Zachariah the son of Jeroboam reign over Israel in Samaria six months.

9

And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, as his fathers had done: he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin.

10

And Shallum the son of Jabesh conspired against him, and smote him before the people, and slew him, and reigned in his stead.

Read 2 Kings 15 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
In the thirty and eighth year of Azariah king of Judah did Zachariah the son of Jeroboam reign over Israel in Samaria six months.

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.

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?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
שָׁנָ֔ה1 of 16

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

שְׁלֹשִׁ֤ים2 of 16

“In the thirty”

H7970

thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth

וּשְׁמֹנֶה֙3 of 16

“and eighth”

H8083

a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth

שָׁנָ֔ה4 of 16

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

לַֽעֲזַרְיָ֖הוּ5 of 16

“of Azariah”

H5838

azarjah, the name of nineteen israelites

מֶ֣לֶךְ6 of 16

“king”

H4428

a king

יְהוּדָ֑ה7 of 16

“of Judah”

H3063

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

מָ֠לַךְ8 of 16

“reign”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

זְכַרְיָ֨הוּ9 of 16

“did Zachariah”

H2148

zecarjah, the name of twenty-nine israelites

בֶן10 of 16

“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

יָֽרָבְעָ֧ם11 of 16

“of Jeroboam”

H3379

jarobam, the name of two israelite kings

עַל12 of 16
H5921

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל13 of 16

“over Israel”

H3478

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

בְּשֹֽׁמְר֖וֹן14 of 16

“in Samaria”

H8111

shomeron, a place in palestine

שִׁשָּׁ֥ה15 of 16

“six”

H8337

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

חֳדָשִֽׁים׃16 of 16

“months”

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

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 15:8 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 15:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 14:16-172 Kings 14:29-15:12 Kings 14:21

Places in This Verse

Samaria 1Settlement · Modern: Samaria · 32.28°N, 35.20°E113 verses across 12 books
View all places in 2 Kings 15 →

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