King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 18:1 Mean?

2 Kings 18:1 in the King James Version says “Now it came to pass in the third year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, that Hezekiah the son of Ahaz king of Judah ...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Now it came to pass in the third year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, that Hezekiah the son of Ahaz king of Judah began to reign. Hezekiah: he is called Ezekias”

2 Kings 18:1 · KJV

Context

1

Now it came to pass in the third year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, that Hezekiah the son of Ahaz king of Judah began to reign. Hezekiah: he is called Ezekias

2

Twenty and five years old was he when he began to reign; and he reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Abi, the daughter of Zachariah.

3

And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that David his father did.

Read 2 Kings 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now it came to pass in the third year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, that Hezekiah the son of Ahaz king of Judah began to reign.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 18: Faithful reformation faces external pressure. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. In Judah's later history, we see both genuine reforms and deep-rooted corruption, revealing that external religious activity cannot substitute for heart transformation.

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 18 takes place during Hezekiah's reign in Judah, late 8th century BCE, around 715-686 BCE. The chapter's theme (Hezekiah's Reforms and Assyrian Threat) reflects the historical reality of genuine religious reform under Hezekiah, including trust in God that resulted in miraculous deliverance from 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 18 regarding faithful reformation faces external pressure?
  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 · 14 words
וַֽיְהִי֙1 of 14
H1961

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

בִּשְׁנַ֣ת2 of 14

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

שָׁלֹ֔שׁ3 of 14

“Now it came to pass in the third”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

לְהוֹשֵׁ֥עַ4 of 14

“of Hoshea”

H1954

hoshea, the name of five israelites

בֶן5 of 14

“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

אֵלָ֖ה6 of 14

“of Elah”

H425

elah, the name of an edomite, of four israelites, and also of a place in palestine

מֶ֥לֶךְ7 of 14

“king”

H4428

a king

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל8 of 14

“of Israel”

H3478

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

מָלַ֛ךְ9 of 14

“began to reign”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

חִזְקִיָּ֥ה10 of 14

“that Hezekiah”

H2396

chizkijah, a king of judah, also the name of two other israelites

בֶן11 of 14

“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

אָחָ֖ז12 of 14

“of Ahaz”

H271

achaz, the name of a jewish king and of an israelite

מֶ֥לֶךְ13 of 14

“king”

H4428

a king

יְהוּדָֽה׃14 of 14

“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 18:1 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 18:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 28:27-29:1Matthew 1:9-101 Chronicles 3:132 Kings 16:20-17:12 Kings 15:302 Kings 18:9

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 18 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Kings 18 with CommentaryAll 2 Kings ChaptersComplete 2 Kings QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes