King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 23:31 Mean?

2 Kings 23:31 in the King James Version says “Jehoahaz was twenty and three years old when he began to reign; and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. And his mother...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Jehoahaz was twenty and three years old when he began to reign; and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hamutal, the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah.”

2 Kings 23:31 · KJV

Context

29

In his days Pharaohnechoh king of Egypt went up against the king of Assyria to the river Euphrates: and king Josiah went against him; and he slew him at Megiddo, when he had seen him.

30

And his servants carried him in a chariot dead from Megiddo, and brought him to Jerusalem, and buried him in his own sepulchre. And the people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah, and anointed him, and made him king in his father's stead.

31

Jehoahaz was twenty and three years old when he began to reign; and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hamutal, the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah.

32

And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his fathers had done.

33

And Pharaohnechoh put him in bands at Riblah in the land of Hamath, that he might not reign in Jerusalem; and put the land to a tribute of an hundred talents of silver, and a talent of gold. that: or, because he reigned put the: Heb. set a fine upon the land

Read 2 Kings 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jehoahaz was twenty and three years old when he began to reign; and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hamutal, the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 23: Comprehensive reformation cannot avert certain judgment. 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 23 takes place during the final century of Judah's existence, 7th century BCE, including Manasseh and Josiah's reigns. The chapter's theme (Josiah's Thorough Reforms) reflects the historical reality of the worst apostasy under Manasseh followed by the most thorough reforms under Josiah, demonstrating that external righteousness cannot reverse God's determined judgment. 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 23 regarding comprehensive reformation cannot avert certain judgment?
  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

“was twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

וּשְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה3 of 16

“and three”

H7969

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

שָׁנָה֙4 of 16

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

יְהֽוֹאָחָ֣ז5 of 16

“Jehoahaz”

H3059

jehoachaz, the name of three israelites

מָלַ֖ךְ6 of 16

“and he reigned”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

וּשְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה7 of 16

“and three”

H7969

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

חֳדָשִׁ֔ים8 of 16

“months”

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

מָלַ֖ךְ9 of 16

“and he reigned”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

בִּירֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם10 of 16

“in Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

וְשֵׁ֣ם11 of 16

“name”

H8034

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

אִמּ֔וֹ12 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])

חֲמוּטַ֥ל13 of 16

“was Hamutal”

H2537

chamutal or chamital, an israelitess

בַּֽת14 of 16

“the daughter”

H1323

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

יִרְמְיָ֖הוּ15 of 16

“of Jeremiah”

H3414

jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites

מִלִּבְנָֽה׃16 of 16

“of Libnah”

H3841

libnah, a place in the desert and one in palestine

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 23:31 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 23:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 3:15Jeremiah 22:112 Kings 24:18

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
Libnah 1Settlement · Modern: Tell Bornat · 31.63°N, 34.87°E16 verses across 6 books
View all places in 2 Kings 23 →

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 23 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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