King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 23:36 Mean?

2 Kings 23:36 in the King James Version says “Jehoiakim was twenty and five years old when he began to reign; and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. And his mother...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Jehoiakim was twenty and five years old when he began to reign; and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Zebudah, the daughter of Pedaiah of Rumah.”

2 Kings 23:36 · KJV

Context

34

And Pharaohnechoh made Eliakim the son of Josiah king in the room of Josiah his father, and turned his name to Jehoiakim, and took Jehoahaz away: and he came to Egypt, and died there.

35

And Jehoiakim gave the silver and the gold to Pharaoh; but he taxed the land to give the money according to the commandment of Pharaoh: he exacted the silver and the gold of the people of the land, of every one according to his taxation, to give it unto Pharaohnechoh.

36

Jehoiakim was twenty and five years old when he began to reign; and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Zebudah, the daughter of Pedaiah of Rumah.

37

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

Read 2 Kings 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jehoiakim was twenty and five years old when he began to reign; and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Zebudah, the daughter of Pedaiah of Rumah.

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 · 18 words
בֶּן1 of 18

“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 18

“was twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

וְחָמֵ֤שׁ3 of 18

“and five”

H2568

five

שָׁנָ֔ה4 of 18

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

יְהֽוֹיָקִ֣ים5 of 18

“Jehoiakim”

H3079

jehojakim, a jewish king

מָלַ֖ךְ6 of 18

“and he reigned”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

וְאַחַ֤ת7 of 18

“eleven”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

עֶשְׂרֵה֙8 of 18
H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

שָׁנָ֔ה9 of 18

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

מָלַ֖ךְ10 of 18

“and he reigned”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

בִּירֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם11 of 18

“in Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

וְשֵׁ֣ם12 of 18

“name”

H8034

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

אִמּ֔וֹ13 of 18

“And his mother's”

H517

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

זְביּדָּ֥ה14 of 18

“was Zebudah”

H2080

zebidah, an israelitess

בַת15 of 18

“the daughter”

H1323

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

פְּדָיָ֖ה16 of 18

“of Pedaiah”

H6305

pedajah, the name of six israelites

מִן17 of 18
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

רוּמָֽה׃18 of 18

“of Rumah”

H7316

rumah, a place 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 23:36 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 23:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 36:51 Chronicles 3:15Jeremiah 26:1Jeremiah 1:3

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
RumahSettlement · Modern: Horbat Rumah · 32.79°N, 35.29°E1 verse across 1 book
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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