King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 24:8 Mean?

2 Kings 24:8 in the King James Version says “Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months. And his mother's nam...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months. And his mother's name was Nehushta, the daughter of Elnathan of Jerusalem.”

2 Kings 24:8 · KJV

Context

6

So Jehoiakim slept with his fathers: and Jehoiachin his son reigned in his stead.

7

And the king of Egypt came not again any more out of his land: for the king of Babylon had taken from the river of Egypt unto the river Euphrates all that pertained to the king of Egypt.

8

Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months. And his mother's name was Nehushta, the daughter of Elnathan of Jerusalem.

9

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

10

At that time the servants of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up against Jerusalem, and the city was besieged . was: Heb. came into siege

Read 2 Kings 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months. And his mother's name was Nehushta, the daughter of Elnathan of Jerusalem.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 24: Judgment unfolds progressively. As Judah approaches exile, these events fulfill prophetic warnings and demonstrate that God's patience with covenant violation is not infinite.

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 24 takes place during the final collapse of Judah and Babylonian exile, early 6th century BCE, 605-586 BCE. The chapter's theme (Beginning of Babylonian Captivity) reflects the historical reality of the final collapse of Judah, destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, and exile to Babylon as covenant curses are fully realized. 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 24 regarding judgment unfolds progressively?
  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

שְׁמֹנֶ֨ה2 of 16

“was eighteen”

H8083

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

עֶשְׂרֵ֤ה3 of 16
H6240

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

שָׁנָה֙4 of 16

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

יְהֽוֹיָכִ֣ין5 of 16

“Jehoiachin”

H3078

jehojakin, a jewish king

מָלַ֖ךְ6 of 16

“and he reigned”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

וּשְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה7 of 16

“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

מִירֽוּשָׁלִָֽם׃10 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])

נְחֻשְׁתָּ֥א13 of 16

“was Nehushta”

H5179

nechushta, an israelitess

בַת14 of 16

“the daughter”

H1323

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

אֶלְנָתָ֖ן15 of 16

“of Elnathan”

H494

elnathan, the name of four israelites

מִירֽוּשָׁלִָֽם׃16 of 16

“in Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of 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 24:8 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 24:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 36:91 Chronicles 3:16Jeremiah 37:1Jeremiah 22:28Jeremiah 24:1Jeremiah 22:24

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in 2 Kings 24 →

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 24 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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