King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 3:1 Mean?

2 Kings 3:1 in the King James Version says “Now Jehoram the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and ...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Now Jehoram the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned twelve years.”

2 Kings 3:1 · KJV

Context

1

Now Jehoram the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned twelve years.

2

And he wrought evil in the sight of the LORD; but not like his father, and like his mother: for he put away the image of Baal that his father had made. image: Heb. statue

3

Nevertheless he cleaved unto the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which made Israel to sin; he departed not therefrom.

Read 2 Kings 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now Jehoram the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned twelve years.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 3: God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. During this period, Israel and Judah struggled with persistent idolatry, particularly Baal worship introduced under Ahab and Jezebel.

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 3 takes place during the Elisha prophetic ministry, approximately 850-800 BCE. The chapter's theme (Moabite Rebellion and God's Deliverance) reflects the historical reality of God's compassionate provision through prophetic miracles while both kingdoms struggled with persistent idolatry. 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 3 regarding god's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness?
  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 · 17 words
וִֽיהוֹרָ֣ם1 of 17

“Now Jehoram”

H3088

jehoram, the name of a syrian and of three israelites

בֶּן2 of 17

“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

אַחְאָ֗ב3 of 17

“of Ahab”

H256

achab, the name of a king of israel and of a prophet at babylon

וַיִּמְלֹ֖ךְ4 of 17

“and reigned”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

עַל5 of 17
H5921

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

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙6 of 17

“over Israel”

H3478

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

בְּשֹׁ֣מְר֔וֹן7 of 17

“in Samaria”

H8111

shomeron, a place in palestine

שָׁנָֽה׃8 of 17

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

שְׁמֹנֶ֣ה9 of 17

“the eighteenth”

H8083

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

עֶשְׂרֵ֔ה10 of 17
H6240

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

לִיהֽוֹשָׁפָ֖ט11 of 17

“of Jehoshaphat”

H3092

jehoshaphat, the name of six israelites; also of a valley near jerusalem

מֶ֣לֶךְ12 of 17

“king”

H4428

a king

יְהוּדָ֑ה13 of 17

“of Judah”

H3063

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

וַיִּמְלֹ֖ךְ14 of 17

“and reigned”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

שְׁתֵּים15 of 17

“twelve”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

עֶשְׂרֵ֥ה16 of 17
H6240

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

שָׁנָֽה׃17 of 17

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

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 3:1 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 3:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 1:172 Kings 8:161 Kings 22:51

Places in This Verse

Samaria 1Settlement · Modern: Samaria · 32.28°N, 35.20°E113 verses across 12 books
View all places in 2 Kings 3 →

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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