King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 8:16 Mean?

2 Kings 8:16 in the King James Version says “And in the fifth year of Joram the son of Ahab king of Israel, Jehoshaphat being then king of Judah, Jehoram the son of ...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And in the fifth year of Joram the son of Ahab king of Israel, Jehoshaphat being then king of Judah, Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat king of Judah began to reign. began: Heb. reigned”

2 Kings 8:16 · KJV

Context

14

So he departed from Elisha, and came to his master; who said to him, What said Elisha to thee? And he answered, He told me that thou shouldest surely recover.

15

And it came to pass on the morrow, that he took a thick cloth, and dipped it in water, and spread it on his face, so that he died: and Hazael reigned in his stead.

16

And in the fifth year of Joram the son of Ahab king of Israel, Jehoshaphat being then king of Judah, Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat king of Judah began to reign. began: Heb. reigned

17

Thirty and two years old was he when he began to reign; and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem.

18

And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, as did the house of Ahab: for the daughter of Ahab was his wife: and he did evil in the sight of the LORD.

Read 2 Kings 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And in the fifth year of Joram the son of Ahab king of Israel, Jehoshaphat being then king of Judah, Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat king of Judah began to reign.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 8: Prophetic word shapes national events. 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 8 takes place during the Elisha prophetic ministry, approximately 850-800 BCE. The chapter's theme (Elisha's International Influence) 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 8 regarding prophetic word shapes national events?
  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
וּבִשְׁנַ֣ת1 of 16

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

חָמֵ֗שׁ2 of 16

“And in the fifth”

H2568

five

לְיוֹרָ֤ם3 of 16

“of Joram”

H3141

joram, the name of three israelites and one syrian

בֶּן4 of 16

“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

אַחְאָב֙5 of 16

“of Ahab”

H256

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

מֶ֥לֶךְ6 of 16

“being then king”

H4428

a king

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל7 of 16

“of Israel”

H3478

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

יְהֽוֹשָׁפָ֖ט8 of 16

“Jehoshaphat”

H3092

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

מֶ֥לֶךְ9 of 16

“being then king”

H4428

a king

יְהוּדָֽה׃10 of 16

“of Judah”

H3063

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

מָלַ֛ךְ11 of 16

“began to reign”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

יְהוֹרָ֥ם12 of 16

“Jehoram”

H3088

jehoram, the name of a syrian and of three israelites

בֶּן13 of 16

“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

יְהֽוֹשָׁפָ֖ט14 of 16

“Jehoshaphat”

H3092

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

מֶ֥לֶךְ15 of 16

“being then king”

H4428

a king

יְהוּדָֽה׃16 of 16

“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 8:16 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 8:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 1:172 Kings 3:12 Chronicles 21:1-201 Kings 22:50

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 8 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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