King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 8:26 Mean?

2 Kings 8:26 in the King James Version says “Two and twenty years old was Ahaziah when he began to reign; and he reigned one year in Jerusalem. And his mother's name...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Two and twenty years old was Ahaziah when he began to reign; and he reigned one year in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Athaliah, the daughter of Omri king of Israel. daughter: or, granddaughter”

2 Kings 8:26 · KJV

Context

24

And Joram slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David: and Ahaziah his son reigned in his stead.

25

In the twelfth year of Joram the son of Ahab king of Israel did Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah begin to reign.

26

Two and twenty years old was Ahaziah when he began to reign; and he reigned one year in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Athaliah, the daughter of Omri king of Israel. daughter: or, granddaughter

27

And he walked in the way of the house of Ahab, and did evil in the sight of the LORD, as did the house of Ahab: for he was the son in law of the house of Ahab.

28

And he went with Joram the son of Ahab to the war against Hazael king of Syria in Ramothgilead ; and the Syrians wounded Joram.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Two and twenty years old was Ahaziah when he began to reign; and he reigned one year in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Athaliah, the daughter of Omri king of Israel.

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 · 17 words
בֶּן1 of 17

“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 17

“and twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

וּשְׁתַּ֤יִם3 of 17

“Two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

וְשָׁנָ֣ה4 of 17

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

אֲחַזְיָ֣הוּ5 of 17

“was Ahaziah”

H274

achazjah, the name of a jewish and an israelite king

מָלַ֖ךְ6 of 17

“and he reigned”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

וְשָׁנָ֣ה7 of 17

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

אַחַ֔ת8 of 17

“one”

H259

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

מָלַ֖ךְ9 of 17

“and he reigned”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

בִּירֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם10 of 17

“in Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

וְשֵׁ֤ם11 of 17

“name”

H8034

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

אִמּוֹ֙12 of 17

“And his mother's”

H517

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

עֲתַלְיָ֔הוּ13 of 17

“was Athaliah”

H6271

athaljah, the name of an israelitess and two israelites

בַּת14 of 17

“the daughter”

H1323

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

עָמְרִ֖י15 of 17

“of Omri”

H6018

omri, an israelite

מֶ֥לֶךְ16 of 17

“king”

H4428

a king

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃17 of 17

“of Israel”

H3478

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

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 8:26 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 8:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 22:22 Kings 9:21-272 Kings 11:12 Kings 11:13-162 Chronicles 22:5-8

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in 2 Kings 8 →

Test Your Knowledge

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

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