2 Kings 12:21
2 Kings 12:21 in Multiple Translations
His servants Jozabad son of Shimeath and Jehozabad son of Shomer struck him down, and he died. And they buried him with his fathers in the City of David, and his son Amaziah reigned in his place.
For Jozachar the son of Shimeath, and Jehozabad the son of Shomer, his servants, smote him, and he died; and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David: and Amaziah his son reigned in his stead.
For Jozacar the son of Shimeath, and Jehozabad the son of Shomer, his servants, smote him, and he died; and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David: and Amaziah his son reigned in his stead.
And Jozacar, the son of Shimeath, and Jehozabad, the son of Shomer, his servants, came to him and put him to death; and they put him into the earth with his fathers in the town of David; and Amaziah his son became king in his place.
The officials who attacked and killed him were Jozacar, son of Shimeath, and Jehozabad, son of Shomer. They buried him with his forefathers in the City of David. His son Amaziah succeeded him as king.
Euen Iozachar the sonne of Shimeath, and Iehozabad the sonne of Shomer his seruants smote him, and he dyed: and they buried him with his fathers in the citie of Dauid. And Amaziah his sonne reigned in his stead.
yea, Jozachar son of Shimeath, and Jehozabad son of Shemer, his servants, have smitten him, and he dieth, and they bury him with his fathers in the city of David, and reign doth Amaziah his son, in his stead.
For Jozacar the son of Shimeath, and Jehozabad the son of Shomer, his servants, struck him, and he died; and they buried him with his fathers in David’s city; and Amaziah his son reigned in his place.
For Jozachar the son of Shimeath, and Jehozabad the son of Shomer, his servants, smote him, and he died; and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David: And Amaziah his son reigned in his stead.
For Josachar the son of Semaath, and Jozabad the son of Somer his servant struck him, and he died: and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David, and Amasias his son reigned in his stead.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 12:21
BAB
Word Study
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2 Kings 12:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּקֻ֥מוּ
עֲבָדָ֖י/ו
וַ/יִּקְשְׁרֽוּ
קָ֑שֶׁר
וַ/יַּכּוּ֙
אֶת
יוֹאָ֔שׁ
בֵּ֥ית
מִלֹּ֖א
הַ/יּוֹרֵ֥ד
סִלָּֽא
וַ/יָּקֻ֥מוּ
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
עֲבָדָ֖י/ו
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-mp | Suff
וַ/יִּקְשְׁרֽוּ
qâshar
H7194
to conspire
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
קָ֑שֶׁר
qesher
H7195
conspiracy
N-ms
וַ/יַּכּוּ֙
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יוֹאָ֔שׁ
Yôwʼâsh
H3101
Joash
N-proper
בֵּ֥ית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
מִלֹּ֖א
millôwʼ
H4407
Millo
N-proper
הַ/יּוֹרֵ֥ד
yârad
H3381
to go down
Art | V-Qal
סִלָּֽא
Çillâʼ
H5538
Silla
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 12:21
וַ/יָּקֻ֥מוּ
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
עֲבָדָ֖י/ו
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
N-mp | Suff
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
וַ/יִּקְשְׁרֽוּ
qâshar
H7194
"to conspire"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
In the Bible, this verb means to tie or bind something, like when God bound Isaac in Genesis 22:9. It can also mean to conspire or make an alliance, as in 2 Samuel 15:31. The KJV translates it as bind or conspire.
Definition: 1) to bind, tie, bind together, league together, conspire 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bind, confine 1a2) to league together, conspire 1b) (Niphal) to be bound, be bound up 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to bind on 1c2) to bind fast 1c3) to bind, tie 1c4) to bind to oneself 1d) (Pual) robust, vigorous (participle) 1e) (Hithpael) to conspire
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: bind (up), (make a) conspire(-acy, -ator), join together, knit, stronger, work (treason). See also: Genesis 30:41; 2 Kings 15:25; Proverbs 3:3.
קָ֑שֶׁר
qesher
H7195
"conspiracy"
N-ms
This noun describes an unlawful alliance, like the conspiracy against King Solomon in 1 Kings 1:5-40. The KJV Bible translates it as confederacy or conspiracy.
Definition: conspiracy, treason, (unlawful) alliance
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: confederacy, conspiracy, treason. See also: 2 Samuel 15:12; 2 Kings 15:30; Isaiah 8:12.
וַ/יַּכּוּ֙
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
יוֹאָ֔שׁ
Yôwʼâsh
H3101
"Joash"
N-proper
Joash means given by the Lord, the name of several Israelites, including a king of Judah and a king of Israel, mentioned in 1 Chronicles and other books.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.12.3; son of: Shemaah (H8094); brother of: Ahiezer (H0295H) § Joash = "given by the Lord" 1) son of king Ahaziah and the 8th king of Judah 2) son of king Jehoahaz and the 12th king of the northern kingdom of Israel 3) father of Gideon 4) a son of king Ahab 5) a descendant of Shelah the son of Judah; either the son of Shelah or the son of Jokim 6) son of Shemaah of Gibeah who resorted to David at Ziklag
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: Joash. See also: Judges 6:11; 2 Kings 14:3; Amos 1:1.
בֵּ֥ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
מִלֹּ֖א
millôwʼ
H4407
"Millo"
N-proper
Millo refers to the citadel or rampart of Jerusalem, a fortified area of the city. It is mentioned in the Bible as a part of the city's defenses. The name means 'rampart' or 'mound'.
Definition: § Millo = "rampart" or "mound" This name is used for a part of the fortifications of Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Millo. See also H1037 (בֵּית מִלּוֹא). See also: Judges 9:6; 1 Kings 9:24; 2 Chronicles 32:5.
הַ/יּוֹרֵ֥ד
yârad
H3381
"to go down"
Art | V-Qal
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.
סִלָּֽא
Çillâʼ
H5538
"Silla"
N-proper
Silla is a place in Jerusalem where a significant event occurred - the murder of King Joash of Judah. It is also referred to as a highway. The Bible mentions this location in relation to the king's death.
Definition: § Silla = "a highway" the scene of the murder of king Joash of Judah
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Silla. See also: 2 Kings 12:21.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 12:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 12:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 12:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 12:21
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 12:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 12:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 12:21
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 12:21
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 12:21
Context — The Death of Joash
19As for the rest of the acts of Joash, along with all his accomplishments, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah?
20And the servants of Joash rose up and formed a conspiracy and killed him at Beth-millo, on the road down to Silla.
21His servants Jozabad son of Shimeath and Jehozabad son of Shomer struck him down, and he died. And they buried him with his fathers in the City of David, and his son Amaziah reigned in his place.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 14:1 | In the second year of the reign of Jehoash son of Jehoahaz over Israel, Amaziah son of Joash became king of Judah. |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 24:26–27 | Those who conspired against Joash were Zabad son of Shimeath the Ammonitess and Jehozabad son of Shimrith the Moabitess. The accounts of the sons of Joash, as well as the many pronouncements about him and about the restoration of the house of God, are indeed written in the Treatise of the Book of the Kings. And his son Amaziah reigned in his place. |
2 Kings 12:21 Summary
This verse tells us that Joash, the king of Judah, was killed by his own servants, and his son Amaziah took his place as king. This event shows us that our actions can have serious consequences, and that God is always in control, even when things seem to be going wrong (as seen in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28). It also reminds us that God is a God of justice and will ultimately bring about justice and righteousness (as seen in Psalm 37:28 and Revelation 20:11-15). By trusting in God's sovereignty and following His ways, we can find peace and hope, even in difficult circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Joash's servants kill him?
The Bible does not provide a clear motive for the servants' actions in 2 Kings 12:21, but it may be related to the idolatry and sin that Joash had allowed to persist in Judah, as seen in 2 Kings 12:3 and 2 Chronicles 24:17-18.
What can we learn from Joash's death?
Joash's death serves as a reminder that our actions have consequences, and that God is a God of justice, as seen in Proverbs 28:1 and Romans 2:5-6.
How does this event relate to the larger story of Judah's history?
The assassination of Joash marks a significant turning point in the history of Judah, as it leads to the reign of his son Amaziah, who would go on to face his own challenges and make his own decisions about following God, as seen in 2 Kings 14:1-4 and 2 Chronicles 25:1-4.
What does this verse teach us about God's sovereignty?
The fact that Joash's son Amaziah reigns in his place suggests that God is still in control, even in the midst of human sin and rebellion, as seen in Isaiah 46:10 and Daniel 4:35.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be compromising my faith or allowing sin to persist in my own life, and how can I turn back to God?
- How do I respond when faced with difficult circumstances or challenging decisions, and what can I learn from Joash's experiences?
- In what ways can I trust in God's sovereignty, even when things seem out of control or uncertain, and how can I apply this trust to my everyday life?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of leadership and the impact that our choices can have on others, and how can I apply this to my own relationships and responsibilities?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 12:21
For Jozachar the son of Shimeath,.... Said to be an Ammonitess, and this man's name Zabad, 2 Chronicles 24:26, and Jehozabad the son of Shomer, his servants; who is said in the same place to be the
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 12:21
Jozachar, called also Zabad, . Silomer, called Shimrith, ; except Shomer be the father’ s name, and Shimrith the mother’ s. With his fathers, i.e. in the same city, but not in the same royal sepulchre, .
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 12:21
2 Kings 12:21 For Jozachar the son of Shimeath, and Jehozabad the son of Shomer, his servants, smote him, and he died; and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David: and Amaziah his son reigned in his stead.Ver. 21. For Jozachar the son of Shimeath.] An Ammonitess. And Jehozabad the son of Shomer.] A Moabitess. These were his bondwomen likely, and their sons his slaves. And they buried him with his fathers.] But not among the kings, probably because his body was so putrefied with his wounds and other maladies.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 12:21
(21) For Jozachar . . . smote him.—Rather, And Jozachar . . . it was that smote him. The names are different in Chronicles. (See the Note on 2 Chronicles 24:26.) Thenius notices the curious coincidence of the names as given here with the last words of the murdered Zechariah, “Jehovah see, and avenge!” The prophet was avenged by Jozachar (“Jehovah remembers”), the son of shimeath (“hearing”), and Jehozabad (“Jehovah bestows”), the son of Shomer (“watcher”). With his fathers—i.e., in the city of David; but “not in the sepulchres of the kings 2)” Chron. 24:25).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 12:21
Verse 21. For Jozachar] This person is called Zabad in 2 Chronicles 24:26; and Shimeath his mother is said to be an Ammonitess, as Jehozabad is said to be the son, not of Shomer, but of Shimrith, a Moabitess. They buried him with his fathers in the city of David] But they did not bury him in the sepulchres of the kings; this is supposed to express the popular disapprobation of his conduct. Thus ended a reign full of promise and hope in the beginning, but profligate, cruel, and ruinous in the end. Never was the hand of God's justice more signally stretched out against an apostate king and faithless people, than at this time. Now Hazael had a plenary commission; the king, the nobles, and the people, were food for his sword, and by a handful of Syrians the mighty armies of Israel were overthrown: For the army of the Syrians came with a small company of men, and the Lord delivered a very great host into their hand, because they had forsaken the Lord God, 2 Chronicles 24:24. Thus, as righteousness exalteth a nation, so sin is the disgrace and confusion of any people. Sin destroys both counsel and strength; and the wicked flee when none pursue.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 12:21
21. For Jozachar [R.V. Jozacar] the son of Shimeath, and Jehozabad the son of Shomer] In 2 Chron. the names of the conspirators are given as ‘Zabad the son of Shimeath an Ammonitess, and Jehozabad the son of Shemrith a Moabitess’. Between ζαγ Zabad and ζλψ Zacar, the abbreviated form of Jozacar, it is easy to see how a mistake might arise from the similarity of the Hebrew letters. The Chronicler who mentions the nationality of the mothers gives their names both in the feminine form. In Kings the last two letters from ωׁ ?ξψιϊ (Shemrith) have fallen out and so the name has become ωׁ ?ξψ (Shomer). Although these names are without doubt historical it is very remarkable (as Thenius points out) how when they are translated they recall Zechariah’s last words ‘The Lord look upon it and require it’. For they signify ‘Jehovah-remembers’, the son of ‘Hearer;’ and ‘Jehovah-gives’, the son of ‘Watcher’. and they buried him with his fathers] i.e. In the city of David, but as the Chronicler records, not in the sepulchres of the kings. The words of the Chronicler about the ‘greatness of the burdens’ laid upon Jehoash refers to the many prophetic oracles which were uttered against him in consequence of his evil deeds.
Cf. for that sense of the word ‘burden’ Isaiah 13:1, and many other passages of that prophet. On the margin R.V. in such cases, gives ‘oracle concerning’. and Amaziah his son] The Chronicler (2 Chronicles 24:27) speaks of the ‘sons of Jehoash’; we know nothing however of any son but Amaziah, though it is said (2 Chronicles 24:3) ‘Jehoiada took for Jehoash two wives, and he begat sons and daughters’.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 12:21
21. Buried him with his fathers — But not, says 2 Chronicles 24:25, “in the sepulchres of the kings.” For a fuller account of Joash’s history, see the parallel history in Chronicles.