2 Kings 23:31
2 Kings 23:31 in Multiple Translations
Jehoahaz was twenty-three years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months. His mother’s name was Hamutal daughter of Jeremiah; she was from Libnah.
¶ Jehoahaz was twenty and three years old when he began to reign; and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Hamutal, the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah.
Jehoahaz was twenty and three years old when he began to reign; and he reigned three months in Jerusalem: and his mother’s name was Hamutal the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah.
Jehoahaz was twenty-three years old when he became king, ruling in Jerusalem for three months; his mother's name was Hamutal, the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah.
Jehoahaz was twenty-three when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem for three months. His mother's name was Hamutal, daughter of Jeremiah. She came from Libnah.
Iehoahaz was three and twentie yeere olde when he beganne to reigne, and reigned three moneths in Ierusalem. His mothers name also was Hamutal the daughter of Ieremiah of Libnah.
A son of twenty and three years [is] Jehoahaz in his reigning, and three months he hath reigned in Jerusalem, and the name of his mother [is] Hamutal daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah,
Jehoahaz was twenty-three years old when he began to reign; and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Hamutal the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah.
Jehoahaz was twenty and three years old when he began to reign; and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hamutal, the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah.
Joachaz was three and twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned three months in Jerusalem: the name of his mother was Amital, the daughter of Jeremias of Lobna.
Joahaz was 23 years old when he became the king of Judah, but he ruled from Jerusalem for only three months. His mother was Hamutal, the daughter of Jeremiah from Libnah city.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 23:31
BAB
Word Study
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2 Kings 23:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בֶּן
עֶשְׂרִ֨ים
וְ/שָׁלֹ֤שׁ
שָׁנָה֙
יְהוֹאָחָ֣ז
בְּ/מָלְכ֔/וֹ
וּ/שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה
חֳדָשִׁ֔ים
מָלַ֖ךְ
בִּ/ירוּשָׁלִָ֑ם
וְ/שֵׁ֣ם
אִמּ֔/וֹ
חֲמוּטַ֥ל
בַּֽת
יִרְמְיָ֖הוּ
מִ/לִּבְנָֽה
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
עֶשְׂרִ֨ים
ʻesrîym
H6242
twenty
Adj
וְ/שָׁלֹ֤שׁ
shâlôwsh
H7969
three
Conj | Adj
שָׁנָה֙
shâneh
H8141
year
N-fs
יְהוֹאָחָ֣ז
Yᵉhôwʼâchâz
H3059
Ahaziah
N-proper
בְּ/מָלְכ֔/וֹ
mâlak
H4427
to reign
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
וּ/שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה
shâlôwsh
H7969
three
Conj | Adj
חֳדָשִׁ֔ים
chôdesh
H2320
month
N-mp
מָלַ֖ךְ
mâlak
H4427
to reign
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
בִּ/ירוּשָׁלִָ֑ם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
Jerusalem
Prep | N-proper
וְ/שֵׁ֣ם
shêm
H8034
name
Conj | N-ms
אִמּ֔/וֹ
ʼêm
H517
mother
N-fs | Suff
חֲמוּטַ֥ל
Chămûwṭal
H2537
Hamutal
N-proper
בַּֽת
bath
H1323
Bath (Shua)
N-fs
יִרְמְיָ֖הוּ
Yirmᵉyâh
H3414
Jeremiah
N-proper
מִ/לִּבְנָֽה
Libnâh
H3841
Libnah
Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 23:31
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
עֶשְׂרִ֨ים
ʻesrîym
H6242
"twenty"
Adj
This word means twenty, and is also used as an ordinal number, like twentieth, as seen in Genesis 31:38. It can refer to a specific age or quantity.
Definition: twenty, twentieth Aramaic equivalent: es.rin (עֶשְׂרִין "twenty" H6243)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: (six-) score, twenty(-ieth). See also: Genesis 6:3; 1 Kings 9:14; Ezra 2:19.
וְ/שָׁלֹ֤שׁ
shâlôwsh
H7969
"three"
Conj | Adj
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
שָׁנָה֙
shâneh
H8141
"year"
N-fs
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
יְהוֹאָחָ֣ז
Yᵉhôwʼâchâz
H3059
"Ahaziah"
N-proper
Jehoachaz was a king of Judah, son of Jehoram and Athaliah, and father of Joash. His name means Jehovah has seized, and he is also referred to as Ahaziah.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.8.24; son of: Jehoram (H3088) and Athaliah (H6271); brother of: Jehosheba (H3089); married to Zibiah (H6645); father of: Joash (H3101I); also called Jehoahaz at 2Ch.21.17; Another name of a.chaz.yah (אֲחַזְיָ֫הוּ "Ahaziah" H0274H) § Jehoahaz = "Jehovah has seized" 1) a king of Judah and son of Josiah 2) a king of the northern kingdom of Israel and son of Jehu 3) a king of Judah and son of Jehoram (Ahaziah)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: Jehoahaz. Compare H3099 (יוֹאָחָז). See also: 2 Kings 10:35; 2 Kings 14:8; 2 Chronicles 36:1.
בְּ/מָלְכ֔/וֹ
mâlak
H4427
"to reign"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
To advise or counsel is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to reign or rule as a king. It is used in the Bible to describe the actions of leaders, like King Solomon, who sought wisdom to rule God's people. This word is found in the book of 1 Kings.
Definition: 1) to be or become king or queen, reign 1a) (Qal) to be or become king or queen, reign 1b) (Hiphil) to make one king or queen, cause to reign 1c) (Hophal) to be made king or queen
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: consult, [idiom] indeed, be (make, set a, set up) king, be (make) queen, (begin to, make to) reign(-ing), rule, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 36:31; 2 Kings 8:15; 2 Chronicles 10:17.
וּ/שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה
shâlôwsh
H7969
"three"
Conj | Adj
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
חֳדָשִׁ֔ים
chôdesh
H2320
"month"
N-mp
The Hebrew term for month, specifically referring to the new moon and the lunar cycle, as described in the book of Exodus and the festivals of Israel. It marks the beginning of a new month in the Hebrew calendar.
Definition: : month 1) the new moon, month, monthly 1a) the first day of the month 1b) the lunar month
Usage: Occurs in 224 OT verses. KJV: month(-ly), new moon. See also: Genesis 7:11; 1 Chronicles 3:4; Psalms 81:4.
מָלַ֖ךְ
mâlak
H4427
"to reign"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To advise or counsel is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to reign or rule as a king. It is used in the Bible to describe the actions of leaders, like King Solomon, who sought wisdom to rule God's people. This word is found in the book of 1 Kings.
Definition: 1) to be or become king or queen, reign 1a) (Qal) to be or become king or queen, reign 1b) (Hiphil) to make one king or queen, cause to reign 1c) (Hophal) to be made king or queen
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: consult, [idiom] indeed, be (make, set a, set up) king, be (make) queen, (begin to, make to) reign(-ing), rule, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 36:31; 2 Kings 8:15; 2 Chronicles 10:17.
בִּ/ירוּשָׁלִָ֑ם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
"Jerusalem"
Prep | N-proper
Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.
Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split
Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.
וְ/שֵׁ֣ם
shêm
H8034
"name"
Conj | N-ms
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
אִמּ֔/וֹ
ʼêm
H517
"mother"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'mother' is used in the Bible to describe a female parent or a maternal figure. It can also refer to the source or origin of something, such as a river or a family. In some cases, it is used figuratively to describe a person's relationship to others.
Definition: 1) mother 1a) of humans 1b) of Deborah's relationship to the people (fig.) 1c) of animals 2) point of departure or division
Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: dam, mother, [idiom] parting. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Kings 4:19; Psalms 22:10.
חֲמוּטַ֥ל
Chămûwṭal
H2537
"Hamutal"
N-proper
Hamutal was an Israelitess, one of King Josiah's wives, and the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah. Her name means father-in-law is protection. She was the mother of Jehoahaz and Zedekiah.
Definition: A woman living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.23.31; daughter of: Jeremiah (H3414); married to Josiah (H2977); mother of: Jehoahaz (H3059H) and Zedekiah (H6667H) § Hamutal = "father-in-law is protection" one of the wives of Josiah, daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah, mother of Jehoahaz and Zedekiah
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Hamutal. See also: 2 Kings 23:31; 2 Kings 24:18; Jeremiah 52:1.
בַּֽת
bath
H1323
"Bath (Shua)"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
יִרְמְיָ֖הוּ
Yirmᵉyâh
H3414
"Jeremiah"
N-proper
Jeremiah means whom Jehovah has appointed, a major prophet and author of the book of Jeremiah. He was the son of Hilkiah and a priest from Anathoth.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at Jer.35.3; son of: Habazziniah (H2262); father of: Jaazaniah (H2970) § Jeremiah = "whom Jehovah has appointed" 1) the major prophet, son of Hilkiah of the priestly family in Anathoth; author of the prophetic book bearing his name 2) a man of Libnah and father of Hamutal the wife of king Josiah 3) a Gadite who joined David at Ziklag 4) a Manassehite, one of the mighty men of valour of the Transjordanic half tribe of Manasseh 5) a Gadite and warrior of David 6) a warrior of David 7) a priest who joined Nehemiah in the covenant ceremony 8) a priest also in the time of Nehemiah; maybe same as 7 9) father of Jaazaniah the Rechabites
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: Jeremiah. See also: 2 Kings 23:31; Jeremiah 36:4; Jeremiah 1:1.
מִ/לִּבְנָֽה
Libnâh
H3841
"Libnah"
Prep | N-proper
Libnah was a city in Palestine, originally a Canaanite royal city, later captured by Joshua and allocated to Judah.
Definition: § Libnah = "pavement" a royal city of the Canaanites in the southwest captured by Joshua; allocated to Judah and made a Levitical city
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: Libnah. See also: Numbers 33:20; Joshua 21:13; Isaiah 37:8.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 23:31
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Jehoahaz Succeeds Josiah
29During Josiah’s reign, Pharaoh Neco king of Egypt marched up to help the king of Assyria at the Euphrates River. King Josiah went out to confront him, but Neco faced him and killed him at Megiddo.
30From Megiddo his servants carried his body in a chariot, brought him to Jerusalem, and buried him in his own tomb. Then the people of the land took Jehoahaz son of Josiah, anointed him, and made him king in place of his father.
31Jehoahaz was twenty-three years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months. His mother’s name was Hamutal daughter of Jeremiah; she was from Libnah.
32And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, just as his fathers had done. 33And Pharaoh Neco imprisoned Jehoahaz at Riblah in the land of Hamath so that he could not reign in Jerusalem, and he imposed on Judah a levy of a hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 3:15 | The sons of Josiah: Johanan was the firstborn, Jehoiakim the second, Zedekiah the third, and Shallum the fourth. |
| 2 | 2 Kings 24:18 | Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. His mother’s name was Hamutal daughter of Jeremiah; she was from Libnah. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 22:11 | For this is what the LORD says concerning Shallum son of Josiah, king of Judah, who succeeded his father Josiah but has gone forth from this place: “He will never return, |
2 Kings 23:31 Summary
[Jehoahaz became king of Judah at the age of twenty-three and reigned for only three months. This was a time of great turmoil and change in Judah, as seen in the events surrounding his father King Josiah's death (2 Kings 23:29-30). Despite his short reign, Jehoahaz's actions had significant consequences, and we can learn from his example about the importance of obedience to God (2 Kings 23:32). By studying Jehoahaz's life, we can gain insights into the importance of wise leadership and the need to seek God's guidance in all aspects of life (Proverbs 3:5-6).]
Frequently Asked Questions
How old was Jehoahaz when he became king?
Jehoahaz was twenty-three years old when he became king, as stated in 2 Kings 23:31. This is relatively young compared to other kings in the Bible, such as King Solomon who became king at around thirty years old, as seen in 1 Kings 2:12.
Who was Jehoahaz's mother and what was her background?
Jehoahaz's mother was Hamutal, the daughter of Jeremiah, and she was from Libnah, as mentioned in 2 Kings 23:31. This information gives us a glimpse into Jehoahaz's family background and possible influences on his life and reign.
How long did Jehoahaz reign as king?
Jehoahaz reigned in Jerusalem for three months, according to 2 Kings 23:31. This short reign is likely due to the political instability and foreign interference in Judah at the time, as seen in the context of 2 Kings 23:29-33.
What can we learn from Jehoahaz's brief reign?
Jehoahaz's brief reign can teach us about the importance of leadership and the consequences of disobedience to God, as seen in 2 Kings 23:32. We can also learn from the example of other kings in the Bible, such as King Josiah, who pleased God with his obedience and reforms, as seen in 2 Kings 22:1-2 and 2 Chronicles 34:1-7.
Reflection Questions
- What are some possible reasons why Jehoahaz was made king at such a young age, and what can we learn from his experience?
- How might Jehoahaz's family background and upbringing have influenced his decisions and actions as king?
- What does Jehoahaz's brief reign reveal about the spiritual state of Judah at the time, and what warnings can we take from this for our own lives?
- In what ways can we apply the lessons from Jehoahaz's life and reign to our own leadership roles and responsibilities, whether in our families, communities, or workplaces?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 23:31
Jehoahaz was twenty three years old when he began to reign,.... Who seems to be the same with Shallum, Jeremiah 22:11 and he reigned three months in Jerusalem; a short reign, being deposed by the
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 23:31
2 Kings 23:31 Jehoahaz [was] twenty and three years old when he began to reign; and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. And his mother’ s name [was] Hamutal, the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah.Ver. 31. Jehoahaz was twenty and three years old.] He was younger than his brother Jehoiakim, got the kingdom from him by a popular faction, likely, and it proved accordingly. Some think him to have been called Shallum at first, and that the people changed his name Melioris ominis causa; because Shallum king of Israel had reigned but one month only ere he was slain by Menahem.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 23:31
Verse 31. Jehoahaz was twenty and three years old] This was not the eldest son of Josiah, which is evident from this, that he was twenty-three years old when he began to reign; that he reigned but three months; that, being dethroned, his brother Eliakim was put in his place, who was then twenty-five years of age. Eliakim, therefore, was the eldest brother; but Jehoahaz was probably raised to the throne by the people, as being of a more active and martial spirit.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 23:31
31–35. Reign of Jehoahaz. He is put down by the king of Egypt. Jehoiakim is made king, and becomes tributary to Egypt (2 Chronicles 36:1-4) 31. his mother’s name was Hamutal] So he was by the same mother as well as by the same father as Zedekiah. See 2 Kings 24:18. On Libnah, see above 2 Kings 8:22.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 23:31
REIGN OF , 2 Kings 23:31-35. 31. Twenty and three years old — So he was not the real heir to the throne, for Eliakim, (2 Kings 23:34,) who was placed on the throne a few months later, was nearly two years older.