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2 Kings 12:2

2 Kings 12:2 in Multiple Translations

And Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the days he was instructed by Jehoiada the priest.

And Jehoash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him.

And Jehoash did that which was right in the eyes of Jehovah all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him.

Jehoash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all his days, because he was guided by the teaching of Jehoiada the priest.

Joash did what was right in the Lord's sight during the years that Jehoiada the priest advised him.

And Iehoash did that which was good in the sight of the Lord all his time that Iehoiada the Priest taught him.

and Jehoash doth that which is right in the eyes of Jehovah all his days in which Jehoiada the priest directed him,

Jehoash did that which was right in the LORD’s eyes all his days in which Jehoiada the priest instructed him.

And Jehoash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him.

And Joas did that which was right before the Lord all the days that Joiada the priest taught him.

All his life, he did what pleased Yahweh, because Jehoiada the priest instructed/taught him.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 12:2

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

2 Kings 12:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB בִּ/שְׁנַת שֶׁ֤בַע לְ/יֵהוּא֙ מָלַ֣ךְ יְהוֹאָ֔שׁ וְ/אַרְבָּעִ֣ים שָׁנָ֔ה מָלַ֖ךְ בִּ/ירֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם וְ/שֵׁ֣ם אִמּ֔/וֹ צִבְיָ֖ה מִ/בְּאֵ֥ר שָֽׁבַע
בִּ/שְׁנַת shâneh H8141 year Prep | N-fs
שֶׁ֤בַע shebaʻ H7651 seven Adj
לְ/יֵהוּא֙ Yêhûwʼ H3058 Jehu Prep | N-proper
מָלַ֣ךְ mâlak H4427 to reign V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יְהוֹאָ֔שׁ Yᵉhôwʼâsh H3060 Jehoash N-proper
וְ/אַרְבָּעִ֣ים ʼarbâʻîym H705 forty Conj | Adj
שָׁנָ֔ה shâneh H8141 year N-fs
מָלַ֖ךְ mâlak H4427 to reign V-Qal-Perf-3ms
בִּ/ירֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 Jerusalem Prep | N-proper
וְ/שֵׁ֣ם shêm H8034 name Conj | N-ms
אִמּ֔/וֹ ʼêm H517 mother N-fs | Suff
צִבְיָ֖ה Tsibyâh H6645 Zibiah N-proper
מִ/בְּאֵ֥ר Bᵉʼêr Shebaʻ H884 Beersheba Prep | N-proper
שָֽׁבַע Bᵉʼêr Shebaʻ H884 Beersheba N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 12:2

בִּ/שְׁנַת shâneh H8141 "year" Prep | 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.
שֶׁ֤בַע shebaʻ H7651 "seven" Adj
This word means the number seven, which was considered a special or sacred number. It can also mean seven times or a week, and is used in the Bible to describe completeness or perfection. The KJV translates it as seven or sevenfold.
Definition: 1) seven (cardinal number) 1a) as ordinal number 1b) in combination-17, 700 etc Aramaic equivalent: shiv.ah (שִׁבְעָה "seven" H7655)
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] by) seven(-fold),-s, (-teen, -teenth), -th, times). Compare H7658 (שִׁבְעָנָה). See also: Genesis 4:24; Leviticus 23:15; 2 Samuel 21:6.
לְ/יֵהוּא֙ Yêhûwʼ H3058 "Jehu" Prep | N-proper
Jehu was the name of several Israelites, including a king who overthrew the dynasty of Omri and a prophet who lived during the time of Baasha and Jehoshaphat. His name means Jehovah is He.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.12.3 § Jehu = "Jehovah is He" 1) the king of the northern kingdom Israel who overthrew the dynasty of Omri 2) son of Hanani and an Israelite prophet in the time of Baasha and Jehoshaphat 3) the Antothite, a Benjamite, one of David's mighty warriors 4) a descendant of Judah of the house of Hezron 5) son of Josibiah and a chief of the tribe of Simeon
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: Jehu. See also: 1 Kings 16:1; 2 Kings 10:19; Hosea 1:4.
מָלַ֣ךְ 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.
יְהוֹאָ֔שׁ Yᵉhôwʼâsh H3060 "Jehoash" N-proper
Jehoash was the name of two Israelite kings, including a king of Israel who was the son of Jehoahaz and father of Jeroboam. His name means given by the Lord, and he is also referred to as Joash.
Definition: A king of the Kingdom of Israel, living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.13.9; son of: Jehoahaz (H3059); father of: Jeroboam (H3379H); also called Jehoash at 2Ki.13.10,25; 14.8,9,11,13,15,16,17; Another name of yo.ash (יוֹאָשׁ "Joash" H3101J) § Jehoash = "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
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: Jehoash. Compare H3101 (יוֹאָשׁ). See also: 2 Kings 12:1; 2 Kings 13:25; 2 Kings 14:17.
וְ/אַרְבָּעִ֣ים ʼarbâʻîym H705 "forty" Conj | Adj
The number forty is what this Hebrew word represents, often used in the Bible to mark significant periods of time, like the 40 days of rain in Genesis or the 40 years of Israel's wilderness journey.
Definition: forty
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: -forty. See also: Genesis 5:13; Judges 13:1; Psalms 95:10.
שָׁנָ֔ה 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.
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/ירֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם 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.
צִבְיָ֖ה Tsibyâh H6645 "Zibiah" N-proper
Zibiah was a woman from Beersheba, married to King Ahaziah of Judah, and mother of King Joash, as seen in 2 Kings 12:1. Her name also means 'roe', symbolizing gentleness.
Definition: A woman living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.12.1; married to Ahaziah (H0274H); mother of: Joash (H3101I) § Zibiah = "roe" a native of Beersheba, wife of king Ahaziah and mother of king Joash both of Judah
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Zibiah. See also: 2 Kings 12:2; 2 Chronicles 24:1.
מִ/בְּאֵ֥ר Bᵉʼêr Shebaʻ H884 "Beersheba" Prep | N-proper
Beersheba was a city in Palestine, located at the south edge of Israel, and its name means 'well of the sevenfold oath'. It was an important place in the Bible.
Definition: § Beer-sheba = "well of the sevenfold oath" a city at the south edge of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: Beer-shebah. See also: Genesis 21:14; 2 Samuel 17:11; Amos 8:14.
שָֽׁבַע Bᵉʼêr Shebaʻ H884 "Beersheba" N-proper
Beersheba was a city in Palestine, located at the south edge of Israel, and its name means 'well of the sevenfold oath'. It was an important place in the Bible.
Definition: § Beer-sheba = "well of the sevenfold oath" a city at the south edge of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: Beer-shebah. See also: Genesis 21:14; 2 Samuel 17:11; Amos 8:14.

Study Notes — 2 Kings 12:2

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 2 Chronicles 24:17–22 After the death of Jehoiada, however, the officials of Judah came and paid homage to the king, and he listened to them. They abandoned the house of the LORD, the God of their fathers, and served the Asherah poles and idols. So wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this guilt of theirs. Nevertheless, the LORD sent prophets to bring the people back to Him and to testify against them; but they would not listen. Then the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest, who stood up before the people and said to them, “This is what God says: ‘Why do you transgress the commandments of the LORD so that you cannot prosper? Because you have forsaken the LORD, He has forsaken you.’” But they conspired against Zechariah, and by order of the king, they stoned him in the courtyard of the house of the LORD. Thus King Joash failed to remember the kindness that Zechariah’s father Jehoiada had extended to him. Instead, Joash killed Jehoiada’s son. As he lay dying, Zechariah said, “May the LORD see this and call you to account.”
2 2 Chronicles 26:4 And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father Amaziah had done.
3 2 Chronicles 25:2 And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, but not wholeheartedly.
4 2 Kings 14:3 And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, but not as his father David had done. He did everything as his father Joash had done.
5 2 Chronicles 24:2 And Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest.

2 Kings 12:2 Summary

This verse tells us that King Joash did what was right in God's eyes as long as he was being guided by the priest Jehoiada. This shows us the importance of having good role models and mentors in our lives to help us make good choices, just like how the Bible says in Proverbs 27:17 that iron sharpens iron. It also reminds us that our faith and obedience to God should not depend on someone else, but on our own personal relationship with Him, as seen in John 15:4-5. By staying connected to God and seeking guidance from His Word and from wise believers, we can stay on the right path and live a life that honors Him.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the key factor in Joash doing what was right in the eyes of the LORD?

The key factor was the instruction he received from Jehoiada the priest, as seen in 2 Kings 12:2, which highlights the importance of spiritual guidance and mentorship, as also emphasized in Proverbs 11:14.

Did Joash's obedience to God's commands continue throughout his entire life?

The verse suggests that Joash's obedience was conditional, lasting only as long as he was instructed by Jehoiada, which raises questions about the stability of his faith, as seen in other instances like 2 Chronicles 24:17-18.

How does this verse relate to the concept of accountability in the Christian life?

This verse shows that having a spiritual mentor or accountability partner, like Jehoiada, can play a significant role in helping us stay on the right path, as also seen in Galatians 6:1-2, where believers are encouraged to bear one another's burdens.

What can we learn from Joash's relationship with Jehoiada about the importance of spiritual leadership?

Joash's relationship with Jehoiada demonstrates the value of having a godly influence in our lives, guiding us in our decisions and actions, much like the role of spiritual leaders in the New Testament, such as those described in 1 Timothy 3:1-7.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can surround myself with godly influences and mentors to help me stay on the right path with God?
  2. How can I ensure that my obedience to God is not conditional, but rather a lasting commitment to following His commands?
  3. In what ways can I be a Jehoiada to someone else, providing spiritual guidance and support to help them stay faithful to God?
  4. What are some potential consequences of not having a strong spiritual support system, as hinted at in Joash's story?
  5. How can I prioritize seeking instruction and guidance from God's Word and from mature believers in my life?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 12:2

And Jehoash did that which was right in the sight of the Lord all his days,.... Worshipping the only true God, and ruling and walking according to the law of God: wherein Jehoiada the priest

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 12:2

And Jehoash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 12:2

To wit, for the matter of it, though not with an honest and sincere mind, but only by the influence of his good tutor and restorer, as the words here following plainly imply.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 12:2

2 Kings 12:2 And Jehoash did [that which was] right in the sight of the LORD all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him.Ver. 2. All his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him.] As when Jehoiada died, Jehoash revolted from the Lord. Nero, while he would be instructed by Seneca and Burrhus, was of so good a carriage that Trajan was wont to say, None ever came near him; but this lasted for five years only. In Apostatis - “ Principium fervet, medium tepet, exitus alger. ”

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 12:2

(2) All his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him.—The Hebrew is ambiguous, but may certainly mean this, which is the rendering of the LXX. and Vulg. (The accent dividing the verse ought to fall on “the Lord” rather than on “his days.”) Perhaps the peculiar form of the sentence arose in this way: the writer first set down the usual statement concerning kings who supported the worship of Jehovah, and then, remembering the evils which ensued upon the death of the high priest (2 Chronicles 24:17), added as a correction of that statement, “during which Jehoiada the priest instructed him.” Thenius says the words can only be rendered, all his life long, because Jehoiada had instructed him. They certainly can, however, be rendered as our version renders them, and further, thus: “And Jehoash did . . . all his days, whom Jehoiada the priest instructed.” But the ambiguity of the statement gave an opportunity for discrediting the chronicler.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 12:2

Verse 2. Jehoash did - right in the sight of the Lord] While Jehoiada the priest, who was a pious, holy man, lived, Jehoash walked uprightly; but it appears from 2 Chronicles 24:17-18, that he departed from the worship of the true God after the death of this eminent high priest, lapsed into idolatry, and seems to have had a share in the murder of Zechariah, who testified against his transgressions, and those of the princes of Judah. See above, 2Kg 24:20-22. O how few of the few who begin to live to God continue unto the end!

Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 12:2

2. all his days] In the original there is a division here in the verse, and the pronoun which both A.V. and R.V. render ‘wherein’ should, as the text stands, be translated ‘because’. This statement that Jehoash did what was right all his days is opposed to the narrative in Chronicles. The LXX. appears not to have had ‘his’ in connexion with ‘days’, for the rendering is ‘he did what was right all the days during which Jehoiada instructed him’. The necessity for being consistent with Chronicles has led to the rendering of the relative by ‘wherein’.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 12:2

All his days ... - i. e., so long as Jehoiada was his adviser” (compare 2 Chronicles 24:15-22). Jehoida was, practically speaking, regent during the minority of Jehoash, i. e., 10 or 12 years.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 12:2

2. All his days wherein Jehoiada… instructed him — As long as he remained true to the counsels of the high priest he did right and prospered.

Sermons on 2 Kings 12:2

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Bob Jennings Having Assurance of Salvation by Bob Jennings This sermon emphasizes the importance of wholehearted devotion to God, highlighting the need to fully surrender and consecrate ourselves to Him without holding back. It discusses t
Bob Jennings If You Could Live Again, What Would You Change? by Bob Jennings This sermon reflects on the importance of living a life fully devoted to God, not just doing what is right but doing it with all our hearts. It explores the idea of looking back on
Bob Jennings To Die in Christ Is Gain - Tim Conway Interviews Bob Jennings by Bob Jennings This sermon reflects on the importance of wholehearted devotion to God, using the example of Amaziah who did what was right but not with all his heart. It delves into a conversatio
Kevin Turner 2 Chronicles 24:1-15 by Kevin Turner In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing God as the creator and ourselves as His creation. He shares a personal experience from his trip to Kenya that s
Walter Beuttler Commentary Notes - Ii Chronicles by Walter Beuttler Walter Beuttler preaches on the historical accounts of the kings of Judah in the Book of II Chronicles, emphasizing the importance of seeking God and living in His sight. The reign

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