2 Kings 8:25

2 Kings 8:25 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

In the twelfth year of the reign of Joram son of Ahab over Israel, Ahaziah son of Jehoram became king of Judah.

King James Version KJV

¶ 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.

American Standard Version ASV

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.

Bible in Basic English BBE

In the twelfth year that Joram, the son of Ahab, was king of Israel, Ahaziah, the son of Jehoram, king of Judah, became king;

Free Bible Version FBV

Ahaziah, son of Jehoram, became king of Judah in the twelfth year of the reign of Joram, son of Ahab, king of Israel.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

In the twelft yere of Ioram the sonne of Ahab King of Israel did Ahaziah the sonne of Iehoram King of Iudah begin to reigne.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

In the twelfth year of Joram son of Ahab king of Israel reigned hath Ahaziah son of Jehoram king of Judah;

World English Bible WEB

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

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

In the twelfth year of Joram son of Achab king of Israel, reigned Ochozias son of Joram king of Juda.

Translation for Translators T4T

After Ahab’s son Joram has been ruling in Israel for almost twelve years, Jehoram’s son Ahaziah became the king of Judah.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 8:25

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 8:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB בִּ/שְׁנַת֙ שְׁתֵּים עֶשְׂרֵ֣ה שָׁנָ֔ה לְ/יוֹרָ֥ם בֶּן אַחְאָ֖ב מֶ֣לֶךְ יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל מָלַ֛ךְ אֲחַזְיָ֥הוּ בֶן יְהוֹרָ֖ם מֶ֥לֶךְ יְהוּדָֽה

בִּ/שְׁנַת֙ shâneh H8141 year Prep | N-fs

שְׁתֵּים shᵉnayim H8147 two Adj

עֶשְׂרֵ֣ה ʻâsâr H6240 ten Adj

שָׁנָ֔ה shâneh H8141 year N-fs

לְ/יוֹרָ֥ם Yôwrâm H3141 Joram Prep | N-proper

בֶּן bên H1121 son N-ms

אַחְאָ֖ב ʼAchʼâb H256 Ahab N-proper

מֶ֣לֶךְ melek H4428 King's N-ms

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper

מָלַ֛ךְ mâlak H4427 to reign V-Qal-Perf-3ms

אֲחַזְיָ֥הוּ ʼĂchazyâh H274 Ahaziah N-proper

בֶן bên H1121 son N-ms

יְהוֹרָ֖ם Yᵉhôwrâm H3088 Joram N-proper

מֶ֥לֶךְ melek H4428 King's N-ms

יְהוּדָֽה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 Judah N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 8:25

בִּ/שְׁנַת֙ 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.

שְׁתֵּים shᵉnayim H8147 "two" Adj

The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.

Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)

Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.

עֶשְׂרֵ֣ה ʻâsâr H6240 "ten" Adj

In Hebrew, this word means ten, and is used to form numbers like eleven or thirteen, as seen in Genesis 31:41. It is always used in combination with other numbers.

Definition: 1) ten, -teen (in combination with other numbers) 1a) used only in combination to make the numbers 11-19

Usage: Occurs in 292 OT verses. KJV: (eigh-, fif-, four-, nine-, seven-, six-, thir-) teen(-th), [phrase] eleven(-th), [phrase] sixscore thousand, [phrase] twelve(-th). See also: Genesis 5:8; Joshua 21:7; 1 Chronicles 25:27.

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.

לְ/יוֹרָ֥ם Yôwrâm H3141 "Joram" Prep | N-proper

Joram was a king of Judah who lived during the time of the Divided Monarchy, and is mentioned in 1 Kings and 2 Kings. He was the son of Jehoshaphat and the father of Ahaziah, and his name is also translated as Joram in some Bible versions.

Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ki.22.50; son of: Jehoshaphat (H3092I); brother of: Azariah (H5838Q), Jehiel (H3171J), Zechariah (H2148J), Azariahu (H5838R), Michael (H4317O) and Shephatiah (H8203K); married to Athaliah (H6271); father of: Ahaziah (H0274H) and Jehosheba (H3089); also called Joram at 2Ki.8.21,23,24; 11.2; 2x Another name of ye.ho.ram (יְהוֹרָם "Jehoram" H3088G) § Joram = "Jehovah is exalted" 1) son of king Jehoshaphat of Judah and himself king of Judah for 8 years; his wife was the wicked Athaliah who was probably the instigator for his returning the nation of Judah to the worship of Baal 2) son of king Ahab of the northern kingdom of Israel and king of Israel himself for 12 years; he was murdered by Jehu on the plot of land for which his father had murdered Naboth thus fulfilling the prophecy of Elijah to the very letter 3) a Levite in the time of David and an ancestor of Shelomith 4) son of Toi, king of Hamath

Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: Joram. See also: 2 Samuel 8:10; 2 Kings 9:14; 2 Chronicles 22:7.

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.

אַחְאָ֖ב ʼAchʼâb H256 "Ahab" N-proper

Ahab was a king of Israel who lived a long time ago. He was married to a queen named Jezebel and did many bad things. The prophet Jeremiah also wrote about a different man named Ahab.

Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at Jer.29.21; son of: Kolaiah (H6964H) § Ahab = "father's brother" 1) king of Israel, son of Omri, husband of Jezebel 2) false prophet executed by Nebuchadrezzar, time of Jeremiah

Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: Ahab. See also: 1 Kings 16:28; 1 Kings 22:40; Jeremiah 29:21.

מֶ֣לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" N-ms

This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.

Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)

Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper

Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile

Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

מָלַ֛ךְ 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.

אֲחַזְיָ֥הוּ ʼĂchazyâh H274 "Ahaziah" N-proper

Ahaziah was a king of Judah and Israel, mentioned in 2 Kings 8:24 and 2 Chronicles 21:17. His name means Jehovah holds or possesses, and he was the son of Jehoram and Athaliah. Ahaziah had a brother and a son, and was also known as Jehoahaz.

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; § Ahaziah = "Jehovah (Yahu) holds (possesses)" 1) ruler of Israel, son of Ahab 2) ruler of Judah, son of Jehoram (Joram)

Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: Ahaziah. See also: 1 Kings 22:40; 2 Kings 11:1; 2 Chronicles 22:11.

בֶן bên H1121 "son" N-ms

Definition: : child/son

יְהוֹרָ֖ם Yᵉhôwrâm H3088 "Joram" N-proper

Jehoram was a king of Israel, and his story is told in 2 Kings 1:17. He was the son of Ahab and Jezebel, and his name means 'Jehovah is exalted'. Jehoram was also known as Joram, and he had several brothers and sisters, including Joash and Athaliah.

Definition: A king of the Kingdom of Israel, living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.1.17; son of: Ahab (H0256) and Jezebel (H0348); brother of: Joash (H3101H), Ahaziah (H0274) and Athaliah (H6271); also called Jehoram at 2Ki.1.17a; 3.1,6; 1x,6,7; Another spelling of yo.ram (יוֹרָם "Joram" H3141H) § Jehoram or Joram = "Jehovah is exalted" 1) son of king Jehoshaphat of Judah and himself king of Judah for 8 years; his wife was the wicked Athaliah who was probably the instigator for his returning the nation of Judah to the worship of Baal 2) son of king Ahab of the northern kingdom of Israel and king of Israel himself for 12 years; he was murdered by Jehu on the plot of land for which his father had murdered Naboth thus fulfilling the prophecy of Elijah to the very letter 3) a priest in the reign of Jehoshaphat

Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: Jehoram, Joram. Compare H3141 (יוֹרָם). See also: 1 Kings 22:51; 2 Kings 12:19; 2 Chronicles 22:11.

מֶ֥לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" N-ms

Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)

Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.

יְהוּדָֽה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 "Judah" N-proper

Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.

Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob

Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.

Study Notes — 2 Kings 8:25

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
2 Kings 8:25 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 8:25
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 8:25
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 8:25
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 8:25
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 8:25
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 8:25

Context — Ahaziah Reigns in Judah

23As for the rest of the acts of Jehoram, along with all his accomplishments, are they not written in the book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? 24And Jehoram rested with his fathers and was buried with them in the City of David. And his son Ahaziah reigned in his place.

25In the twelfth year of the reign of Joram son of Ahab over Israel, Ahaziah son of Jehoram became king of Judah.

26Ahaziah was twenty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem one year. His mother’s name was Athaliah, the granddaughter of Omri king of Israel. 27And Ahaziah walked in the ways of the house of Ahab and did evil in the sight of the LORD like the house of Ahab, for he was a son-in-law of the house of Ahab.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	2 Kings 9:29	(In the eleventh year of Joram son of Ahab, Ahaziah had become king over Judah.)
2	2 Kings 8:16–17	In the fifth year of the reign of Joram son of Ahab over Israel, Jehoram son of Jehoshaphat succeeded his father as king of Judah. Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years.
3	2 Chronicles 21:20–6	—

2 Kings 8:25 Summary

In Second Kings 8:25, Ahaziah becomes the king of Judah during the twelfth year of Joram's reign over Israel, marking the beginning of his short but significant reign. This verse sets the stage for understanding the complex relationships between the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, as seen in Second Kings 3:1 and Second Chronicles 22:1-6. As we reflect on Ahaziah's story, we can learn about the importance of following God's ways, rather than the ways of the world, as encouraged in Deuteronomy 10:12-13 and Joshua 24:15. By considering Ahaziah's example, we can be reminded to seek God's guidance and wisdom in our own lives, as instructed in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11-13.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the twelfth year of Joram's reign in 2 Kings 8:25?

The twelfth year of Joram's reign marks the beginning of Ahaziah's reign in Judah, highlighting the synchronism between the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, as seen in Second Kings 8:25 and Second Kings 3:1.

Who was Ahaziah's father, and what can we learn from his family background?

Ahaziah's father was Jehoram, and his family background is marked by a mixture of good and evil, as seen in Second Kings 8:24, with his mother being Athaliah, a granddaughter of Omri king of Israel, which may have influenced his actions, as noted in Second Kings 8:26-27.

How does Ahaziah's ascension to the throne relate to the overall narrative of Second Kings?

Ahaziah's becoming king of Judah in the twelfth year of Joram's reign over Israel sets the stage for the intertwined stories of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, as the books of Second Kings and Second Chronicles detail the reigns of various kings, including their relationships with God, as seen in Deuteronomy 17:14-20.

What can we infer about Ahaziah's character from the information given in 2 Kings 8:25?

Although 2 Kings 8:25 does not explicitly describe Ahaziah's character, the surrounding verses, such as Second Kings 8:26-27, suggest that he followed in the evil ways of the house of Ahab, indicating a potential lack of faithfulness to God, as warned against in Proverbs 22:1 and Jeremiah 22:3.

Reflection Questions

What can I learn from the way Ahaziah's reign is introduced in relation to Joram's reign, and how does this impact my understanding of God's sovereignty?
How do the family ties between Ahaziah and the house of Ahab influence his actions, and what warnings can I apply to my own life from this example?
In what ways can I, like Ahaziah, be influenced by the world around me, and how can I guard against such influences, as encouraged in Romans 12:2 and First Corinthians 15:33?
What does Ahaziah's story reveal about the consequences of following evil examples, and how can I apply this to my own walk with God, as cautioned in Psalms 1:1-3 and Proverbs 4:14-15?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 8:25

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. He is called Jehoahaz, and said to be the youngest son of Jehoram, 2 Chronicles 21:17.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 8:25

In the twelfth year of Joram. Object. It was in the eleventh year of Joram, . Answ. Either, first, He began to reign in the confines of Joram’ s eleventh and twelfth year, in the very end of his eleventh year, or towards the beginning of the twelfth, whence it is indifferently ascribed to the one or the other. Or, secondly, The one year of Ahaziah did concur with the latter half of Joram’ s eleventh year, and the former half of his twelfth year: and if he could not be said to begin to reign in both these years, yet he might unquestionably be said to reign in both of them; and the Hebrew word, both here and , properly signifies he reigned, and not he began to reign, as it is translated. Or, thirdly, Ahaziah began to reign with his father, and during his life, according to the late examples both in Judah and Israel, there being also special occasion for it, by reason of Joram’ s cruel and long sickness, , &c.; and this was in Joram’ s eleventh ear, and then his father died, and he began his single reign in Joram’ s twelfth year. Ahaziah, called also Jehoahaz, , and Azariah, .

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 8:25

2 Kings 8:25 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.Ver. 25. In the twelfth year.] In the end of the eleventh, and beginning of the twelfth.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 8:25

(25-29) The reign of Ahaziah king of Judah. His expedition with Joram of Israel against Hazael at Ramoth-gilead. (Comp. 2 Chronicles 22:1-6.) Two-and-twenty years old.—He was Jehoram’a youngest son (2 Chronicles 21:17; 2 Chronicles 22:1), and, as his father died at the age of thirty-nine or forty (2 Kings 8:17), he must have been begotten in Jehoram’s seventeenth or eighteenth year. There is no difficulty in this, nor even in the supposition that Jehoram had begotten sons before Ahaziah, as Thenius seems to imagine. He may have become a father at thirteen or fourteen, and Athaliah was certainly not his only wife.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 8:25

25–29. Reign of Ahaziah king of Judah. His war against Hazael king of Syria. Joram king of Israel helps Ahaziah and is wounded (2 Chronicles 22:1-6) 25. Joram … Jehoram] To prevent confusion it will be convenient to adopt the orthography of this verse for these names, Joram king of Israel, and Jehoram king of Judah. They are but different forms of the same name, and given in the Bible narrative indiscriminately to each.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 8:25

AHAZIAH’S REIGN, 2 Kings 8:25-29. 25. Ahaziah the son of Jehoram — His youngest son, called also Jehoahaz (2 Chronicles 21:27) and Azariah, (2 Kings 23:6.) All the older sons of Jehoram were carried

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