And Jehoshaphat slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father: and Jehoram his son reigned in his stead.

1 KINGS 22:50KJV
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1 Kings 22:50 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 22:50 mean?

1 Kings 22:50 records the death of King Jehoshaphat, noting that he was buried with his ancestors in the city of David, and that his son Jehoram became king after him. This verse marks the end of Jehoshaphat’s reign and the beginning of Jehoram’s rule in Judah.

The verse is part of a historical summary at the end of Jehoshaphat’s story. The writer is giving a formal account, as was common for kings in the Old Testament, by stating that Jehoshaphat “slept with his fathers” (a respectful way of saying he died) and was buried in Jerusalem, the city of David. The mention of Jehoram taking the throne shows the line of succession and sets up the next section of the narrative.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 22:50

  • “Slept” — שָׁכַב (shakav): This word is often used in the Old Testament to describe death, especially for kings, in a way that connects them to their ancestors, emphasizing continuity and respect.
  • “Fathers” — אָב (av): Repeated in this verse, this word means “ancestors” or “forefathers,” not just a biological father, highlighting the family line and heritage.
  • “Buried” — קָבַר (qavar): This word shows that Jehoshaphat received a proper burial, which was important for honor and legitimacy in Israelite culture.
  • “Reigned” — מָלַךְ (malakh): This verb marks the official transfer of royal authority from Jehoshaphat to his son Jehoram, signaling the start of a new reign.

Why 1 Kings 22:50 matters

  • This verse clarifies the peaceful transition of power in Judah, contrasting with the often violent changes of leadership in the northern kingdom of Israel.
  • The mention of burial “in the city of David” connects Jehoshaphat to the legacy of King David, underlining the importance of Jerusalem and the Davidic line.
  • By noting Jehoram’s succession, the verse prepares the reader for the next phase in Judah’s history and signals a shift in the biblical narrative.

Where else these words appear

“Jehoram” Hebrew H3088 · used in 26 verses

  • 2 Kings 1:17 So he died according to the word of the LORD which Elijah had spoken. And Jehoram reigned in his stead in the second year of Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat king of Judah; because he had no son.
  • 2 Kings 9:21 And Joram said, Make ready. And his chariot was made ready. And Joram king of Israel and Ahaziah king of Judah went out, each in his chariot, and they went out against Jehu, and met him in the portion of Naboth the Jezreelite.
  • 2 Chronicles 21:4 Now when Jehoram was risen up to the kingdom of his father, he strengthened himself, and slew all his brethren with the sword, and divers also of the princes of Israel.

“Jehoshaphat” Hebrew H3092 · used in 75 verses

  • 2 Samuel 8:16 And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder;
  • 2 Kings 3:7 And he went and sent to Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, saying, The king of Moab hath rebelled against me: wilt thou go with me against Moab to battle? And he said, I will go up: I am as thou art, my people as thy people, and my horses as thy horses.
  • 2 Chronicles 18:31 And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, It is the king of Israel. Therefore they compassed about him to fight: but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him; and God moved them to depart from him.

“buried” Hebrew H6912 · used in 122 verses

  • Genesis 15:15 And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.
  • Judges 16:31 Then his brethren and all the house of his father came down, and took him, and brought him up, and buried him between Zorah and Eshtaol in the buryingplace of Manoah his father. And he judged Israel twenty years.
  • 2 Kings 15:7 So Azariah slept with his fathers; and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David: and Jotham his son reigned in his stead.