Neither did Jeroboam recover strength again in the days of Abijah: and the LORD struck him, and he died.

2 CHRONICLES 13:20KJV
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2 Chronicles 13:20 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 13:20 mean?

2 Chronicles 13:20 says that Jeroboam, the king of Israel, was never able to regain his power during the reign of Abijah, king of Judah, because the LORD struck him and he died. This verse highlights Jeroboam’s lasting defeat and the divine judgment that ended his life.

The verse comes after a battle between Abijah of Judah and Jeroboam of Israel, where Abijah’s forces won decisively. The chronicler is summarizing the outcome: Jeroboam’s strength was broken, and he never recovered while Abijah was king. The text emphasizes that Jeroboam’s downfall was not just political but was caused by the LORD’s direct action.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 13:20

  • "Recover" (עָצַר, ʿāṣar): This word often means "to restrain" or "to hold back." Here, it suggests that Jeroboam was unable to regain or restore his former strength or influence.
  • "Strength" (כֹּחַ, kōaḥ): This word means "power" or "might." The verse is saying Jeroboam’s ability to rule or assert himself was lost.
  • "Struck" (נָגַף, nāgaḵ): This verb means "to strike" or "to smite," often with the sense of a blow from God. The verse credits Jeroboam’s death to a direct act of God, not just natural causes or human enemies.

Why 2 Chronicles 13:20 matters

  • The verse makes clear that Jeroboam’s defeat was not temporary; he never recovered his position or strength after his loss to Abijah, underlining the completeness of his downfall.
  • By stating that the LORD struck Jeroboam, the chronicler stresses that Jeroboam’s fate was a result of divine judgment, not just the outcome of a battle or political misfortune.
  • This verse connects to the larger theme in Chronicles of God’s involvement in the affairs of kings and nations, showing that faithfulness or unfaithfulness to God leads to real consequences in leadership and national history.

Where else these words appear

“Abijah” Hebrew H29 · used in 25 verses

  • 1 Samuel 8:2 Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beersheba.
  • 2 Chronicles 11:22 And Rehoboam made Abijah the son of Maachah the chief, to be ruler among his brethren: for he thought to make him king.
  • 2 Chronicles 13:19 And Abijah pursued after Jeroboam, and took cities from him, Bethel with the towns thereof, and Jeshanah with the towns thereof, and Ephrain with the towns thereof.

“recover” Hebrew H6113 · used in 45 verses

  • Genesis 16:2 And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai.
  • 1 Kings 8:35 When heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against thee; if they pray toward this place, and confess thy name, and turn from their sin, when thou afflictest them:
  • 2 Chronicles 20:37 Then Eliezer the son of Dodavah of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, Because thou hast joined thyself with Ahaziah, the LORD hath broken thy works. And the ships were broken, that they were not able to go to Tarshish.

“struck” Hebrew H5062 · used in 46 verses

  • Exodus 8:2 And if thou refuse to let them go, behold, I will smite all thy borders with frogs:
  • Judges 20:39 And when the men of Israel retired in the battle, Benjamin began to smite and kill of the men of Israel about thirty persons: for they said, Surely they are smitten down before us, as in the first battle.
  • 1 Chronicles 19:19 And when the servants of Hadarezer saw that they were put to the worse before Israel, they made peace with David, and became his servants: neither would the Syrians help the children of Ammon any more.

“Jeroboam” Hebrew H3379 · used in 95 verses

  • 1 Kings 11:26 And Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephrathite of Zereda, Solomon's servant, whose mother's name was Zeruah, a widow woman, even he lifted up his hand against the king.
  • 1 Kings 14:30 And there was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam all their days.
  • 2 Kings 15:1 In the twenty and seventh year of Jeroboam king of Israel began Azariah son of Amaziah king of Judah to reign.