2 Chronicles 14:2 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 14:2 mean?

2 Chronicles 14:2 says that Asa, who became king of Judah, did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God. This means Asa’s actions and decisions as king were pleasing and acceptable to God, according to what God values.

The verse is part of a summary about King Asa’s reign, written by the chronicler to describe his character and leadership. The statement sets the tone for the following verses, which detail specific reforms Asa made to remove idol worship and encourage faithfulness to God among the people of Judah.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 14:2

• "Good" (טוֹב, tov): This word often refers to what is morally pleasing or beneficial. Here, it highlights that Asa’s actions were not just effective but matched God’s standards of goodness.
• "Right" (יָשָׁר, yashar): This word means straight or upright, describing actions that are honest, fair, and in line with God’s ways. It emphasizes that Asa’s choices were not just good in intention but also correct in practice.
• "Eyes" (עַיִן, ayin): The phrase "in the eyes of the LORD" is a common Hebrew expression meaning from God’s perspective or according to God’s judgment, not just human opinion.

Why 2 Chronicles 14:2 matters

• This verse clarifies that Asa’s leadership is measured by God’s standards, not by popular opinion or political success.
• The focus on both "good" and "right" suggests that Asa’s reign combined moral character with practical righteousness, setting him apart from kings who might have been one without the other.
• The verse introduces a theme in Chronicles where kings are evaluated by their faithfulness to God, helping readers understand the criteria by which biblical leaders are judged in this book.