And, behold, the acts of Asa, first and last, lo, they are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.

2 CHRONICLES 16:11KJV
Know the Bible

2 Chronicles 16:11 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 16:11 mean?

2 Chronicles 16:11 says that the deeds of King Asa, from the beginning to the end of his reign, are recorded in a written book called "the book of the kings of Judah and Israel." This verse points readers to another historical record for more details about Asa's life and rule.

The writer of Chronicles is summarizing Asa's story and letting readers know that there is a fuller account elsewhere. The verse is part of a section wrapping up Asa's reign, and it reflects the common ancient practice of keeping official records about kings. This mention helps readers understand that the Bible sometimes refers to other sources for historical events.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 16:11

  • The word "acts" is דָּבָר (davar), which often means "word," "matter," or "deed." Here, it refers to the significant events or actions of Asa's reign, not just a list of facts.
  • "Written" is כָּתַב (katav), meaning to record or inscribe. This stresses that Asa's deeds were officially documented, not just passed down by word of mouth.
  • "Book" is סֵפֶר (sefer), which can mean a scroll, letter, or official record. This suggests a formal archive or chronicle, not just a casual note.
  • "Kings" is מֶלֶךְ (melech), referring to the rulers of both Judah and Israel, showing that the record included information about both kingdoms, not just one.

Why 2 Chronicles 16:11 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the biblical account is not the only historical record of Asa's reign, pointing to other sources for those interested in more details.
  • It shows the careful record-keeping practices of ancient Israel and Judah, giving a sense of the historical reliability and seriousness with which royal histories were kept.
  • By mentioning both Judah and Israel, the verse highlights the divided kingdom period and shows that the chronicler is aware of both lines of kings, not just the southern kingdom.

Where else these words appear

“last” Hebrew H314 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 33:2 And he put the handmaids and their children foremost, and Leah and her children after, and Rachel and Joseph hindermost.
  • 1 Kings 17:13 And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son.
  • Psalms 78:6 That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children:

“Asa” Hebrew H609 · used in 52 verses

  • 1 Kings 15:8 And Abijam slept with his fathers; and they buried him in the city of David: and Asa his son reigned in his stead.
  • 1 Kings 16:10 And Zimri went in and smote him, and killed him, in the twenty and seventh year of Asa king of Judah, and reigned in his stead.
  • 2 Chronicles 15:8 And when Asa heard these words, and the prophecy of Oded the prophet, he took courage, and put away the abominable idols out of all the land of Judah and Benjamin, and out of the cities which he had taken from mount Ephraim, and renewed the altar of the LORD, that was before the porch of the LORD.