2 Chronicles 17:15 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 17:15 mean?

2 Chronicles 17:15 lists Jehohanan as a military leader, called a captain, who commanded a force of 280,000 men. This verse is part of a record showing the organization and strength of King Jehoshaphat’s army in Judah.

The verse appears in a section where the chronicler is describing how King Jehoshaphat set up a strong and well-ordered military. Jehohanan is named as one of several commanders, each responsible for a large division of troops. This detail helps show the scale and structure of Judah’s defenses during Jehoshaphat’s reign.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 17:15

• יְהוֹחָנָן (Yehohanan): This is the Hebrew name for Jehohanan, meaning "Yahweh is gracious." The mention of his name highlights the practice of recording key leaders in Israel’s history.
• שַׂר (sar): Translated as "captain," this Hebrew word often means a chief, leader, or prince. Here, it emphasizes Jehohanan’s high rank and responsibility within the army.
• מֵאָה (me’ah), שְׁמוֹנִים (shemoneem), אֶלֶף (eleph): These are the Hebrew words for "hundred," "fourscore" (eighty), and "thousand." Together, they show the specific size of Jehohanan’s command—280,000 soldiers, which underlines the impressive scale of the military force.

Why 2 Chronicles 17:15 matters

• The verse clarifies that Judah’s army was not just large but also carefully organized, with specific leaders over defined groups of soldiers.
• By naming Jehohanan and his rank, the chronicler gives a sense of historical accuracy and honors the individuals who played key roles in the nation’s defense.
• This verse, along with the surrounding passage, helps the reader see how King Jehoshaphat’s reign was marked by preparation and stability, setting the stage for the events that follow in the book.