And he had brethren the sons of Jehoshaphat, Azariah, and Jehiel, and Zechariah, and Azariah, and Michael, and Shephatiah: all these were the sons of Jehoshaphat king of Israel.

2 CHRONICLES 21:2KJV
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2 Chronicles 21:2 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 21:2 mean?

2 Chronicles 21:2 lists the brothers of Jehoram, naming them as the sons of Jehoshaphat, who was king of Israel. The verse identifies each brother by name, showing Jehoram’s family background and his connection to the royal line.

This verse is part of a historical record in the book of 2 Chronicles, which was written to document the kings of Judah. The writer is giving background on Jehoram by naming his brothers and making clear that they were all sons of Jehoshaphat, the king. This sets the stage for the events that follow in Jehoram’s reign.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 21:2

  • The word "brethren" (אַחִים, ’achim; H251) means brothers or close male relatives. Here, it emphasizes the family relationship among the sons of Jehoshaphat.
  • The word "sons" (בֵּן, ben; H1121) is the standard Hebrew term for sons or descendants, highlighting direct lineage from Jehoshaphat.
  • The name "Jehoshaphat" (יְהוֹשָׁפָט, Yehoshafat; H3092) means "Yahweh has judged." This reminds the reader that Jehoram and his brothers come from a line of kings connected to God’s purposes.
  • The word "king" (מֶלֶךְ, melek; H4428) is used for Jehoshaphat, underlining his authority and the royal status of his sons.

Why 2 Chronicles 21:2 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Jehoram was not an only child but had several brothers, which is important for understanding the family dynamics and later events in the chapter.
  • By naming each brother, the verse shows the significance of royal lineage and succession in ancient Israel and Judah.
  • The mention of Jehoshaphat as "king of Israel" (even though he ruled Judah) reflects the chronicler’s habit of sometimes using "Israel" to refer to the whole people of God, not just the northern kingdom. This can help clear up confusion for modern readers.

Where else these words appear

“Michael” Hebrew H4317 · used in 13 verses

  • Numbers 13:13 Of the tribe of Asher, Sethur the son of Michael.
  • 1 Chronicles 7:3 And the sons of Uzzi; Izrahiah: and the sons of Izrahiah; Michael, and Obadiah, and Joel, Ishiah, five: all of them chief men.
  • Ezra 8:8 And of the sons of Shephatiah; Zebadiah the son of Michael, and with him fourscore males.

“Shephatiah” Hebrew H8203 · used in 13 verses

  • 2 Samuel 3:4 And the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;
  • 1 Chronicles 27:16 Furthermore over the tribes of Israel: the ruler of the Reubenites was Eliezer the son of Zichri: of the Simeonites, Shephatiah the son of Maachah:
  • Nehemiah 7:9 The children of Shephatiah, three hundred seventy and two.

“Jehiel” Hebrew H3171 · used in 14 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 15:18 And with them their brethren of the second degree, Zechariah, Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah, and Maaseiah, and Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, the porters.
  • 1 Chronicles 27:32 Also Jonathan David's uncle was a counsellor, a wise man, and a scribe: and Jehiel the son of Hachmoni was with the king's sons:
  • 2 Chronicles 35:8 And his princes gave willingly unto the people, to the priests, and to the Levites: Hilkiah and Zechariah and Jehiel, rulers of the house of God, gave unto the priests for the passover offerings two thousand and six hundred small cattle, and three hundred oxen.

“Zechariah” Hebrew H2148 · used in 43 verses

  • 2 Kings 14:29 And Jeroboam slept with his fathers, even with the kings of Israel; and Zachariah his son reigned in his stead.
  • 1 Chronicles 26:14 And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counsellor, they cast lots; and his lot came out northward.
  • Ezra 8:16 Then sent I for Eliezer, for Ariel, for Shemaiah, and for Elnathan, and for Jarib, and for Elnathan, and for Nathan, and for Zechariah, and for Meshullam, chief men; also for Joiarib, and for Elnathan, men of understanding.