Now when Jehoram was risen up to the kingdom of his father, he strengthened himself, and slew all his brethren with the sword, and divers also of the princes of Israel.

2 CHRONICLES 21:4KJV
Know the Bible

2 Chronicles 21:4 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 21:4 mean?

2 Chronicles 21:4 describes how Jehoram, after becoming king in place of his father, secured his rule by killing all his brothers and several other leaders of Israel. This verse shows Jehoram taking violent action to eliminate any threats to his power as the new king.

Jehoram is the main figure here, and the verse records his actions after his father’s death. The setting is the kingdom of Judah, where Jehoram has just taken the throne. The verse highlights the extreme measures he took to make sure no one could challenge his authority, including killing his own family members and other important officials.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 21:4

  • "Strengthened himself" (חָזַק, chazaq): This word often means to become strong or to make oneself secure. Here, it suggests Jehoram took deliberate and forceful steps to establish his rule, not just physically but also politically.
  • "Slew" (הָרַג, harag): This word means to kill or slay. The verse uses it to show that Jehoram’s actions were intentional and direct, not accidental or passive.
  • "Princes" (שַׂר, sar): This term refers to leaders or officials. By including them among those Jehoram killed, the verse shows he was removing not just family rivals but also influential figures who might oppose him.

Why 2 Chronicles 21:4 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Jehoram’s rise to power was marked by violence and insecurity, not a peaceful transition or respect for family ties.
  • The detail about killing princes as well as brothers shows Jehoram’s determination to remove all possible opposition, not just from his own family but from the wider leadership.
  • This action sets the tone for Jehoram’s reign and helps explain later events in the chapter, including the negative consequences that follow his choices.

Where else these words appear

“Jehoram” Hebrew H3088 · used in 26 verses

  • 1 Kings 22:50 And Jehoshaphat slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father: and Jehoram his son reigned in his stead.
  • 2 Kings 9:17 And there stood a watchman on the tower in Jezreel, and he spied the company of Jehu as he came, and said, I see a company. And Joram said, Take an horseman, and send to meet them, and let him say, Is it peace?
  • 2 Chronicles 21:3 And their father gave them great gifts of silver, and of gold, and of precious things, with fenced cities in Judah: but the kingdom gave he to Jehoram; because he was the firstborn.

“kingdom” Hebrew H4467 · used in 113 verses

  • Genesis 10:10 And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar.
  • 2 Kings 14:5 And it came to pass, as soon as the kingdom was confirmed in his hand, that he slew his servants which had slain the king his father.
  • Isaiah 14:16 They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms;