But Jehoiada waxed old, and was full of days when he died; an hundred and thirty years old was he when he died.

2 CHRONICLES 24:15KJV
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What does 2 Chronicles 24:15 mean?

2 Chronicles 24:15 records the death of Jehoiada, saying he lived to be 130 years old and died after a long, full life. The verse highlights Jehoiada’s advanced age and the completion of his days, marking the end of his significant role in Judah’s history.

Jehoiada was a high priest who played a crucial part in guiding King Joash and restoring true worship in Judah. This verse comes after many years of Jehoiada’s faithful leadership. The text emphasizes his longevity and fulfillment, showing respect for his life and service as his story closes.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 24:15

  • "Old" (זָקֵן, zaqen): This word means advanced in age. The verse uses it to stress Jehoiada’s remarkable lifespan, which was unusual and seen as a sign of blessing or honor.
  • "Full" (שָׂבֵעַ, savea): Often translated as "full," this word suggests a life that is complete or satisfied, not just in years but in experience and fulfillment.
  • "Days" (יָמִים, yamim): Literally "days," this phrase is a Hebrew way of saying someone lived out their allotted time, not cut short or ended suddenly.
  • "Died" (מֵת, met): The standard Hebrew word for death, used here to mark the end of Jehoiada’s earthly life.

Why 2 Chronicles 24:15 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Jehoiada’s influence lasted a very long time, which helps explain why Judah remained faithful during his life.
  • By noting Jehoiada’s age and fullness of days, the text honors him and signals a turning point in the narrative, as things change after his death.
  • This detail connects to the larger story by showing how leadership and faithfulness can impact a whole generation, and how the loss of a good leader can mark a significant shift in a nation’s story.

Where else these words appear

“old” Hebrew H2204 · used in 26 verses

  • Genesis 18:12 Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?
  • Joshua 23:2 And Joshua called for all Israel, and for their elders, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers, and said unto them, I am old and stricken in age:
  • 2 Samuel 19:32 Now Barzillai was a very aged man, even fourscore years old: and he had provided the king of sustenance while he lay at Mahanaim; for he was a very great man.

“Jehoiada” Hebrew H3077 · used in 48 verses

  • 2 Samuel 8:18 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over both the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David's sons were chief rulers.
  • 1 Kings 4:4 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the host: and Zadok and Abiathar were the priests:
  • 2 Chronicles 23:8 So the Levites and all Judah did according to all things that Jehoiada the priest had commanded, and took every man his men that were to come in on the sabbath, with them that were to go out on the sabbath: for Jehoiada the priest dismissed not the courses.

“full” Hebrew H7646 · used in 92 verses

  • Exodus 16:8 And Moses said, This shall be, when the LORD shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full; for that the LORD heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what are we? your murmurings are not against us, but against the LORD.
  • Psalms 90:14 O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
  • Ecclesiastes 5:10 He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.