Sixteen years old was Uzziah when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and two years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Jecoliah of Jerusalem.

2 CHRONICLES 26:3KJV
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2 Chronicles 26:3 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 26:3 mean?

2 Chronicles 26:3 states that Uzziah became king of Judah when he was sixteen years old and ruled in Jerusalem for fifty-two years. The verse also names his mother as Jecoliah, who was from Jerusalem.

This verse is part of a historical record written by the Chronicler, likely addressed to the people of Judah after the exile. It introduces Uzziah’s reign by giving his age at the start, the length of his rule, and his mother’s identity, which was a common way to establish a king’s legitimacy and background in ancient records.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 26:3

  • "Sixteen" (שֵׁשׁ־עֶשְׂרֵה, shesh-esreh): This word combines "six" and "ten," making it clear that Uzziah was quite young when he began to reign, which was unusual for a king.
  • "Reigned" (מָלַךְ, malakh): This verb is used twice in the verse, emphasizing both the beginning of Uzziah’s rule and the total duration of his reign.
  • "Jecoliah" (יְכוֹלְיָה, Yekolyah): The name of Uzziah’s mother is included, which was not always the case for kings. This detail may highlight her importance or status, especially since she is noted as being from Jerusalem.

Why 2 Chronicles 26:3 matters

  • The verse highlights Uzziah’s long reign, which was unusually lengthy for a king in Judah, suggesting a period of stability or significance.
  • Naming Uzziah’s mother, Jecoliah, and her origin in Jerusalem may hint at her influence or the importance of local heritage in royal succession.
  • The details set the stage for the following verses, which will describe Uzziah’s actions as king and the impact of his reign on Judah’s history.

Where else these words appear

“Jecoliah” Hebrew H3203 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Kings 15:2 Sixteen years old was he when he began to reign, and he reigned two and fifty years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jecholiah of Jerusalem.

“Uzziah” Hebrew H5818 · used in 26 verses

  • 2 Kings 15:13 Shallum the son of Jabesh began to reign in the nine and thirtieth year of Uzziah king of Judah; and he reigned a full month in Samaria.
  • 2 Chronicles 26:9 Moreover Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the corner gate, and at the valley gate, and at the turning of the wall, and fortified them.
  • 2 Chronicles 27:2 And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Uzziah did: howbeit he entered not into the temple of the LORD. And the people did yet corruptly.

“fifty” Hebrew H2572 · used in 141 verses

  • Genesis 6:15 And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits.
  • Numbers 4:30 From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old shalt thou number them, every one that entereth into the service, to do the work of the tabernacle of the congregation.
  • 2 Kings 21:1 Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hephzibah.