Jotham was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Jerushah, the daughter of Zadok.

2 CHRONICLES 27:1KJV
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2 Chronicles 27:1 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 27:1 mean?

2 Chronicles 27:1 records that Jotham became king of Judah at the age of twenty-five and ruled in Jerusalem for sixteen years. The verse also names his mother as Jerushah, the daughter of Zadok, giving details about his family background.

This verse is part of a historical account written by the Chronicler for the people of Israel, summarizing the beginning of Jotham’s reign. By mentioning his age, the length of his rule, and his mother’s lineage, the text sets the stage for understanding Jotham’s place in Judah’s royal history and highlights the importance of family heritage in the biblical narrative.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 27:1

  • "Reign" (מָלַךְ, malakh): This word is used twice—once for when Jotham began to reign and again for the length of his reign—emphasizing his official status and authority as king.
  • "Jerushah" (יְרוּשָׁה, Yerushah): The name of Jotham’s mother is included, which is not always the case for kings. This detail may point to the significance of maternal lineage or connections to priestly families, since Zadok is a priestly name.
  • "Jerusalem" (יְרוּשָׁלַיִם, Yerushalayim): The verse specifies that Jotham reigned in Jerusalem, underlining the city’s central role as the political and spiritual capital of Judah.

Why 2 Chronicles 27:1 matters

  • The verse clarifies the timeline and succession of Judah’s kings, helping readers track the history and stability of the kingdom.
  • By naming Jotham’s mother and her father Zadok, the text hints at possible priestly connections, which can be important for understanding the religious context of his reign.
  • The mention of Jerusalem as the seat of his rule reinforces the city’s ongoing importance in the story of Israel and Judah.

Where else these words appear

“Jerushah” Hebrew H3388 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Kings 15:33 Five and twenty years old was he when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jerusha, the daughter of Zadok.

“Jotham” Hebrew H3147 · used in 24 verses

  • Judges 9:5 And he went unto his father's house at Ophrah, and slew his brethren the sons of Jerubbaal, being threescore and ten persons, upon one stone: notwithstanding yet Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left; for he hid himself.
  • 2 Kings 15:32 In the second year of Pekah the son of Remaliah king of Israel began Jotham the son of Uzziah king of Judah to reign.
  • 2 Chronicles 26:23 So Uzziah slept with his fathers, and they buried him with his fathers in the field of the burial which belonged to the kings; for they said, He is a leper: and Jotham his son reigned in his stead.

“Zadok” Hebrew H6659 · used in 50 verses

  • 2 Samuel 8:17 And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests; and Seraiah was the scribe;
  • 1 Kings 1:34 And let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him there king over Israel: and blow ye with the trumpet, and say, God save king Solomon.
  • 1 Chronicles 18:16 And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Abimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests; and Shavsha was scribe;