Now the rest of the acts of Jehoiakim, and his abominations which he did, and that which was found in him, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah: and Jehoiachin his son reigned in his stead.

2 CHRONICLES 36:8KJV
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2 Chronicles 36:8 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 36:8 mean?

2 Chronicles 36:8 says that the rest of King Jehoiakim’s actions, including his wrongdoings, are recorded in another book called the book of the kings of Israel and Judah, and that his son Jehoiachin became king after him. This verse points readers elsewhere for more details about Jehoiakim’s reign and marks the transition to his son’s rule.

The Chronicler is summarizing Jehoiakim’s reign for the readers, noting that not everything about his life is included here. The verse mentions Jehoiakim’s “abominations,” meaning serious offenses or detestable acts, but does not list them, instead referring readers to another historical record. This sets the stage for Jehoiachin’s brief and troubled reign, which follows immediately in the narrative.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 36:8

  • The word “abominations” (תּוֹעֵבָה, toʿevah) refers to acts considered especially offensive or detestable, often in a religious or moral sense. This highlights that Jehoiakim’s actions were not just political mistakes but were seen as deeply wrong by the biblical writers.
  • The word “written” (כָּתַב, kathav) is used here to point to an official record, showing that the Chronicler is relying on established sources and encouraging readers to look there for more information.
  • The word “book” (סֵפֶר, sefer) refers to a written scroll or record, emphasizing that the details of Jehoiakim’s reign were documented and not lost, even if not included in this summary.

Why 2 Chronicles 36:8 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the Chronicler is not giving a full account of Jehoiakim’s reign, but is summarizing and pointing to other sources for those interested in more details.
  • By mentioning Jehoiakim’s “abominations,” the verse signals that his reign was marked by serious wrongdoing, which helps explain the troubles that followed for Judah.
  • The transition to Jehoiachin prepares the reader for the coming events of exile, showing how quickly the leadership of Judah was changing during this turbulent period.

Where else these words appear

“Jehoiachin” Hebrew H3078 · used in 8 verses

  • 2 Kings 24:6 So Jehoiakim slept with his fathers: and Jehoiachin his son reigned in his stead.
  • 2 Kings 24:12 And Jehoiachin the king of Judah went out to the king of Babylon, he, and his mother, and his servants, and his princes, and his officers: and the king of Babylon took him in the eighth year of his reign.
  • 2 Kings 25:27 And it came to pass in the seven and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the seven and twentieth day of the month, that Evilmerodach king of Babylon in the year that he began to reign did lift up the head of Jehoiachin king of Judah out of prison;

“Jehoiakim” Hebrew H3079 · used in 37 verses

  • 2 Kings 23:34 And Pharaohnechoh made Eliakim the son of Josiah king in the room of Josiah his father, and turned his name to Jehoiakim, and took Jehoahaz away: and he came to Egypt, and died there.
  • Jeremiah 22:18 Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah; They shall not lament for him, saying, Ah my brother! or, Ah sister! they shall not lament for him, saying, Ah lord! or, Ah his glory!
  • Jeremiah 36:1 And it came to pass in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, that this word came unto Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,

“rest” Hebrew H3499 · used in 95 verses

  • Genesis 49:3 Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power:
  • 1 Kings 22:39 Now the rest of the acts of Ahab, and all that he did, and the ivory house which he made, and all the cities that he built, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?
  • 2 Chronicles 27:7 Now the rest of the acts of Jotham, and all his wars, and his ways, lo, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah.

“abominations” Hebrew H8441 · used in 112 verses

  • Genesis 43:32 And they set on for him by himself, and for them by themselves, and for the Egyptians, which did eat with him, by themselves: because the Egyptians might not eat bread with the Hebrews; for that is an abomination unto the Egyptians.
  • Psalms 88:8 Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me; thou hast made me an abomination unto them: I am shut up, and I cannot come forth.
  • Ezekiel 7:4 And mine eye shall not spare thee, neither will I have pity: but I will recompense thy ways upon thee, and thine abominations shall be in the midst of thee: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.