And when he was departed thence, he lighted on Jehonadab the son of Rechab coming to meet him: and he saluted him, and said to him, Is thine heart right, as my heart is with thy heart? And Jehonadab answered, It is. If it be, give me thine hand. And he gave him his hand; and he took him up to him into the chariot.

2 KINGS 10:15KJV
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2 Kings 10:15 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 10:15 mean?

2 Kings 10:15 describes a meeting between Jehu and Jehonadab, where Jehu asks if Jehonadab’s heart is sincere and united with his own. When Jehonadab agrees, Jehu welcomes him by offering his hand and inviting him into his chariot, showing acceptance and partnership.

In this scene, Jehu is traveling after beginning his campaign to remove the house of Ahab. He encounters Jehonadab, the son of Rechab, coming to meet him. Jehu greets Jehonadab and tests whether they share the same intentions ("Is thine heart right, as my heart is with thy heart?"). When Jehonadab affirms, Jehu physically brings him into his chariot, symbolizing trust and alliance in their shared mission.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 10:15

  • יָשָׁר (yashar, H3477) — "right": This word means straight, upright, or right, and here it refers to having a sincere, honest, or aligned heart. Jehu is not just asking about feelings but about shared purpose and integrity.
  • לֵבָב (levav, H3824) — "heart": Used three times in this verse, it emphasizes the importance of inner motives and intentions, not just outward agreement. The repetition highlights that Jehu is seeking genuine unity.
  • תֵּן (ten, H5414) — "give": When Jehu says, "give me thine hand," the word carries the sense of offering or extending, which in this context is a gesture of agreement and partnership, not just a casual handshake.

Why 2 Kings 10:15 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Jehu was seeking not just allies in action but people who truly shared his purpose and motives, making the alliance with Jehonadab more than political convenience.
  • The repeated mention of "heart" stresses that the partnership was meant to be sincere, not just formal or strategic.
  • Understanding this meeting helps explain why Jehonadab is later involved in Jehu’s reforms, showing that Jehu valued shared conviction in those who worked with him.

Where else these words appear

“Jehonadab” Hebrew H3082 · used in 7 verses

  • 2 Samuel 13:5 And Jonadab said unto him, Lay thee down on thy bed, and make thyself sick: and when thy father cometh to see thee, say unto him, I pray thee, let my sister Tamar come, and give me meat, and dress the meat in my sight, that I may see it, and eat it at her hand.
  • Jeremiah 35:8 Thus have we obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab our father in all that he hath charged us, to drink no wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons, nor our daughters;
  • Jeremiah 35:16 Because the sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have performed the commandment of their father, which he commanded them; but this people hath not hearkened unto me:

“Rechab” Hebrew H7394 · used in 13 verses

  • 2 Samuel 4:2 And Saul's son had two men that were captains of bands: the name of the one was Baanah, and the name of the other Rechab, the sons of Rimmon a Beerothite, of the children of Benjamin:(for Beeroth also was reckoned to Benjamin:
  • 2 Kings 10:23 And Jehu went, and Jehonadab the son of Rechab, into the house of Baal, and said unto the worshippers of Baal, Search, and look that there be here with you none of the servants of the LORD, but the worshippers of Baal only.
  • Jeremiah 35:8 Thus have we obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab our father in all that he hath charged us, to drink no wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons, nor our daughters;

“chariot” Hebrew H4818 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 41:43 And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt.
  • 1 Kings 20:33 Now the men did diligently observe whether any thing would come from him, and did hastily catch it: and they said, Thy brother Benhadad. Then he said, Go ye, bring him. Then Benhadad came forth to him; and he caused him to come up into the chariot.
  • Song of Solomon 6:12 Or ever I was aware, my soul made me like the chariots of Amminadib.

“meet” Hebrew H7125 · used in 117 verses

  • Genesis 14:17 And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king's dale.
  • Judges 6:35 And he sent messengers throughout all Manasseh; who also was gathered after him: and he sent messengers unto Asher, and unto Zebulun, and unto Naphtali; and they came up to meet them.
  • 2 Samuel 19:25 And it came to pass, when he was come to Jerusalem to meet the king, that the king said unto him, Wherefore wentest not thou with me, Mephibosheth?