2 Kings 10:34 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 10:34 mean?

2 Kings 10:34 points readers to another source for more details about Jehu’s reign, saying that the rest of his actions and his strength are recorded in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel. The verse serves as a summary statement, letting readers know that the biblical account does not include everything Jehu did.

This verse comes near the end of the story of Jehu, who was king of Israel after a violent rise to power. The writer is addressing the reader directly, noting that if someone wants to know more about Jehu’s deeds or his might, they can look in another historical record. This was a common way for biblical writers to close out the account of a king’s reign.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 10:34

• "rest" (יֶתֶר, yether): This word means "what remains" or "the remainder," highlighting that the biblical account is selective and not exhaustive.
• "acts" (דָּבָר, davar): Often translated as "words," "matters," or "deeds," here it refers to Jehu’s actions or accomplishments.
• "might" (גְּבוּרָה, gevurah): This word means "strength" or "power," emphasizing Jehu’s notable achievements or perhaps his military prowess.
• "chronicles" (דָּבָר, davar; יֹום, yom): The word "chronicles" here is actually a combination of words meaning "matters of the days," referring to a record or annals of events, not the biblical book of Chronicles.

Why 2 Kings 10:34 matters

• 2 Kings 10:34 clarifies that the biblical narrative is not a complete biography but a selective history, pointing to other records for more details.
• The verse emphasizes Jehu’s "might," suggesting that his reign was marked by significant actions or strength, even if not all are listed here.
• This verse connects to a pattern in Kings, where the deeds of rulers are often summarized and referenced in external records, showing the historical nature of these accounts.