Now the rest of the acts of Jehu, and all that he did, and all his might, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

2 KINGS 10:34KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“Jehu” Hebrew H3058 · used in 54 verses

  • 1 Kings 16:1 Then the word of the LORD came to Jehu the son of Hanani against Baasha, saying,
  • 2 Kings 9:22 And it came to pass, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, Is it peace, Jehu? And he answered, What peace, so long as the whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts are so many?
  • 2 Kings 10:30 And the LORD said unto Jehu, Because thou hast done well in executing that which is right in mine eyes, and hast done unto the house of Ahab according to all that was in mine heart, thy children of the fourth generation shall sit on the throne of Israel.

“might” Hebrew H1369 · used in 61 verses

  • Exodus 32:18 And he said, It is not the voice of them that shout for mastery, neither is it the voice of them that cry for being overcome: but the noise of them that sing do I hear.
  • Job 26:14 Lo, these are parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him? but the thunder of his power who can understand?
  • Proverbs 8:14 Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.

“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 28:26 Now the rest of his acts and of all his ways, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.