And Jehu slept with his fathers: and they buried him in Samaria. And Jehoahaz his son reigned in his stead.

2 KINGS 10:35KJV
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2 Kings 10:35 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 10:35 mean?

2 Kings 10:35 states that Jehu died, was buried in Samaria, and his son Jehoahaz became king after him. This verse marks the end of Jehu’s reign and the beginning of Jehoahaz’s rule over Israel.

The verse is part of a historical account in the book of 2 Kings, which records the succession of Israel’s kings. Jehu had been a powerful and controversial ruler, known for his violent reforms. The phrase “slept with his fathers” is a common biblical way of saying he died, and the mention of burial in Samaria shows where Israel’s kings were laid to rest. The transition to Jehoahaz signals a new chapter in the nation’s leadership.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 10:35

  • “Slept” (שָׁכַב, shakav): This word is often used in the Hebrew Bible as a respectful way to say someone died, especially rulers. It connects Jehu’s death to the tradition of his ancestors.
  • “Fathers” (אָב, av): Refers to ancestors or forefathers. Saying Jehu “slept with his fathers” places him in the line of those who ruled before him.
  • “Buried” (קָבַר, qavar): This word highlights that Jehu received a proper burial, which was significant for a king’s honor and legacy.
  • “Samaria” (שֹׁמְרוֹן, Shomron): Naming Samaria as the burial place emphasizes its role as Israel’s capital and royal burial site.

Why 2 Kings 10:35 matters

  • This verse clarifies the orderly succession of kings in Israel, showing that Jehu’s dynasty continued through his son Jehoahaz.
  • The mention of burial in Samaria links Jehu to the royal tradition and the significance of the city as a center of power.
  • By using traditional language for death and succession, the verse connects Jehu’s story to the broader narrative of Israel’s kings, highlighting both continuity and change in leadership.

Where else these words appear

“Jehoahaz” Hebrew H3059 · used in 19 verses

  • 2 Kings 13:1 In the three and twentieth year of Joash the son of Ahaziah king of Judah Jehoahaz the son of Jehu began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned seventeen years.
  • 2 Kings 13:22 But Hazael king of Syria oppressed Israel all the days of Jehoahaz.
  • 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.

“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.

“Samaria” Hebrew H8111 · used in 101 verses

  • 1 Kings 13:32 For the saying which he cried by the word of the LORD against the altar in Bethel, and against all the houses of the high places which are in the cities of Samaria, shall surely come to pass.
  • 2 Kings 13:1 In the three and twentieth year of Joash the son of Ahaziah king of Judah Jehoahaz the son of Jehu began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned seventeen years.
  • 2 Chronicles 28:9 But a prophet of the LORD was there, whose name was Oded: and he went out before the host that came to Samaria, and said unto them, Behold, because the LORD God of your fathers was wroth with Judah, he hath delivered them into your hand, and ye have slain them in a rage that reacheth up unto heaven.

“buried” Hebrew H6912 · used in 122 verses

  • Genesis 15:15 And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.
  • Judges 16:31 Then his brethren and all the house of his father came down, and took him, and brought him up, and buried him between Zorah and Eshtaol in the buryingplace of Manoah his father. And he judged Israel twenty years.
  • 2 Kings 15:7 So Azariah slept with his fathers; and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David: and Jotham his son reigned in his stead.