And the rest of the acts of Joash, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?

2 KINGS 12:19KJV
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2 Kings 12:19 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 12:19 mean?

2 Kings 12:19 states that the rest of the deeds and actions of King Joash of Judah are recorded in another source called the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah. The verse signals that the account here is not exhaustive and points readers to another record for more details about Joash’s reign.

This verse is part of a historical summary, likely written by a later editor, letting readers know that there is more information about Joash than what is included in this section. The “book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah” refers to a separate historical record that is now lost, but was known to the original audience. This was a common way for biblical writers to acknowledge their sources and to show that their account is part of a larger history.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 12:19

  • “rest” (יֶתֶר, yether): This word means “what remains” or “the remainder,” highlighting that the story told here is only a part of Joash’s full history.
  • “acts” (דָּבָר, davar): Often translated as “words” or “matters,” here it refers to the events or deeds of Joash, not just spoken words.
  • “written” (כָּתַב, kathav): This verb means “to write,” emphasizing that these records were formally documented, not just passed down orally.
  • “book” (סֵפֶר, sefer): This word means “scroll” or “book,” indicating an official written record, not just a casual note or memory.

Why 2 Kings 12:19 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the biblical account is selective and not meant to be a full biography of Joash, which helps readers understand the purpose and limits of the narrative.
  • By referencing another written source, the verse shows that the history of Israel and Judah was carefully recorded and preserved, even if not all those records survive today.
  • The mention of “the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah” connects this verse to a recurring pattern in Kings, where the writer points readers to other sources for further details, emphasizing the reliability and seriousness of the historical record.

Where else these words appear

“Joash” Hebrew H3101 · used in 41 verses

  • Judges 6:11 And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites.
  • 2 Kings 13:10 In the thirty and seventh year of Joash king of Judah began Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned sixteen years.
  • 2 Chronicles 18:25 Then the king of Israel said, Take ye Micaiah, and carry him back to Amon the governor of the city, and to Joash the king's son;

“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.