And Jehoash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him.

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

What does 2 Kings 12:2 mean?

2 Kings 12:2 says that Jehoash did what was right in God’s eyes for as long as he was guided by Jehoiada the priest. The verse highlights that Jehoash’s faithfulness was closely tied to Jehoiada’s instruction and influence.

This verse is part of a summary about King Jehoash’s reign over Judah. The writer is describing how Jehoash’s good actions and choices were not just his own, but were shaped by the spiritual leadership of Jehoiada, who was a respected priest. The verse sets up the idea that Jehoash’s commitment to doing what was right depended on having wise, godly guidance.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 12:2

  • "Right" (יָשָׁר, yashar): This word means "upright" or "straight," often used to describe moral integrity or doing what is pleasing to God. It emphasizes that Jehoash’s actions were considered genuinely good by God’s standards.
  • "Instructed" (יָרָה, yarah): This verb means "to teach" or "to direct." It shows that Jehoiada didn’t just give advice, but actively taught and guided Jehoash, shaping his decisions and actions.
  • "Sight" (עַיִן, ayin): Literally "eye," this phrase "in the sight of the LORD" means according to God’s perspective, not just human opinion. It stresses that God’s view is what matters in evaluating a king’s reign.

Why 2 Kings 12:2 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Jehoash’s faithfulness was not automatic or permanent, but depended on the presence and guidance of a wise spiritual leader.
  • It highlights the importance of godly mentorship and teaching in shaping the choices of leaders, especially in times when the nation’s direction could easily shift.
  • The verse sets up a contrast with later events in Jehoash’s life, hinting that his commitment to doing right changed after Jehoiada’s influence was gone.

Where else these words appear

“Jehoash” Hebrew H3060 · used in 16 verses

  • 2 Kings 11:21 Seven years old was Jehoash when he began to reign.
  • 2 Kings 12:18 And Jehoash king of Judah took all the hallowed things that Jehoshaphat, and Jehoram, and Ahaziah, his fathers, kings of Judah, had dedicated, and his own hallowed things, and all the gold that was found in the treasures of the house of the LORD, and in the king's house, and sent it to Hazael king of Syria: and he went away from Jerusalem.
  • 2 Kings 14:11 But Amaziah would not hear. Therefore Jehoash king of Israel went up; and he and Amaziah king of Judah looked one another in the face at Bethshemesh, which belongeth to Judah.

“Jehoiada” Hebrew H3077 · used in 48 verses

  • 2 Samuel 8:18 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over both the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David's sons were chief rulers.
  • 1 Kings 4:4 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the host: and Zadok and Abiathar were the priests:
  • 2 Chronicles 23:9 Moreover Jehoiada the priest delivered to the captains of hundreds spears, and bucklers, and shields, that had been king David's, which were in the house of God.

“instructed” Hebrew H3384 · used in 75 verses

  • Genesis 31:51 And Laban said to Jacob, Behold this heap, and behold this pillar, which I have cast betwixt me and thee;
  • 2 Samuel 11:24 And the shooters shot from off the wall upon thy servants; and some of the king's servants be dead, and thy servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also.
  • Psalms 45:4 And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.

“right” Hebrew H3477 · used in 119 verses

  • Exodus 15:26 And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.
  • 2 Chronicles 29:2 And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that David his father had done.
  • Proverbs 2:7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.