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 KINGS 13:10KJV
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2 Kings 13:10 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 13:10 mean?

2 Kings 13:10 marks the beginning of Jehoash’s reign as king over Israel in Samaria, stating that he became king in the thirty-seventh year of Joash, the king of Judah, and that he ruled for sixteen years. This verse sets a historical timeline, showing the overlap of two kings’ reigns in the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah.

The book of 2 Kings is recording the succession of kings in both Israel (the northern kingdom) and Judah (the southern kingdom). Here, the writer notes when Jehoash (also called Joash) son of Jehoahaz began to rule in Israel, using the reign of Joash of Judah as a reference point. This helps readers track the sequence of events and rulers during a complex period in Israel’s history.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 13:10

  • יְהוֹאָשׁ (Yehoash): This is the Hebrew name for Jehoash, the king of Israel mentioned here. The same name can also be spelled Joash, which sometimes causes confusion since there is also a Joash ruling in Judah at the same time.
  • שָׁלוֹשִׁים (sheloshim, H7970) and שֶׁבַע (sheva, H7651): These are the Hebrew words for "thirty" and "seven," used together to specify the thirty-seventh year. The Hebrew text is careful to give precise chronological markers, which was important for ancient record-keeping.
  • שָׁמוֹן עֶשְׂרֵה (shesh-esreh, H8337, H6240): This phrase means "sixteen," describing the length of Jehoash’s reign. The use of exact numbers emphasizes the historical nature of the record.

Why 2 Kings 13:10 matters

  • This verse helps clear up confusion between two kings with similar names—Joash of Judah and Jehoash (Joash) of Israel—by giving exact timing and family details.
  • The verse shows how the biblical writers tracked the reigns of kings in Israel and Judah side by side, which helps modern readers understand the timeline of events in the divided kingdom period.
  • By noting Jehoash’s sixteen-year reign, the verse sets up the context for the events and challenges that will be described in the following passages about his rule.