And the rest of the acts of Joash, and all that he did, and his might wherewith he fought against Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

2 KINGS 13:12KJV
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2 Kings 13:12 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 13:12 mean?

2 Kings 13:12 says that the rest of King Joash’s actions, including his strength and his battles against Amaziah, king of Judah, are recorded in another historical book called the chronicles of the kings of Israel. This verse points readers to another source for more details about Joash’s reign.

This verse is part of a summary at the end of Joash’s story, written by the author of 2 Kings. The writer is telling readers that only a portion of Joash’s deeds are included here, and for a fuller account, one should look at the official records of Israel’s kings. This was a common way for ancient writers to wrap up a king’s biography in the biblical narrative.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 13:12

  • The word "rest" (יֶתֶר, yether) means what remains or is left over. Here, it refers to the deeds of Joash not described in this book.
  • "Acts" (דָּבָר, davar) often means "words" or "matters," but in this context, it refers to Joash’s actions or achievements.
  • "Might" (גְּבוּרָה, gevurah) points to Joash’s strength or military power, highlighting his capability as a warrior king.
  • "Chronicles" (דָּבָר, davar; יָמִים, yamim) is a phrase meaning "the book of the events of the days," which was a record or annal of the kings’ reigns. This shows that the biblical account is selective and refers to other records for more details.

Why 2 Kings 13:12 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the Bible’s account is not exhaustive; it directs readers to other historical records for a fuller picture of Joash’s reign.
  • The mention of Joash’s "might" and his conflict with Amaziah hints at ongoing tensions and wars between Israel and Judah, helping readers understand the political climate of the time.
  • By referring to the "book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel," the verse shows that ancient Israel kept official records, grounding the biblical story in real historical practices.

Where else these words appear

“Amaziah” Hebrew H558 · used in 39 verses

  • 2 Kings 12:21 For Jozachar the son of Shimeath, and Jehozabad the son of Shomer, his servants, smote him, and he died; and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David: and Amaziah his son reigned in his stead.
  • 2 Kings 15:3 And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah had done;
  • 2 Chronicles 25:17 Then Amaziah king of Judah took advice, and sent to Joash, the son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, Come, let us see one another in the face.

“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 13:9 And Jehoahaz slept with his fathers; and they buried him in Samaria: and Joash his son reigned in his stead.
  • 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;

“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.