2 Kings 13:25 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 13:25 mean?

2 Kings 13:25 describes how Jehoash, the son of Jehoahaz, regained several cities for Israel that had been lost in earlier wars to Benhadad, the son of Hazael. The verse emphasizes that Jehoash defeated Benhadad three times and was able to recover these cities, restoring some of Israel’s former territory.

This verse comes at the end of a section describing the struggles between Israel and the kingdom of Aram (Syria). Jehoash’s victories are presented as a reversal of earlier losses suffered by his father, Jehoahaz, showing a partial restoration of Israel’s strength during a difficult period. The focus is on the historical events and the fulfillment of a promise made earlier in the chapter that Israel would win back its cities.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 13:25

• The word for "took again" is שׁוּב (shuv), which means "to return" or "to restore." This highlights that Jehoash was not just capturing new territory, but specifically regaining what had been lost.
• The word for "beat" is נָכָה (nakah), meaning "to strike" or "to defeat." The verse notes that Jehoash defeated Benhadad three times, underlining the completeness and repetition of his victories.
• The word for "cities" is עִיר (ʿir), which simply means "cities" or "towns," but in this context, it refers to specific places that had been lost in war and are now being reclaimed.

Why 2 Kings 13:25 matters

• This verse clarifies that Jehoash’s victories were not isolated events but part of a series of battles that led to the recovery of important cities, fulfilling earlier prophetic words in the chapter.
• The verse highlights the ongoing conflict between Israel and Aram, showing that Israel’s fortunes could change, even after significant losses.
• By naming both Jehoash and his father Jehoahaz, the verse ties together two generations and shows how the consequences of one king’s reign could be reversed or improved by his successor.