Now the rest of the acts of Jehoahaz, and all that he did, and his might, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

2 KINGS 13:8KJV
Know the Bible

2 Kings 13:8 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 13:8 mean?

2 Kings 13:8 says that the rest of King Jehoahaz’s actions, including his achievements and strength, 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 his reign.

The verse is part of a summary statement often used in the books of Kings when closing the account of a king’s life. The writer is telling the reader that only a brief account is given here, but a fuller record exists elsewhere. The “book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel” was a historical record kept during the time, though it is not part of the Bible we have today.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 13:8

  • “rest” (יֶתֶר, yether): This word means “the remainder” or “what is left.” It signals that the story told here is not complete and more information exists elsewhere.
  • “acts” (דָּבָר, davar): While often translated “acts” or “deeds,” this word can also mean “words” or “matters.” Here, it refers to the events and actions of Jehoahaz’s reign.
  • “might” (גְּבוּרָה, gevurah): This word means “strength” or “power.” The verse highlights not just what Jehoahaz did, but also his notable strength or military accomplishments.
  • “book” (סֵפֶר, sefer) and “chronicles” (דָּבָר, davar; יָמִים, yamim): “Sefer” means a written record or scroll, and “yamim” means “days,” so “book of the chronicles” refers to an official record of the events (“days”) of the kings.

Why 2 Kings 13:8 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the biblical account is selective and not exhaustive, pointing readers to other historical records for a fuller picture.
  • The mention of Jehoahaz’s “might” suggests he had notable achievements, even if they are not detailed in this biblical summary.
  • By referencing the “book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel,” the verse connects the Bible’s narrative to a broader tradition of royal record-keeping in ancient Israel.

Where else these words appear

“Jehoahaz” Hebrew H3059 · used in 19 verses

  • 2 Kings 10:35 And Jehu slept with his fathers: and they buried him in Samaria. And Jehoahaz his son reigned in his stead.
  • 2 Kings 13:22 But Hazael king of Syria oppressed Israel all the days of Jehoahaz.
  • 2 Kings 23:34 And Pharaohnechoh made Eliakim the son of Josiah king in the room of Josiah his father, and turned his name to Jehoiakim, and took Jehoahaz away: and he came to Egypt, and died there.

“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.