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

2 KINGS 13:9KJV
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2 Kings 13:9 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 13:9 mean?

2 Kings 13:9 reports that Jehoahaz, king of Israel, died and was buried in Samaria, and his son Joash became king after him. The verse marks the end of Jehoahaz’s reign and the beginning of Joash’s rule, noting the succession of leadership in the northern kingdom of Israel.

This verse is part of a historical record in the book of Kings, which tracks the reigns of Israel’s monarchs. The phrase “slept with his fathers” is a common biblical way of saying that someone died and joined their ancestors. The mention of burial in Samaria highlights the city’s role as the capital of the northern kingdom, and the transfer of power to Joash sets up the next section of the narrative.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 13:9

  • "slept" (שָׁכַב, shakav): This word is often used in the Hebrew Bible as a respectful way to say someone died, emphasizing continuity with previous generations.
  • "fathers" (אָב, av): Refers to ancestors, not just immediate parents, underlining the idea of joining the family line in death.
  • "buried" (קָבַר, qavar): Indicates an actual burial, which was an important cultural and religious practice, especially for kings.
  • "Samaria" (שֹׁמְרוֹן, Shomron): Naming Samaria as the burial place reinforces its status as the political and spiritual center for Israel’s kings.

Why 2 Kings 13:9 matters

  • This verse clarifies the line of succession among Israel’s kings, which is a major theme in 2 Kings.
  • The use of traditional phrases like “slept with his fathers” connects Jehoahaz to the larger story of Israel’s rulers and their shared fate.
  • By noting the burial in Samaria, the verse reminds readers of the city’s importance and sets the stage for the next king’s reign.

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.

“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 13:10 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 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;

“Samaria” Hebrew H8111 · used in 101 verses

  • 1 Kings 13:32 For the saying which he cried by the word of the LORD against the altar in Bethel, and against all the houses of the high places which are in the cities of Samaria, shall surely come to pass.
  • 2 Kings 10:36 And the time that Jehu reigned over Israel in Samaria was twenty and eight years.
  • 2 Chronicles 28:9 But a prophet of the LORD was there, whose name was Oded: and he went out before the host that came to Samaria, and said unto them, Behold, because the LORD God of your fathers was wroth with Judah, he hath delivered them into your hand, and ye have slain them in a rage that reacheth up unto heaven.

“buried” Hebrew H6912 · used in 122 verses

  • Genesis 15:15 And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.
  • Judges 16:31 Then his brethren and all the house of his father came down, and took him, and brought him up, and buried him between Zorah and Eshtaol in the buryingplace of Manoah his father. And he judged Israel twenty years.
  • 2 Kings 15:7 So Azariah slept with his fathers; and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David: and Jotham his son reigned in his stead.