2 Kings 14:15 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 14:15 mean?

2 Kings 14:15 says that the rest of the deeds and accomplishments of Jehoash, king of Israel—including his strength and his conflict with 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 Jehoash’s reign.

This verse comes near the end of a section summarizing Jehoash’s rule. The writer is wrapping up Jehoash’s story by noting that not everything about his reign is included here, but fuller records exist elsewhere. The verse also highlights Jehoash’s military actions, especially his fight with Amaziah, as important parts of his legacy.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 14:15

• "rest" (יֶתֶר, yether): This word means "the remainder" or "what is left." Here, it signals that the account in Kings is not exhaustive and that more about Jehoash can be found elsewhere.
• "acts" (דָּבָר, davar): Often translated as "words" or "matters," this word refers to Jehoash’s deeds or events during his reign, not just spoken words.
• "might" (גְּבוּרָה, gevurah): This word means "strength" or "power." The verse draws attention to Jehoash’s notable achievements and military prowess.
• "chronicles" (דָּבָר, davar + יָמִים, yamim): The phrase here points to official records or annals, not the biblical book of Chronicles, but a separate historical record of Israel’s kings.

Why 2 Kings 14:15 matters

• This verse clarifies that the biblical account is selective and that more detailed records about Israel’s kings existed at the time.
• The mention of Jehoash’s "might" and his battle with Amaziah emphasizes that his military actions were significant in his reign and in Israel’s history.
• By pointing to the "book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel," the verse connects this summary to a broader tradition of royal records, showing that the biblical narrative is part of a larger historical context.