In the twenty and seventh year of Jeroboam king of Israel began Azariah son of Amaziah king of Judah to reign.

2 KINGS 15:1KJV
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2 Kings 15:1 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 15:1 mean?

2 Kings 15:1 states that Azariah, the son of Amaziah, began to reign as king of Judah during the twenty-seventh year of Jeroboam’s rule as king of Israel. This verse marks the beginning of Azariah’s kingship and sets it in relation to the timeline of Israel’s monarchy.

The writer of 2 Kings is recording the succession of kings in both Israel and Judah, providing a historical anchor by connecting Azariah’s reign with that of Jeroboam in Israel. This helps readers track the parallel histories of the two kingdoms and understand when Azariah’s rule began in the broader story of Israel and Judah.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 15:1

  • עֲזַרְיָה (Azaryah, “Azariah”): This name means “Yahweh has helped.” The verse introduces him as the new king of Judah, highlighting a transition in leadership.
  • בֶּן־אֲמַצְיָה (ben-Amatsyah, “son of Amaziah”): This phrase clarifies Azariah’s lineage, which was important for legitimacy and continuity in the royal line.
  • מָלַךְ (malakh, “to reign”): This verb signals the official start of Azariah’s rule, not just his presence but his active kingship.

Why 2 Kings 15:1 matters

  • The verse helps clear up the timeline by linking the reigns of Judah’s and Israel’s kings, which can otherwise be confusing due to overlapping years and different calendars.
  • By naming both Azariah and his father Amaziah, the verse emphasizes the dynastic succession in Judah, which is a recurring theme in the books of Kings.
  • The careful dating shows the writer’s intent to provide a reliable historical record, which is important for understanding the sequence and context of events in the divided kingdom period.

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.

“Azariah” Hebrew H5838 · used in 44 verses

  • 1 Kings 4:2 And these were the princes which he had; Azariah the son of Zadok the priest,
  • 1 Chronicles 6:10 And Johanan begat Azariah,(he it is that executed the priest's office in the temple that Solomon built in Jerusalem:)
  • 2 Chronicles 31:10 And Azariah the chief priest of the house of Zadok answered him, and said, Since the people began to bring the offerings into the house of the LORD, we have had enough to eat, and have left plenty: for the LORD hath blessed his people; and that which is left is this great store.

“Jeroboam” Hebrew H3379 · used in 95 verses

  • 1 Kings 11:26 And Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephrathite of Zereda, Solomon's servant, whose mother's name was Zeruah, a widow woman, even he lifted up his hand against the king.
  • 1 Kings 14:30 And there was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam all their days.
  • 2 Kings 15:8 In the thirty and eighth year of Azariah king of Judah did Zachariah the son of Jeroboam reign over Israel in Samaria six months.