And the rest of the acts of Pekahiah, and all that he did, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel.

2 KINGS 15:26KJV
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2 Kings 15:26 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 15:26 mean?

2 Kings 15:26 states that the rest of the deeds of Pekahiah, king of Israel, are recorded in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel. This verse signals to the reader that more details about Pekahiah’s reign exist elsewhere, but are not included in this account.

This verse is part of a summary statement often found in the books of Kings, wrapping up the story of a particular king. The writer is addressing the reader, noting that while only a brief account is given here, a more complete record was kept in another official document. This helps set the pattern for how the history of Israel’s kings is presented throughout these books.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 15:26

  • "rest" (יֶתֶר, yether): This word means "the remainder" or "what is left." Here, it refers to everything about Pekahiah’s reign that was not included in the brief biblical account.
  • "acts" (דָּבָר, davar): While often translated as "acts" or "deeds," this word can also mean "words" or "matters." It suggests that both actions and possibly significant events or pronouncements of Pekahiah are meant.
  • "book" (סֵפֶר, sefer): This is the general Hebrew word for "book" or "scroll." The mention of a written record points to an official archive or historical record kept by the kingdom.
  • "chronicles" (דָּבָר, davar; יָמִים, yamim): The phrase "book of the chronicles" uses these words, meaning "book of the matters (or events) of the days." It refers to an official record or annals, not the biblical book of Chronicles.

Why 2 Kings 15:26 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the biblical account is selective, not exhaustive, and that the writers relied on other historical sources for fuller details.
  • The mention of the "book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel" shows that Israel kept official records, emphasizing the historical nature of these accounts.
  • By following a repeated pattern for each king, this verse helps the reader see the structure and purpose of the narrative in 1–2 Kings, which often focuses on spiritual evaluation rather than detailed political history.

Where else these words appear

“Pekahiah” Hebrew H6494 · used in 3 verses

  • 2 Kings 15:22 And Menahem slept with his fathers; and Pekahiah his son reigned in his stead.
  • 2 Kings 15:23 In the fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah Pekahiah the son of Menahem began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned two years.

“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.