And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD: he did according to all that his father Uzziah had done.

2 KINGS 15:34KJV
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2 Kings 15:34 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 15:34 mean?

2 Kings 15:34 says that Jotham, the king of Judah, did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, following the example set by his father Uzziah. The verse highlights Jotham’s faithfulness to God’s standards during his reign.

This verse is part of a summary about King Jotham’s rule, written by the author of 2 Kings for the people of Israel and Judah. The statement compares Jotham’s actions to those of his father, Uzziah, and uses the phrase “right in the sight of the LORD” to show that Jotham’s reign was marked by obedience to God, unlike some other kings who did evil.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 15:34

  • “right” (יָשָׁר, yashar): This word means “upright” or “straight,” suggesting that Jotham’s actions were morally straight and in line with God’s expectations, not just outwardly good but genuinely aligned with what God values.
  • “sight” (עַיִן, ayin): Literally “eye,” this word here means “in the eyes of,” emphasizing that Jotham’s actions are being measured by God’s viewpoint, not just by human opinion.
  • “LORD” (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of Israel’s God, underlining that the standard for what is “right” is set by God himself, not by tradition or culture.
  • “did” (עָשָׂה, asah): This verb appears several times in the verse, stressing that Jotham’s righteousness was shown through his actions, not just his intentions.

Why 2 Kings 15:34 matters

  • This verse clarifies that not all kings of Judah were unfaithful; Jotham is singled out as a positive example, which is important in the larger story where many kings failed.
  • The verse connects Jotham’s behavior to his father Uzziah, showing the influence of family legacy and the potential for good leadership to be passed down.
  • By stating that Jotham did what was “right in the sight of the LORD,” the verse reminds readers that God’s perspective is the true measure of a leader’s life, not just public success or approval.

Where else these words appear

“Uzziah” Hebrew H5818 · used in 26 verses

  • 2 Kings 15:13 Shallum the son of Jabesh began to reign in the nine and thirtieth year of Uzziah king of Judah; and he reigned a full month in Samaria.
  • 2 Chronicles 26:9 Moreover Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the corner gate, and at the valley gate, and at the turning of the wall, and fortified them.
  • 2 Chronicles 27:2 And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Uzziah did: howbeit he entered not into the temple of the LORD. And the people did yet corruptly.

“right” Hebrew H3477 · used in 119 verses

  • Exodus 15:26 And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.
  • 2 Chronicles 29:2 And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that David his father had done.
  • Proverbs 2:7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.