2 Kings 15:5 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 15:5 mean?

2 Kings 15:5 says that the LORD struck the king with leprosy, so he lived apart from others until he died, while his son Jotham managed the royal household and judged the people. This verse explains a sudden change in leadership because of the king’s illness, with his son taking over important duties.

The verse describes a real event in the history of Israel’s kings, focusing on King Azariah (also called Uzziah). Because the king became a leper (a person with a serious skin disease), he had to live in a separate house, away from the palace and public life. His son Jotham stepped in to handle the affairs of the kingdom and judge the people, even though the king was still alive.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 15:5

• "smote" (נָגַע, naga‘): This word means to strike or touch, often with the sense of causing harm or affliction. Here, it emphasizes that the king’s leprosy was seen as a direct act from the LORD, not just a random illness.
• "leper" (צָרַע, tsara‘): This word refers to someone with a severe skin disease, often translated as “leprosy.” In ancient Israel, this condition meant social separation, which explains why the king had to live in a “several house.”
• "several" (חָפְשִׁית, chofshit): This word means “separate” or “free,” and in this context, it refers to a house set apart from others. The king’s isolation was not just physical but also social and ceremonial.
• "judging" (שָׁפַט, shafat): This word means to govern or make decisions for the people. Jotham was not just managing the palace but also acting as a judge or ruler for the land, showing he took on real authority.

Why 2 Kings 15:5 matters

• This verse clarifies why King Azariah was not active as king even though he was still alive; his illness forced him out of public life, and his son took over leadership.
• The verse highlights that leprosy was not only a health issue but also had serious social and religious consequences, leading to the king’s isolation.
• It sets up the transition of power to Jotham, which is important for understanding the flow of leadership in the following chapters.