And the rest of the acts of Joram, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?

2 KINGS 8:23KJV
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2 Kings 8:23 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 8:23 mean?

2 Kings 8:23 states that the rest of King Joram’s actions and accomplishments are recorded in another historical source called the “book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah.” This verse tells readers that not everything about Joram’s reign is included here, but more details can be found in that official record.

This verse appears as part of a summary at the end of Joram’s reign over Judah. The writer is addressing the reader directly, pointing to another source for those interested in more information about Joram (also spelled Jehoram). This was a common way in ancient writings to indicate that the account is selective and that fuller records existed elsewhere.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 8:23

  • “rest” (יֶתֶר, yether): This word means “what remains” or “the remainder.” Here, it refers to everything about Joram’s reign that hasn’t been detailed in this book.
  • “acts” (דָּבָר, davar): While often translated as “word” or “thing,” in this context it means “deeds” or “actions.” It covers all the significant events and decisions of Joram’s rule.
  • “written” (כָּתַב, kathav): This verb means “to write.” The verse uses it to assure the reader that a written record exists elsewhere.
  • “book” (סֵפֶר, sefer): This is the standard word for “book” or “scroll.” It refers to a formal, likely official, written document.
  • “chronicles” (דָּבָר, davar; יָמִים, yamim): Here, “chronicles” literally means “words” or “matters of the days,” pointing to a historical record or annals.

Why 2 Kings 8:23 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the biblical account is selective and not exhaustive, pointing readers to other historical records for more details.
  • It shows that the biblical writers were aware of and sometimes relied on other sources, which adds historical credibility and context to the narrative.
  • The mention of the “book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah” connects this verse to a broader tradition of record-keeping in ancient Israel and Judah, helping readers understand how history was preserved at the time.

Where else these words appear

“Joram” Hebrew H3141 · used in 16 verses

  • 2 Samuel 8:10 Then Toi sent Joram his son unto king David, to salute him, and to bless him, because he had fought against Hadadezer, and smitten him: for Hadadezer had wars with Toi. And Joram brought with him vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and vessels of brass:
  • 2 Kings 8:28 And he went with Joram the son of Ahab to the war against Hazael king of Syria in Ramothgilead; and the Syrians wounded Joram.
  • 2 Kings 11:2 But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's sons which were slain; and they hid him, even him and his nurse, in the bedchamber from Athaliah, so that he was not slain.

“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.