2 Kings 14:16 Meaning and Explanation
“And Jehoash slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel; and Jeroboam his son reigned in his stead.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The king of Israel dies after a long reign, and his son Jeroboam takes the throne.
The Context of 2 Kings 14:16
This closes Jehoash's reign (c. 798-783 BC), ending a period of military recovery and stability in the northern kingdom.
What Does 2 Kings 14:16 Mean?
Jehoash the king of Israel passes from the scene, returning to the dust from which all mortals come. He dies in Samaria, the royal city his ancestors made their stronghold, and joins the other kings of Israel in the communal grave. His son Jeroboam inherits the throne, ready to expand the kingdom's borders and restore Israel's strength. Yet the text gives us no fanfare, no eulogy. A king sleeps with his fathers, and another rises.
We see here the quiet rhythm of earthly power. Kings come and go, buried with their predecessors, replaced by sons who carry on. But Scripture does not measure a reign by the length of a tomb or the grandeur of a burial site. The true memorial of a life is what endures in God's sight, whether it be remembered by the chroniclers or forgotten by the world. Each reign is a chapter in the long story God is writing with his people.
2 Kings 14:16 in the Original Language
shakab (שכב), 'to lie down' or 'sleep' -- the euphemism for death, invoking rest and peace; used throughout the regnal formulas in 1-2 Kings.
How to Apply 2 Kings 14:16 Today
We too will one day pass from our earthly role, and another will take our place. What we build that matters is not what we leave behind in title or territory, but what we sow in faith and obedience to God.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Kings 14:16
What does 2 Kings 14:16 mean?
The king of Israel dies after a long reign, and his son Jeroboam takes the throne.
What is the context of 2 Kings 14:16?
This closes Jehoash's reign (c. 798-783 BC), ending a period of military recovery and stability in the northern kingdom.
How can I apply 2 Kings 14:16 today?
We too will one day pass from our earthly role, and another will take our place. What we build that matters is not what we leave behind in title or territory, but what we sow in faith and obedience to God.