Old Testament

2 Kings 23:36

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

Jehoiakim was 25 years old when he became king, and he ruled in Jerusalem for 11 years. His mother was Zebudah, the daughter of Pedaiah of Rumah.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

Jehoiakim was twenty and five years old when he began to reign; and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Zebudah, the daughter of Pedaiah of Rumah.

What 2 Kings 23:36 means

Plain-English insight for readers

Jehoiakim became king at the young age of 25, taking the throne in Jerusalem. His reign lasted for 11 years, a significant period in the history of Israel. He was the son of a woman named Zebudah, who was the daughter of Pedaiah from a place called Rumah. This detail about his family background highlights the importance of lineage in leadership roles during that time. Jehoiakim's rule was marked by various challenges, including political pressures and conflicts. His age at ascension shows that youth can bring both energy and inexperience to leadership. Understanding his background helps us see the human side of kingship, where personal and familial ties influence decisions. Jehoiakim's story reminds us that leaders are shaped by their upbringing and the expectations placed upon them, which can resonate with our own experiences of growth and responsibility in life. His reign serves as a reflection on the complexities of leadership and the impact of one's origins on their journey.

How to apply 2 Kings 23:36 to your life

Consider how your background influences your decisions and leadership style. Reflect on the responsibilities you hold in your life, whether in your family, work, or community. Embrace the lessons from Jehoiakim's reign to grow and lead with wisdom and integrity. Your experiences shape who you are and how you lead others. Use this awareness to make positive changes in your life and leadership roles you take on in the future.  .

Curated for this public verse page. 2 Kings Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of the Israelites enslaved in Egypt

Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Moses

Walls uncovered by archaeologists on the mound of Tell es-Sultan, with palm trees in the distance.

Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Jericho

The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about 2 Kings 23:36

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying 2 Kings 23:36

At a Glance — the Book of 2 Kings

Author
Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
Written
Around 560 BC
Genre
Historical narrative
Original Audience
Exiled Israelites in Babylon

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does 2 Kings 23:36 mean?

2 Kings 23:36 provides a brief overview of Jehoiakim's ascension to the throne at the age of 25 and his 11-year reign in Jerusalem. It highlights his lineage, mentioning his mother Zebudah, which reflects the significance of family background in leadership during that time.

What is the significance of Jehoiakim's age in 2 Kings 23:36?

Jehoiakim became king at a young age of 25, which illustrates how youth can bring both energy and inexperience to leadership. His age at ascension emphasizes the challenges young leaders may face in navigating complex political landscapes.

Who was Jehoiakim's mother according to 2 Kings 23:36?

Jehoiakim's mother was Zebudah, the daughter of Pedaiah from a place called Rumah. This detail underscores the importance of familial connections in the context of leadership and royal lineage.

What themes are present in 2 Kings 23:36?

Key themes in 2 Kings 23:36 include leadership, youth, family lineage, historical context, and responsibility. These themes highlight how personal and familial backgrounds can influence a leader's decisions and the nature of their reign.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.