2 Kings 15:23
New International Version
In the fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah, Pekahiah son of Menahem became king of Israel in Samaria, and he reigned two years.

New Living Translation
Pekahiah son of Menahem began to rule over Israel in the fiftieth year of King Uzziah’s reign in Judah. He reigned in Samaria two years.

English Standard Version
In the fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah, Pekahiah the son of Menahem began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and he reigned two years.

Berean Standard Bible
In the fiftieth year of Azariah’s reign over Judah, Pekahiah son of Menahem became king of Israel and reigned in Samaria two years.

King James Bible
In the fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah Pekahiah the son of Menahem began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned two years.

New King James Version
In the fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah, Pekahiah the son of Menahem became king over Israel in Samaria, and reigned two years.

New American Standard Bible
In the fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah, Pekahiah the son of Menahem became king over Israel in Samaria, and reigned for two years.

NASB 1995
In the fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah, Pekahiah son of Menahem became king over Israel in Samaria, and reigned two years.

NASB 1977
In the fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah, Pekahiah son of Menahem became king over Israel in Samaria, and reigned two years.

Legacy Standard Bible
In the fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah, Pekahiah son of Menahem became king over Israel in Samaria and reigned two years.

Amplified Bible
In the fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah, Pekahiah the son of Menahem became king over Israel, and reigned two years in Samaria.

Christian Standard Bible
In the fiftieth year of Judah’s King Azariah, Pekahiah son of Menahem became king over Israel in Samaria, and he reigned two years.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
In the fiftieth year of Judah’s King Azariah, Pekahiah son of Menahem became king over Israel in Samaria and reigned two years.

American Standard Version
In the fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah Pekahiah the son of Menahem began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned two years.

Contemporary English Version
Pekahiah became king of Israel in the fiftieth year of Azariah's rule in Judah, and he ruled two years from Samaria.

English Revised Version
In the fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah Pekahiah the son of Menahem began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned two years.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
In Azariah's fiftieth year as king of Judah, Menahem's son Pekahiah began to rule. Pekahiah was king of Israel in Samaria for two years.

Good News Translation
In the fiftieth year of the reign of King Uzziah of Judah, Pekahiah son of Menahem became king of Israel, and he ruled in Samaria for two years.

International Standard Version
Menahem's son Pekahiah became king over Israel for two years during the fiftieth year of the reign of King Azariah of Judah.

Majority Standard Bible
In the fiftieth year of Azariah?s reign over Judah, Pekahiah son of Menahem became king of Israel and reigned in Samaria two years.

NET Bible
In the fiftieth year of King Azariah's reign over Judah, Menahem's son Pekahiah became king over Israel. He reigned in Samaria for two years.

New Heart English Bible
In the fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah Pekahiah the son of Menahem began to reign over Israel in Samaria for two years.

Webster's Bible Translation
In the fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah, Pekahiah the son of Menahem began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned two years.

World English Bible
In the fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah, Pekahiah the son of Menahem began to reign over Israel in Samaria for two years.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
In the fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah, Pekahiah son of Menahem has reigned over Israel in Samaria, two years,

Young's Literal Translation
In the fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah hath Pekahiah son of Menahem reigned over Israel, in Samaria -- two years,

Smith's Literal Translation
In the year the fiftieth year to Azariah king of Judah, reigned Pekahiah son of Menahem over Israel in Shomeron, two years.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
In the fiftieth year of Azarias king of Juda reigned Phaceia the son of Manahem over Israel in Samaria two years.

Catholic Public Domain Version
In the fiftieth year of Azariah, the king of Judah: Pekahiah, the son of Menahem, reigned over Israel, in Samaria, for two years.

New American Bible
In the fiftieth year of Azariah, king of Judah, Pekahiah, son of Menahem, became king over Israel in Samaria for two years.

New Revised Standard Version
In the fiftieth year of King Azariah of Judah, Pekahiah son of Menahem began to reign over Israel in Samaria; he reigned two years.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
In the fiftieth year of Uzziah king of Judah, Pekahiah the son of Menahem began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and he reigned two years.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
In the fiftieth year of Uzzia, King of Yehuda, Peqakhia, son of Makhanim, became king over Israel in Samaria for two years.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
In the fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah Pekahiah the son of Menahem began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned two years.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
In the fiftieth year of Azarias king of Juda, began Phakesias the son of Manaem to reign over Israel in Samaria two years.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Pekahiah Reigns in Israel
23In the fiftieth year of Azariah’s reign over Judah, Pekahiah son of Menahem became king of Israel and reigned in Samaria two years. 24And he did evil in the sight of the LORD and did not turn away from the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit.…

Cross References
2 Kings 15:8-12
In the thirty-eighth year of Azariah’s reign over Judah, Zechariah son of Jeroboam became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria six months. / And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, as his fathers had done. He did not turn away from the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit. / Then Shallum son of Jabesh conspired against Zechariah, struck him down and killed him in front of the people, and reigned in his place. ...

2 Kings 15:27-31
In the fifty-second year of Azariah’s reign over Judah, Pekah son of Remaliah became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria twenty years. / And he did evil in the sight of the LORD and did not turn away from the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit. / In the days of Pekah king of Israel, Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria came and captured Ijon, Abel-beth-maacah, Janoah, Kedesh, Hazor, Gilead, and Galilee, including all the land of Naphtali, and he took the people as captives to Assyria. ...

2 Kings 14:23-29
In the fifteenth year of the reign of Amaziah son of Joash over Judah, Jeroboam son of Jehoash became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria forty-one years. / And he did evil in the sight of the LORD and did not turn away from all the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit. / This Jeroboam restored the boundary of Israel from Lebo-hamath to the Sea of the Arabah, according to the word that the LORD, the God of Israel, had spoken through His servant Jonah son of Amittai, the prophet from Gath-hepher. ...

2 Kings 17:1-6
In the twelfth year of the reign of Ahaz over Judah, Hoshea son of Elah became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria nine years. / And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, but not like the kings of Israel who preceded him. / Shalmaneser king of Assyria attacked him, and Hoshea became his vassal and paid him tribute. ...

2 Kings 13:10-13
In the thirty-seventh year of the reign of Joash over Judah, Jehoash son of Jehoahaz became king of Israel in Samaria, and he reigned sixteen years. / And he did evil in the sight of the LORD and did not turn away from all the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit, but he walked in them. / As for the rest of the acts of Jehoash, along with all his accomplishments and his might, including his war against Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel? ...

2 Kings 16:1-4
In the seventeenth year of Pekah son of Remaliah, Ahaz son of Jotham became king of Judah. / Ahaz was twenty years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. And unlike David his father, he did not do what was right in the eyes of the LORD his God. / Instead, he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel and even sacrificed his son in the fire, according to the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites. ...

2 Chronicles 27:1-9
Jotham was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. His mother’s name was Jerushah daughter of Zadok. / And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father Uzziah had done. In addition, he did not enter the temple of the LORD. But the people still behaved corruptly. / Jotham rebuilt the Upper Gate of the house of the LORD, and he worked extensively on the wall at the hill of Ophel. ...

Hosea 1:1
This is the word of the LORD that came to Hosea son of Beeri in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and of Jeroboam son of Jehoash, king of Israel.

Amos 1:1
These are the words of Amos, who was among the sheepherders of Tekoa—what he saw concerning Israel two years before the earthquake, in the days when Uzziah was king of Judah and Jeroboam son of Jehoash was king of Israel.

Isaiah 7:1-9
Now in the days that Ahaz son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, was king of Judah, Rezin king of Aram marched up to wage war against Jerusalem. He was accompanied by Pekah son of Remaliah the king of Israel, but he could not overpower the city. / When it was reported to the house of David that Aram was in league with Ephraim, the hearts of Ahaz and his people trembled like trees in the forest shaken by the wind. / Then the LORD said to Isaiah, “Go out with your son Shear-jashub to meet Ahaz at the end of the aqueduct that feeds the upper pool, on the road to the Launderer’s Field, ...

Matthew 1:8-9
Asa was the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah. / Uzziah was the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah.

Matthew 24:15-16
So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by the prophet Daniel (let the reader understand), / then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.

Mark 13:14
So when you see the abomination of desolation standing where it should not be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.

Luke 3:23-38
Jesus Himself was about thirty years old when He began His ministry. He was regarded as the son of Joseph, the son of Heli, / the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph, / the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai, ...

Luke 21:20-22
But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, you will know that her desolation is near. / Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country stay out of the city. / For these are the days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written.


Treasury of Scripture

In the fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah Pekahiah the son of Menahem began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned two years.

A.

2 Kings 21:19
Amon was twenty and two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned two years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Meshullemeth, the daughter of Haruz of Jotbah.

1 Kings 15:25
And Nadab the son of Jeroboam began to reign over Israel in the second year of Asa king of Judah, and reigned over Israel two years.

1 Kings 16:8
In the twenty and sixth year of Asa king of Judah began Elah the son of Baasha to reign over Israel in Tirzah, two years.

Jump to Previous
Azariah Azari'ah Fiftieth Israel Judah Menahem Men'ahem Pekahiah Pekahi'ah Reign Reigned Samaria Sama'ria
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Azariah Azari'ah Fiftieth Israel Judah Menahem Men'ahem Pekahiah Pekahi'ah Reign Reigned Samaria Sama'ria
2 Kings 15
1. Azariah's good reign
5. He dying a leper, is succeeded by Jotham
8. Zachariah the last of Jehu's generation, reigning ill, is slain by Shallum
13. Shallum, reigning a month, is slain by Nenahem
16. Menahem strengthens himself by Pul
21. Pekahiah succeeds him
23. Pekahiah is slain by Pekah
27. Pekah is oppressed by Tiglath-pileser, and slain by Hoshea
32. Jotham's good reign
36. Ahaz succeeds him














In the fiftieth year of Azariah’s reign over Judah
This phrase situates the events within a specific historical context, emphasizing the timeline of the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah. Azariah, also known as Uzziah, was a king of Judah whose reign is noted for both prosperity and eventual downfall due to pride (2 Chronicles 26). The "fiftieth year" marks a significant duration, suggesting a period of stability in Judah, contrasting with the turmoil in Israel. The Hebrew root for "fiftieth" (חֲמִשִּׁים, chamishim) underscores the importance of numerology in Hebrew culture, often symbolizing completion or fullness, which may imply a mature phase in Azariah's reign.

Pekahiah son of Menahem
Pekahiah's identity is tied to his father, Menahem, who was known for his violent rise to power (2 Kings 15:14-16). The name "Pekahiah" (פְּקַחְיָה, Pekachyah) means "Yahweh has opened [the eyes]," suggesting a divine insight or revelation. However, Pekahiah's short reign indicates a failure to live up to his name's potential. This highlights the biblical theme that names often reflect divine purpose or character, yet human actions can fall short of divine expectations.

became king of Israel
This phrase marks the transition of power in the northern kingdom of Israel. The political instability of Israel during this period is evident, as kings often came to power through conspiracy and violence. The Hebrew word for "became king" (מָלַךְ, malak) implies not just ruling but also the divine right or calling to lead. However, the brevity of Pekahiah's reign suggests a lack of divine favor or legitimacy, a common theme in the narrative of Israel's kings.

and he reigned in Samaria
Samaria was the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, established by King Omri (1 Kings 16:24). It was a center of political and religious activity, often associated with idolatry and apostasy in the biblical narrative. The mention of Samaria serves as a reminder of the spiritual decline of Israel, contrasting with Jerusalem, the spiritual center of Judah. The Hebrew root for "reigned" (מָלַךְ, malak) again emphasizes the authority and responsibility of kingship, which Pekahiah failed to uphold according to God's standards.

two years
The short duration of Pekahiah's reign is significant, reflecting the instability and rapid turnover of leadership in Israel. The number "two" (שְׁנָתַיִם, shenatayim) in Hebrew can symbolize division or inadequacy, underscoring the incomplete and troubled nature of his rule. This brief reign serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of departing from God's covenant, a recurring theme in the history of Israel's monarchy.

(23-26) THE REIGN OF PEKAHIAH

(Heb., P?kahy?h).

(23) In the fiftieth year.--The forty-ninth, if verse seventeen were exact.

(25) But . . . a captain of his.--And . . . his adjutant (or knight, 2Kings 7:2).

The palace of the king's house.--The same expression occurred in 1Kings 16:18. The word armon, rendered "palace," is usually explained as meaning citadel or keep, from a root meaning to be high. (Comp. ? ???? in Greek.) Ewald makes it the harem, which, as the innermost and most strongly-guarded part of an Oriental palace, is probably meant here. Thither Pekahiah had fled for refuge before the conspirators.

With Argob and Arieh.--Pekah slew these two persons, probably officers of the royal guard, who stood by their master, as well as the king himself.

The peculiar names are an indication of the historical character of the account. Argob suggests that the person who bore this name was a native of the district of Bashan so designated (1Kings 4:13); Arieh ("lion"), like our own Cceur-de-Lion, betokens strength and bravery. (Comp. 1Chronicles 12:8, "The Gadites, whose faces were as the faces of lions.") . . .

Verses 23-26. - SHORT REIGN OF PEKA-HIAH. The short reign of Pekahiah was wholly undistinguished. He held the throne for two years only, or perhaps for parts of two years, and performed no action that any historian has thought worthy of record. Our author has nothing to relate of him but the circumstances of his death (ver. 25), wherewith he combines the usual formulae (vers. 23, 24, 26).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
In the fiftieth
חֲמִשִּׁ֣ים (ḥă·miš·šîm)
Number - common plural
Strong's 2572: Fifty

year
בִּשְׁנַת֙ (biš·naṯ)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8141: A year

of Azariah's
לַעֲזַרְיָ֖ה (la·‘ă·zar·yāh)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5838: Azariah -- 'Yah has helped', the name of a number of Israelites

reign
מֶ֣לֶךְ (me·leḵ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428: A king

over Judah,
יְהוּדָ֑ה (yə·hū·ḏāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites

Pekahiah
פְּקַֽחְיָ֨ה (pə·qaḥ·yāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6494: Pekahiah -- 'Yah has opened (the eyes)', a king of Israel

son
בֶן־ (ḇen-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Menahem
מְנַחֵ֧ם (mə·na·ḥêm)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4505: Menahem -- 'comforter', king of Northern Israel

became king
מָ֠לַךְ (mā·laḵ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4427: To reign, inceptively, to ascend the throne, to induct into royalty, to take counsel

of
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

Israel
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

and reigned in Samaria
בְּשֹׁמְר֖וֹן (bə·šō·mə·rō·wn)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 8111: Samaria -- capital of northern kingdom of Israel

two years.
שָׁנָ֔ה (šā·nāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8141: A year


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OT History: 2 Kings 15:23 In the fiftieth year of Azariah king (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg)
2 Kings 15:22
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