2 Chronicles 21:4
New International Version
When Jehoram established himself firmly over his father’s kingdom, he put all his brothers to the sword along with some of the officials of Israel.

New Living Translation
But when Jehoram had become solidly established as king, he killed all his brothers and some of the other leaders of Judah.

English Standard Version
When Jehoram had ascended the throne of his father and was established, he killed all his brothers with the sword, and also some of the princes of Israel.

Berean Standard Bible
When Jehoram had established himself over his father’s kingdom, he strengthened himself by putting to the sword all his brothers along with some of the princes of Israel.

King James Bible
Now when Jehoram was risen up to the kingdom of his father, he strengthened himself, and slew all his brethren with the sword, and divers also of the princes of Israel.

New King James Version
Now when Jehoram was established over the kingdom of his father, he strengthened himself and killed all his brothers with the sword, and also others of the princes of Israel.

New American Standard Bible
Now when Jehoram had taken over the kingdom of his father and gathered courage, he killed all his brothers with the sword, and some of the leaders of Israel as well.

NASB 1995
Now when Jehoram had taken over the kingdom of his father and made himself secure, he killed all his brothers with the sword, and some of the rulers of Israel also.

NASB 1977
Now when Jehoram had taken over the kingdom of his father and made himself secure, he killed all his brothers with the sword, and some of the rulers of Israel also.

Legacy Standard Bible
So Jehoram arose over the kingdom of his father and strengthened himself, and he killed all his brothers with the sword, and some of the commanders of Israel also.

Amplified Bible
When Jehoram had ascended over the kingdom of his father and made himself secure, he killed all his brothers with the sword [to eliminate any rivals], and some of the leaders of Israel as well.

Christian Standard Bible
When Jehoram had established himself over his father’s kingdom, he strengthened his position by killing with the sword all his brothers as well as some of the princes of Israel.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When Jehoram had established himself over his father’s kingdom, he strengthened his position by killing with the sword all his brothers as well as some of the princes of Israel.

American Standard Version
Now when Jehoram was risen up over the kingdom of his father, and had strengthened himself, he slew all his brethren with the sword, and divers also of the princes of Israel.

Contemporary English Version
After Jehoram had taken control of Judah, he had his brothers killed, as well as some of the nation's leaders.

English Revised Version
Now when Jehoram was risen up over the kingdom of his father, and had strengthened himself, he slew all his brethren with the sword, and divers also of the princes of Israel.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
After Jehoram had taken over his father's kingdom, he strengthened his position and then executed all his brothers and some of the officials of Israel.

Good News Translation
When Jehoram was in firm control of the kingdom, he had all his brothers killed, and also some Israelite officials.

International Standard Version
But after Jehoram had assumed the throne and consolidated his rule over his father's kingdom, he executed all of his brothers, along with some of the rulers of Israel.

Majority Standard Bible
When Jehoram had established himself over his father?s kingdom, he strengthened himself by putting to the sword all his brothers along with some of the princes of Israel.

NET Bible
Jehoram took control of his father's kingdom and became powerful. Then he killed all his brothers, as well as some of the officials of Israel.

New Heart English Bible
Now when Jehoram was risen up over the kingdom of his father, and had strengthened himself, he killed all his brothers with the sword, and various also of the princes of Israel.

Webster's Bible Translation
Now when Jehoram had risen to the kingdom of his father, he strengthened himself, and slew all his brethren with the sword, and divers also of the princes of Israel.

World English Bible
Now when Jehoram had risen up over the kingdom of his father, and had strengthened himself, he killed all his brothers with the sword, and also some of the princes of Israel.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Jehoram rises up over the kingdom of his father, and strengthens himself, and slays all his brothers with the sword, and also of the heads of Israel.

Young's Literal Translation
And Jehoram riseth up over the kingdom of his father, and strengtheneth himself, and slayeth all his brethren with the sword, and also -- of the heads of Israel.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Jehoram will rise up over the kingdom of his father, and he will strengthen himself, and he will kill all his brethren with the sword, and also from the chiefs of Israel.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
So Joram rose up over the kingdom of his father: and when he had established himself, he slew all his brethren with the sword, and some of the princes of Israel.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, Jehoram rose up over the kingdom of his father. And when he had established himself, he killed with the sword all his brothers, and certain ones from the leaders of Israel.

New American Bible
When Jehoram had acceded to his father’s kingdom and was firmly in power, he killed all his brothers with the sword, and also some of the princes of Israel.

New Revised Standard Version
When Jehoram had ascended the throne of his father and was established, he put all his brothers to the sword, and also some of the officials of Israel.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Now when Jehoram was risen up to the kingdom of his father, he strengthened himself and slew all his brothers in the battle and also slew some of the elders of Israel.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Yehuram arose over the kingdom of his father and he acted powerfully and he killed all his brothers in battle, also he killed some Elders of Israel.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Now when Jehoram was risen up over the kingdom of his father, and had strengthened himself, he slew all his brethren with the sword, and divers also of the princes of Israel.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Joram entered upon his kingdom, and strengthened himself, and slew all his brothers with the sword, and some of the princes of Israel.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jehoram Reigns in Judah
3Their father had given them many gifts of silver and gold and precious things, as well as the fortified cities in Judah; but he gave the kingdom to Jehoram because he was the firstborn. 4When Jehoram had established himself over his father’s kingdom, he strengthened himself by putting to the sword all his brothers along with some of the princes of Israel. 5Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years.…

Cross References
1 Kings 2:24-25
And now, as surely as the LORD lives—the One who established me, who set me on the throne of my father David, and who founded for me a dynasty as He promised—surely Adonijah shall be put to death today!” / So King Solomon gave orders to Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he struck down Adonijah and he died.

2 Kings 11:1
When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she proceeded to annihilate all the royal heirs.

Genesis 4:8
Then Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let us go out to the field.” And while they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him.

Genesis 37:18-20
Now Joseph’s brothers saw him in the distance, and before he arrived, they plotted to kill him. / “Here comes that dreamer!” they said to one another. / “Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits. We can say that a vicious animal has devoured him. Then we shall see what becomes of his dreams!”

1 Samuel 18:10-11
The next day a spirit of distress sent from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied inside the house while David played the harp as usual. Now Saul was holding a spear, / and he hurled it, thinking, “I will pin David to the wall.” But David eluded him twice.

1 Kings 15:29
As soon as Baasha became king, he struck down the entire household of Jeroboam. He did not leave to Jeroboam anyone who breathed, but destroyed them all according to the word that the LORD had spoken through His servant Ahijah the Shilonite,

2 Kings 10:7
And when the letter arrived, they took the sons of the king and slaughtered all seventy of them. They put their heads in baskets and sent them to Jehu at Jezreel.

Matthew 2:16
When Herod saw that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was filled with rage. Sending orders, he put to death all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, according to the time he had learned from the Magi.

Acts 7:9
Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him

Matthew 14:9-10
The king was grieved, but because of his oaths and his guests, he ordered that her wish be granted / and sent to have John beheaded in the prison.

Mark 6:27-28
So without delay, the king commanded that John’s head be brought in. He sent an executioner, who went and beheaded him in the prison. / The man brought John’s head on a platter and presented it to the girl, who gave it to her mother.

Luke 22:2
and the chief priests and scribes were looking for a way to put Jesus to death, for they feared the people.

John 11:53
So from that day on they plotted to kill Him.

Acts 12:1-2
About that time, King Herod reached out to harm some who belonged to the church. / He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword.

Genesis 27:41
Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. And Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will kill my brother Jacob.”


Treasury of Scripture

Now when Jehoram was risen up to the kingdom of his father, he strengthened himself, and slew all his brothers with the sword, and divers also of the princes of Israel.

slew all

2 Chronicles 21:17
And they came up into Judah, and brake into it, and carried away all the substance that was found in the king's house, and his sons also, and his wives; so that there was never a son left him, save Jehoahaz, the youngest of his sons.

2 Chronicles 22:8,10
And it came to pass, that, when Jehu was executing judgment upon the house of Ahab, and found the princes of Judah, and the sons of the brethren of Ahaziah, that ministered to Ahaziah, he slew them…

Genesis 4:8
And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.

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2 Chronicles 21
1. Jehoram, succeeding Jehoshaphat, slays his brothers
5. His wicked reign
8. Edom and Libnah revolt
12. The prophecy of Elijah against him in writing
16. Philistines and Arabians oppress him
18. His incurable disease, infamous death, and burial














When Jehoram had established himself
The phrase "established himself" indicates a consolidation of power. In the Hebrew context, the root word "כּוּן" (kun) suggests preparation and firm establishment. Jehoram's actions reflect a common ancient Near Eastern practice where new kings would secure their reign by eliminating potential rivals. This act, while politically strategic, reveals a departure from the godly leadership exemplified by his predecessors, highlighting a moral decline.

over his father’s kingdom
Jehoram inherited the kingdom from his father, Jehoshaphat, who was known for his faithfulness to God. The term "kingdom" (מַמְלָכָה, mamlakah) signifies not just a political entity but a divinely ordained realm. The transition of power from Jehoshaphat to Jehoram marks a significant shift in the spiritual and moral direction of Judah, as Jehoram's reign would lead the nation away from the covenantal faithfulness that characterized his father's rule.

he strengthened himself
The phrase "strengthened himself" (חָזַק, chazaq) implies a forceful assertion of authority. This self-strengthening was not through reliance on God, as seen in previous kings, but through human means and violence. It reflects a reliance on worldly power rather than divine guidance, contrasting sharply with the biblical ideal of kingship that depends on God's strength.

by putting to the sword
This phrase indicates a violent and ruthless action. The Hebrew word for "sword" (חֶרֶב, chereb) is often associated with judgment and warfare. Jehoram's decision to use the sword against his own family underscores a tragic misuse of power and a breach of familial and covenantal loyalty. It serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of sin and the consequences of turning away from God's ways.

all his brothers
The elimination of "all his brothers" highlights the extent of Jehoram's insecurity and ambition. In the biblical narrative, brothers are often seen as potential allies or threats. By killing his brothers, Jehoram not only secured his throne but also severed familial bonds, which were meant to be a source of strength and unity. This act foreshadows the internal strife and division that would plague Judah.

along with some of the princes of Israel
The inclusion of "some of the princes of Israel" in Jehoram's purge suggests a broader political motive. The "princes" (שָׂרִים, sarim) were likely influential leaders who could challenge his authority. This action reflects a disregard for the unity and welfare of the nation, prioritizing personal power over communal harmony. It serves as a reminder of the importance of righteous leadership and the dangers of self-serving ambition.

Verse 4. - Slew all his brethren... and also of the princes of Israel. It may be, as suggested by the genius of the last clause of our yet. 13, that Jehoram's wicked heart prompted him the rather because his own works were evil and his brothers' righteous. He may have thought their practical witness against him, and that of the "princes" who shared their fate, would be growingly inconvenient, and would work in them a necessary disloyalty (Judges 9:1-5). On the ether showing, the "princes" now cut down may have shown partiality and affection to the six brothers, one or other of them.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
When Jehoram
יְהוֹרָ֜ם (yə·hō·w·rām)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3088: Jehoram -- 'the LORD is exalted', the name of several Israelites

had established
וַיָּ֨קָם (way·yā·qām)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand

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

his father’s
אָבִיו֙ (’ā·ḇîw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1: Father

kingdom,
מַמְלֶ֤כַת (mam·le·ḵaṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 4467: Kingdom, sovereignty, dominion, reign

he strengthened himself
וַיִּתְחַזַּ֔ק (way·yiṯ·ḥaz·zaq)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2388: To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer

by putting
וַיַּהֲרֹ֥ג (way·ya·hă·rōḡ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2026: To smite with deadly intent

to the sword
בֶּחָ֑רֶב (be·ḥā·reḇ)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2719: Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

his brothers
אֶחָ֖יו (’e·ḥāw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 251: A brother, )

along with
וְגַ֖ם (wə·ḡam)
Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and

[some] of the princes
מִשָּׂרֵ֥י (miś·śā·rê)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

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


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OT History: 2 Chronicles 21:4 Now when Jehoram was risen up over (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr)
2 Chronicles 21:3
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