2 Kings 3:1
New International Version
Joram son of Ahab became king of Israel in Samaria in the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and he reigned twelve years.

New Living Translation
Ahab’s son Joram began to rule over Israel in the eighteenth year of King Jehoshaphat’s reign in Judah. He reigned in Samaria twelve years.

English Standard Version
In the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, Jehoram the son of Ahab became king over Israel in Samaria, and he reigned twelve years.

Berean Standard Bible
In the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat’s reign over Judah, Jehoram son of Ahab became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria twelve years.

King James Bible
Now Jehoram the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned twelve years.

New King James Version
Now Jehoram the son of Ahab became king over Israel at Samaria in the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned twelve years.

New American Standard Bible
Now Jehoram the son of Ahab became king over Israel at Samaria in the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and he reigned for twelve years.

NASB 1995
Now Jehoram the son of Ahab became king over Israel at Samaria in the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned twelve years.

NASB 1977
Now Jehoram the son of Ahab became king over Israel at Samaria in the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned twelve years.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now Jehoram the son of Ahab became king over Israel at Samaria in the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned twelve years.

Amplified Bible
Jehoram the son of Ahab became king over Israel in Samaria in the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned twelve years.

Christian Standard Bible
Joram son of Ahab became king over Israel in Samaria during the eighteenth year of Judah’s King Jehoshaphat, and he reigned twelve years.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Joram son of Ahab became king over Israel in Samaria during the eighteenth year of Judah’s King Jehoshaphat and reigned 12 years.

American Standard Version
Now Jehoram the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria in the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned twelve years.

Contemporary English Version
Joram son of Ahab became king of Israel in Jehoshaphat's eighteenth year as king of Judah. Joram ruled twelve years from Samaria

English Revised Version
Now Jehoram the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria in the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned twelve years.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Joram, son of Ahab, became king of Israel in Samaria during Jehoshaphat's eighteenth year as king of Judah. He ruled for 12 years.

Good News Translation
In the eighteenth year of the reign of King Jehoshaphat of Judah, Joram son of Ahab became king of Israel, and he ruled in Samaria for twelve years.

International Standard Version
Ahab's son Jehoram ascended to the throne of Israel at Samaria during the eighteenth year of the reign of Judah's king Jehoshaphat. He reigned for twelve years,

Majority Standard Bible
In the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat?s reign over Judah, Jehoram son of Ahab became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria twelve years.

NET Bible
In the eighteenth year of King Jehoshaphat's reign over Judah, Ahab's son Jehoram became king over Israel in Samaria; he ruled for twelve years.

New Heart English Bible
Now Jehoram the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria in the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned twelve years.

Webster's Bible Translation
Now Jehoram the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria in the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned twelve years.

World English Bible
Now Jehoram the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria in the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned twelve years.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Jehoram son of Ahab has reigned over Israel, in Samaria, in the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and he reigns twelve years,

Young's Literal Translation
And Jehoram son of Ahab hath reigned over Israel, in Samaria, in the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and he reigneth twelve years,

Smith's Literal Translation
And Jehoram son of Ahab reigned over Israel in Shomeron in the eighteenth year to Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and he will reign twelve years.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Joram the son of Achab reigned over Israel in Samaria in the eighteenth year of m Josaphat king of Juda. And he reigned twelve years.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Truly, Joram, the son of Ahab, reigned over Israel, in Samaria, in the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah. And he reigned for twelve years.

New American Bible
Joram, son of Ahab, became king over Israel in Samaria in the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, and he reigned twelve years.

New Revised Standard Version
In the eighteenth year of King Jehoshaphat of Judah, Jehoram son of Ahab became king over Israel in Samaria; he reigned twelve years.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
NOW Joram the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria in the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and he reigned twelve years.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Yoram son of Akhab became king over Israel in Samaria in the year eighteen of Yushaphat King of Yehuda, and he reigned twelve years.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Now Jehoram the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria in the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned twelve years.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Joram the son of Achaab began to reign in Israel in the eighteenth year of Josaphat king of Juda, and he reigned twelve years.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Joram Overcomes Moab's Rebellion
1In the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat’s reign over Judah, Jehoram son of Ahab became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria twelve years. 2And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, but not as his father and mother had done. He removed the sacred pillar of Baal that his father had made.…

Cross References
1 Kings 22:51-53
In the seventeenth year of Jehoshaphat’s reign over Judah, Ahaziah son of Ahab became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria two years. / And he did evil in the sight of the LORD and walked in the ways of his father and mother and of Jeroboam son of Nebat, who had caused Israel to sin. / Ahaziah served and worshiped Baal, provoking the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger, just as his father had done.

2 Kings 1:17
So Ahaziah died according to the word of the LORD that Elijah had spoken. And since he had no son, Jehoram succeeded him in the second year of the reign of Jehoram son of Jehoshaphat over Judah.

2 Kings 8:16-18
In the fifth year of the reign of Joram son of Ahab over Israel, Jehoram son of Jehoshaphat succeeded his father as king of Judah. / Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years. / And Jehoram walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, just as the house of Ahab had done. For he married a daughter of Ahab and did evil in the sight of the LORD.

1 Kings 16:29-33
In the thirty-eighth year of Asa’s reign over Judah, Ahab son of Omri became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria twenty-two years. / However, Ahab son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD, more than all who were before him. / And as if it were not enough for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, he even married Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and he then proceeded to serve and worship Baal. ...

2 Kings 10:18-28
Then Jehu brought all the people together and said, “Ahab served Baal a little, but Jehu will serve him a lot. / Now, therefore, summon to me all the prophets of Baal, all his servants, and all his priests. See that no one is missing, for I have a great sacrifice for Baal. Whoever is missing will not live.” But Jehu was acting deceptively in order to destroy the servants of Baal. / And Jehu commanded, “Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal.” So they announced it. ...

2 Chronicles 21:4-7
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. / Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years. / And Jehoram walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, just as the house of Ahab had done. For he married a daughter of Ahab and did evil in the sight of the LORD. ...

1 Kings 19:16-17
You are also to anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel and Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel-meholah to succeed you as prophet. / Then Jehu will put to death whoever escapes the sword of Hazael, and Elisha will put to death whoever escapes the sword of Jehu.

2 Kings 9:22
When Joram saw Jehu, he asked, “Have you come in peace, Jehu?” “How can there be peace,” he replied, “as long as the idolatry and witchcraft of your mother Jezebel abound?”

2 Kings 2:12-14
As Elisha watched, he cried out, “My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And he saw Elijah no more. So taking hold of his own clothes, he tore them in two. / Elisha also picked up the cloak that had fallen from Elijah, and he went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. / Then he took the cloak of Elijah that had fallen from him and struck the waters. “Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?” he asked. And when he had struck the waters, they parted to the right and to the left, and Elisha crossed over.

2 Kings 4:1-7
Now the wife of one of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant, my husband, is dead, and you know that your servant feared the LORD. And now his creditor is coming to take my two children as his slaves!” / “How can I help you?” asked Elisha. “Tell me, what do you have in the house?” She answered, “Your servant has nothing in the house but a jar of oil.” / “Go,” said Elisha, “borrow empty jars from all your neighbors. Do not gather just a few. ...

2 Kings 9:1-3
Now Elisha the prophet summoned one of the sons of the prophets and said to him, “Tuck your cloak under your belt, take this flask of oil, and go to Ramoth-gilead. / When you arrive, look for Jehu son of Jehoshaphat, the son of Nimshi. Go in, get him away from his companions, and take him to an inner room. / Then take the flask of oil, pour it on his head, and declare, ‘This is what the LORD says: I anoint you king over Israel.’ Then open the door and run. Do not delay!”

2 Kings 13:1-2
In the twenty-third year of the reign of Joash son of Ahaziah over Judah, Jehoahaz son of Jehu became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria seventeen years. / And he did evil in the sight of the LORD and followed the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit; he did not turn away from them.

2 Kings 17:1-2
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.

2 Kings 1:1-2
After the death of Ahab, Moab rebelled against Israel. / Now Ahaziah had fallen through the lattice of his upper room in Samaria and injured himself. So he sent messengers and instructed them: “Go inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, whether I will recover from this injury.”

2 Kings 2:1-6
Shortly before the LORD took Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal, / and Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to Bethel.” But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. / Then the sons of the prophets at Bethel came out to Elisha and said, “Do you know that the LORD will take your master away from you today?” “Yes, I know,” he replied. “Do not speak of it.” ...


Treasury of Scripture

Now Jehoram the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned twelve years.

Jehoram

2 Kings 1:17
So he died according to the word of the LORD which Elijah had spoken. And Jehoram reigned in his stead in the second year of Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat king of Judah; because he had no son.

2 Kings 8:16
And in the fifth year of Joram the son of Ahab king of Israel, Jehoshaphat being then king of Judah, Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat king of Judah began to reign.

Joram

1 Kings 22:51
Ahaziah the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria the seventeenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned two years over Israel.

Jump to Previous
Ahab Eighteenth Israel Jehoram Jeho'ram Jehoshaphat Jehosh'aphat Joram Judah Reign Reigned Reigneth Rule Samaria Sama'ria Twelve
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Ahab Eighteenth Israel Jehoram Jeho'ram Jehoshaphat Jehosh'aphat Joram Judah Reign Reigned Reigneth Rule Samaria Sama'ria Twelve
2 Kings 3
1. Jehoram's reign
4. Mesha rebels
6. Jehoram, with Jehoshaphat, and the king of Edom, being distressed for want of water,
13. by Elisha obtains water, and promise of victory
21. The Moabites, deceived by the colour of the water, coming to spoil, are overcome
26. The king of Moab sacrifices his son, and raises the siege














In the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat’s reign over Judah
This phrase sets the historical context for the events that follow. Jehoshaphat was a king of Judah known for his efforts to bring the nation back to the worship of Yahweh. His reign is often seen as a time of religious reform and relative peace. The "eighteenth year" marks a specific point in his reign, providing a chronological anchor. The Hebrew word for "eighteenth" (שְׁמֹנֶה עֶשְׂרֵה, shemoneh esreh) is used here to denote a precise time, emphasizing the importance of historical accuracy in the biblical narrative. This period was significant as it was a time when the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah had complex political and religious interactions.

Jehoram son of Ahab
Jehoram, also known as Joram, was the son of Ahab, one of the most infamous kings of Israel, and Jezebel, his equally notorious queen. The mention of "son of Ahab" immediately brings to mind the legacy of idolatry and conflict with the prophets of Yahweh, particularly Elijah. The Hebrew name "Jehoram" (יְהוֹרָם, Yehoram) means "Yahweh is exalted," which is ironic given his family's history of idol worship. This highlights the tension between his name's meaning and his actions as king, serving as a reminder of the spiritual battles within Israel.

became king of Israel
This phrase marks the beginning of Jehoram's reign over the northern kingdom of Israel. The transition of power is significant in the biblical narrative, as it often brings changes in religious and political policies. The Hebrew verb "became" (מָלַךְ, malak) indicates the assumption of royal authority, a role that carried the responsibility of leading the people in accordance with God's laws. However, Jehoram's reign is characterized by a continuation of his father's policies, which were contrary to the worship of Yahweh.

and he reigned in Samaria
Samaria was the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, established by King Omri, Jehoram's grandfather. The city was a center of political power and also a place of significant religious apostasy, as it housed temples to Baal and other foreign gods. The mention of "Samaria" (שֹׁמְרוֹן, Shomron) evokes the ongoing struggle between the worship of Yahweh and the prevalent idolatry. It serves as a backdrop for the prophetic confrontations that occur throughout the narrative of the kings.

twelve years
The duration of Jehoram's reign is noted as twelve years, a period that reflects both stability and the persistence of idolatrous practices. The number twelve often symbolizes completeness or governmental perfection in the Bible, yet here it underscores the complete failure of Jehoram to lead Israel back to the worship of Yahweh. His reign is marked by military conflicts and alliances that further entrench the nation in its spiritual decline.

III.

THE REIGN OF JEHORAM OF ISRAEL, AND HIS EXPEDITION AGAINST MOAB, IN WHICH JEHOSHAPHAT OF JUDAH TAKES PART.

(1) Began to reign.--Literally, reigned.

The eighteenth year.--Comp. Note on 2Kings 1:17; 2Kings 8:16.

Verse 1. - Now Jehoram the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat King of Judah. This note of time is not quite in accordance with the chronology of 1 Kings, which gives Jehoshaphat a reign of twenty-five years (1 Kings 22:42), Ahab one of twenty-two years (1 Kings 16:29), and Ahaziah one of two years (1 Kings 22:51), and makes Jehoshaphat's first year run parallel with Ahab's fourth (1 Kings 22:41), since thus Ahab's death-year would be Jehoshaphat's nineteenth, and Jehoram's accession-year, at the earliest, Jehoshaphat's twentieth. The difficulty may be removed by assigning to Ahab a reign of twenty instead of twenty-two years. On the mode of reconciling the statement of this place with that of 2 Kings 1:17, that Jehoram of Israel began to reign in the second year of Jehoram of Judah, see the comment upon that passage. And reigned twelve years.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
In the eighteenth
שְׁמֹנֶ֣ה (šə·mō·neh)
Number - feminine singular
Strong's 8083: A cardinal number, eight, eighth

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

of Jehoshaphat's
לִיהוֹשָׁפָ֖ט (lî·hō·wō·šā·p̄āṭ)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3092: Jehoshaphat -- 'the LORD has judged', 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

Jehoram
וִיהוֹרָ֣ם (wî·hō·w·rām)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3088: Jehoram -- 'the LORD is exalted', the name of several Israelites

son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Ahab
אַחְאָ֗ב (’aḥ·’āḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 256: Ahab -- 'father's brother', a king of Israel, also a false prophet

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

and he reigned
וַיִּמְלֹ֖ךְ (way·yim·lōḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4427: To reign, inceptively, to ascend the throne, to induct into royalty, to take counsel

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

twelve
שְׁתֵּים־ (šə·têm-)
Number - fd
Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number)

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


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OT History: 2 Kings 3:1 Now Jehoram the son of Ahab began (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg)
2 Kings 2:25
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