King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 25:4 Mean?

2 Chronicles 25:4 in the King James Version says “But he slew not their children, but did as it is written in the law in the book of Moses, where the LORD commanded, sayi...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But he slew not their children, but did as it is written in the law in the book of Moses, where the LORD commanded, saying, The fathers shall not die for the children, neither shall the children die for the fathers, but every man shall die for his own sin.”

2 Chronicles 25:4 · KJV

Context

2

And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, but not with a perfect heart.

3

Now it came to pass, when the kingdom was established to him, that he slew his servants that had killed the king his father. established: Heb. confirmed upon him

4

But he slew not their children, but did as it is written in the law in the book of Moses, where the LORD commanded, saying, The fathers shall not die for the children, neither shall the children die for the fathers, but every man shall die for his own sin.

5

Moreover Amaziah gathered Judah together, and made them captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, according to the houses of their fathers, throughout all Judah and Benjamin: and he numbered them from twenty years old and above, and found them three hundred thousand choice men, able to go forth to war, that could handle spear and shield.

6

He hired also an hundred thousand mighty men of valour out of Israel for an hundred talents of silver.

Read 2 Chronicles 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But he slew not their children, but did as it is written in the law in the book of Moses, where the LORD commanded, saying, The fathers shall not die for the children, neither shall the children die for the fathers, but every man shall die for his own sin.

This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing Half-hearted obedience and pride's consequences. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immediate divine retribution—kings who seek God prosper, while those who forsake Him face judgment. This pattern provides instruction for the post-exilic community on the conditions for God's blessing.

The account demonstrates God's covenant faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. Even in judgment, God preserves a remnant and offers restoration through repentance. The repeated cycle of apostasy, judgment, and restoration reveals both human sinfulness and divine mercy. References to the temple, proper worship, and priestly service emphasize the Chronicler's concern for correct religious observance.

Theologically, these accounts point beyond immediate history to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line. Despite repeated failures, God preserves David's dynasty, anticipating the perfect King who will reign in righteousness. The pattern of judgment for sin and restoration through repentance prefigures the gospel message of salvation through Christ.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This passage occurs during the divided monarchy period when Judah existed separately from northern Israel. The Chronicler writes from a post-exilic perspective, addressing the restored community in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile (539 BCE onward). His emphasis on temple worship, proper religious observance, and God's covenant faithfulness speaks directly to the needs of his audience who had just rebuilt the temple and were reestablishing their identity as God's people.

The historical context demonstrates both God's judgment on persistent sin and His readiness to restore those who genuinely repent. The Chronicler omits most northern kingdom material, focusing on Judah and the Davidic line to emphasize God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Lachish, Beersheba, and Jerusalem corroborate the biblical accounts of various kings' reigns and building projects.

Understanding the Chronicler's post-exilic perspective is crucial—he's not merely recording history but applying past lessons to his contemporary audience, showing that the same principles of seeking God, maintaining proper worship, and covenant faithfulness that determined blessing or judgment in the past still apply.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse illustrate the principle of divine retribution (blessing for obedience, judgment for sin)?
  2. What specific applications does this passage have for maintaining spiritual faithfulness in contemporary Christian life?
  3. How does this account point to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line and the coming Messiah?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 27 words
וְאֶת1 of 27
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

וּבָנִים֙2 of 27

“for the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

לֹ֣א3 of 27
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָמֽוּתוּ׃4 of 27

“But he slew”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

כִּ֣י5 of 27
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

כַכָּת֣וּב6 of 27

“but did as it is written”

H3789

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

בַּתּוֹרָ֡ה7 of 27

“in the law”

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

בְּסֵ֣פֶר8 of 27

“in the book”

H5612

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

מֹשֶׁה֩9 of 27

“of Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אֲשֶׁר10 of 27
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

צִוָּ֨ה11 of 27

“commanded”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יְהוָ֜ה12 of 27

“where the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לֵאמֹ֗ר13 of 27

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לֹֽא14 of 27
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָמֽוּתוּ׃15 of 27

“But he slew”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

אָב֔וֹת16 of 27

“The fathers”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

עַל17 of 27
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

וּבָנִים֙18 of 27

“for the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וּבָנִים֙19 of 27

“for the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

לֹֽא20 of 27
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָמֽוּתוּ׃21 of 27

“But he slew”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

עַל22 of 27
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אָב֔וֹת23 of 27

“The fathers”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

כִּ֛י24 of 27
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אִ֥ישׁ25 of 27

“but every man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

בְּחֶטְא֖וֹ26 of 27

“for his own sin”

H2399

a crime or its penalty

יָמֽוּתוּ׃27 of 27

“But he slew”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 25:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Chronicles 25:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 24:16Ezekiel 18:20Jeremiah 31:29-302 Kings 14:5-6Ezekiel 18:4

Test Your Knowledge

2 Chronicles 25 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Chronicles Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Chronicles 25 with CommentaryAll 2 Chronicles ChaptersComplete 2 Chronicles QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes