King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 10:1 Mean?

2 Kings 10:1 in the King James Version says “And Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria. And Jehu wrote letters, and sent to Samaria, unto the rulers of Jezreel, to the el...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria. And Jehu wrote letters, and sent to Samaria, unto the rulers of Jezreel, to the elders, and to them that brought up Ahab's children, saying, them: Heb. nourishers”

2 Kings 10:1 · KJV

Context

1

And Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria. And Jehu wrote letters, and sent to Samaria, unto the rulers of Jezreel, to the elders, and to them that brought up Ahab's children, saying, them: Heb. nourishers

2

Now as soon as this letter cometh to you, seeing your master's sons are with you, and there are with you chariots and horses, a fenced city also, and armour;

3

Look even out the best and meetest of your master's sons, and set him on his father's throne, and fight for your master's house.

Read 2 Kings 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria. And Jehu wrote letters, and sent to Samaria, unto the rulers of Jezreel, to the elders, and to them that brought up Ahab's children, saying,

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 10: Zeal for God without heart transformation. During this period, Israel and Judah struggled with persistent idolatry, particularly Baal worship introduced under Ahab and Jezebel.

The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 10 takes place during Jehu's dynasty and the violent purge of Baal worship, around 841 BCE. The chapter's theme (Jehu's Purge Continues) reflects the historical reality of violent political revolution motivated by zeal for Yahweh but lacking genuine heart transformation. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 10 regarding zeal for god without heart transformation?
  2. What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
  3. In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
אַחְאָ֖ב1 of 17

“Ahab's”

H256

achab, the name of a king of israel and of a prophet at babylon

שִׁבְעִ֥ים2 of 17

“had seventy”

H7657

seventy

בָּנִ֖ים3 of 17

“sons”

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

שֹֽׁמְר֗וֹן4 of 17

“in Samaria”

H8111

shomeron, a place in palestine

וַיִּכְתֹּב֩5 of 17

“wrote”

H3789

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

יֵה֨וּא6 of 17

“And Jehu”

H3058

jehu, the name of five israelites

סְפָרִ֜ים7 of 17

“letters”

H5612

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

וַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח8 of 17

“and sent”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

שֹֽׁמְר֗וֹן9 of 17

“in Samaria”

H8111

shomeron, a place in palestine

אֶל10 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שָׂרֵ֤י11 of 17

“unto the rulers”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

יִזְרְעֶאל֙12 of 17

“of Jezreel”

H3157

jizreel, the name of two places in palestine and of two israelites

הַזְּקֵנִ֔ים13 of 17

“to the elders”

H2205

old

וְאֶל14 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָאֹֽמְנִ֥ים15 of 17

“and to them that brought up”

H539

properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen

אַחְאָ֖ב16 of 17

“Ahab's”

H256

achab, the name of a king of israel and of a prophet at babylon

לֵאמֹֽר׃17 of 17

“children saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

2 Kings 10:1 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 Kings 10:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Judges 8:301 Kings 13:321 Kings 16:281 Kings 16:241 Kings 21:8-142 Kings 5:3

Places in This Verse

Jezreel 2Settlement · Modern: Tel Yizre’el · 32.56°N, 35.33°E29 verses across 7 books
Samaria 1Settlement · Modern: Samaria · 32.28°N, 35.20°E113 verses across 12 books
View all places in 2 Kings 10 →

Test Your Knowledge

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