King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 10:13 Mean?

2 Kings 10:13 in the King James Version says “Jehu met with the brethren of Ahaziah king of Judah, and said, Who are ye? And they answered, We are the brethren of Aha...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Jehu met with the brethren of Ahaziah king of Judah, and said, Who are ye? And they answered, We are the brethren of Ahaziah; and we go down to salute the children of the king and the children of the queen. met with: Heb. found to salute: Heb. to the peace of, etc”

2 Kings 10:13 · KJV

Peace

Context

11

So Jehu slew all that remained of the house of Ahab in Jezreel, and all his great men, and his kinsfolks, and his priests, until he left him none remaining. kinsfolks: or, acquaintance

12

And he arose and departed, and came to Samaria. And as he was at the shearing house in the way, shearing: Heb. house of shepherds binding sheep

13

Jehu met with the brethren of Ahaziah king of Judah, and said, Who are ye? And they answered, We are the brethren of Ahaziah; and we go down to salute the children of the king and the children of the queen. met with: Heb. found to salute: Heb. to the peace of, etc

14

And he said, Take them alive. And they took them alive, and slew them at the pit of the shearing house, even two and forty men; neither left he any of them.

15

And when he was departed thence, he lighted on Jehonadab the son of Rechab coming to meet him: and he saluted him, and said to him, Is thine heart right, as my heart is with thy heart? And Jehonadab answered, It is. If it be, give me thine hand. And he gave him his hand; and he took him up to him into the chariot. lighted on: Heb. found saluted: Heb. blessed

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jehu met with the brethren of Ahaziah king of Judah, and said, Who are ye? And they answered, We are the brethren of Ahaziah; and we go down to salute the children of the king and the children of the queen.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 10: Zeal for God without heart transformation. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. 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 · 20 words
וְיֵה֗וּא1 of 20

“Jehu”

H3058

jehu, the name of five israelites

מָצָא֙2 of 20

“met”

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

אֶת3 of 20
H853

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

אֲחֵ֤י4 of 20

“We are the brethren”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

אֲחַזְיָ֙הוּ֙5 of 20

“of Ahaziah”

H274

achazjah, the name of a jewish and an israelite king

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ6 of 20

“king”

H4428

a king

יְהוּדָ֔ה7 of 20

“of Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

וַיֹּֽאמְר֗וּ8 of 20

“Who are ye And they answered”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מִ֣י9 of 20
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

אַתֶּ֑ם10 of 20
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

וַיֹּֽאמְר֗וּ11 of 20

“Who are ye And they answered”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲחֵ֤י12 of 20

“We are the brethren”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

אֲחַזְיָ֙הוּ֙13 of 20

“of Ahaziah”

H274

achazjah, the name of a jewish and an israelite king

אֲנַ֔חְנוּ14 of 20
H587

we

וַנֵּ֛רֶד15 of 20

“and we go down”

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

לִשְׁל֥וֹם16 of 20

“to salute”

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

וּבְנֵ֥י17 of 20

“and 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

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ18 of 20

“king”

H4428

a king

וּבְנֵ֥י19 of 20

“and 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

הַגְּבִירָֽה׃20 of 20

“of the queen”

H1377

a mistress

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 10:13 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 10:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 8:292 Kings 8:242 Chronicles 21:172 Kings 9:21-272 Chronicles 22:1-10

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 10 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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