King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 10:14 Mean?

2 Kings 10:14 in the King James Version says “And he said, Take them alive. And they took them alive, and slew them at the pit of the shearing house, even two and for...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Kings 10:14 · KJV

Context

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

16

And he said, Come with me, and see my zeal for the LORD. So they made him ride in his chariot.

Read 2 Kings 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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
וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙1 of 17

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

וַֽיִּתְפְּשׂ֖וּם2 of 17

“And they took”

H8610

to manipulate, i.e., seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably

חַיִּ֑ים3 of 17

“them alive”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

וַֽיִּתְפְּשׂ֖וּם4 of 17

“And they took”

H8610

to manipulate, i.e., seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably

חַיִּ֑ים5 of 17

“them alive”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

וַיִּשְׁחָט֞וּם6 of 17

“and slew”

H7819

to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)

אֶל7 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בּ֣וֹר8 of 17

“them at the pit”

H953

a pit hole (especially one used as a cistern or a prison)

בֵּֽית9 of 17
H0
עֵ֗קֶד10 of 17

“of the shearing house”

H1044

beth-eked, a place in palestine

אַרְבָּעִ֤ים11 of 17

“and forty”

H705

forty

וּשְׁנַ֙יִם֙12 of 17

“even two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

אִ֖ישׁ13 of 17

“he any”

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)

וְלֹֽא14 of 17
H3808

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

הִשְׁאִ֥יר15 of 17

“neither left”

H7604

properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant

אִ֖ישׁ16 of 17

“he any”

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)

מֵהֶֽם׃17 of 17
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

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 10:14 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 10:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 8:182 Kings 10:10-112 Chronicles 22:102 Chronicles 22:82 Kings 11:11 Kings 20:18

Places in This Verse

Beth-ekedSettlement · Modern: Beit Qad · 32.47°N, 35.36°E2 verses across 1 book
View all places in 2 Kings 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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