King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 10:19 Mean?

2 Kings 10:19 in the King James Version says “Now therefore call unto me all the prophets of Baal, all his servants, and all his priests; let none be wanting: for I h... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Now therefore call unto me all the prophets of Baal, all his servants, and all his priests; let none be wanting: for I have a great sacrifice to do to Baal; whosoever shall be wanting, he shall not live. But Jehu did it in subtilty, to the intent that he might destroy the worshippers of Baal.

2 Kings 10:19 · KJV


Context

17

And when he came to Samaria, he slew all that remained unto Ahab in Samaria, till he had destroyed him, according to the saying of the LORD, which he spake to Elijah.

18

And Jehu gathered all the people together, and said unto them, Ahab served Baal a little; but Jehu shall serve him much.

19

Now therefore call unto me all the prophets of Baal, all his servants, and all his priests; let none be wanting: for I have a great sacrifice to do to Baal; whosoever shall be wanting, he shall not live. But Jehu did it in subtilty, to the intent that he might destroy the worshippers of Baal.

20

And Jehu said, Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal. And they proclaimed it. Proclaim: Heb. Sanctify

21

And Jehu sent through all Israel: and all the worshippers of Baal came, so that there was not a man left that came not. And they came into the house of Baal; and the house of Baal was full from one end to another. full: or, so full that they stood mouth to mouth


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now therefore call unto me all the prophets of Baal, all his servants, and all his priests; let none be wanting: for I have a great sacrifice to do to Baal; whosoever shall be wanting, he shall not live. But Jehu did it in subtilty, to the intent that he might destroy the worshippers of Baal.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 10: Zeal for God without heart transformation. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. 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 · 31 words
וְעַתָּ֣ה1 of 31
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

כָל2 of 31
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

נְבִיאֵ֣י3 of 31

unto me all the prophets

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

הַבָּֽעַל׃4 of 31

of Baal

H1168

baal, a phoenician deity

כָּל5 of 31
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עֹֽבְדֵ֥י6 of 31

all his servants

H5647

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

וְכָל7 of 31
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

כֹּֽהֲנָיו֩8 of 31

and all his priests

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

קִרְא֨וּ9 of 31

Now therefore call

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אֵלַ֜י10 of 31
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אִ֣ישׁ11 of 31

let none

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)

אַל12 of 31
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

יִפָּקֵ֖ד13 of 31

be wanting

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

כִּי֩14 of 31
H3588

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

זֶ֨בַח15 of 31

sacrifice

H2077

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

גָּד֥וֹל16 of 31

for I have a great

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

לִי֙17 of 31
H0
הַבָּֽעַל׃18 of 31

of Baal

H1168

baal, a phoenician deity

כֹּ֥ל19 of 31
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁר20 of 31
H834

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

יִפָּקֵ֖ד21 of 31

be wanting

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

לֹ֣א22 of 31
H3808

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

יִֽחְיֶ֑ה23 of 31

he shall not live

H2421

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

וְיֵהוּא֙24 of 31

But Jehu

H3058

jehu, the name of five israelites

עָשָׂ֣ה25 of 31

did

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

בְעָקְבָּ֔ה26 of 31

it in subtilty

H6122

trickery

לְמַ֥עַן27 of 31
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

הַֽאֲבִ֖יד28 of 31

to the intent that he might destroy

H6

properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)

אֶת29 of 31
H853

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

עֹֽבְדֵ֥י30 of 31

all his servants

H5647

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

הַבָּֽעַל׃31 of 31

of Baal

H1168

baal, a phoenician deity


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 10:19 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 10:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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