King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 10:21 Mean?

2 Kings 10:21 in the King James Version says “And Jehu sent through all Israel: and all the worshippers of Baal came, so that there was not a man left that came not. ...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Kings 10:21 · KJV

Context

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

22

And he said unto him that was over the vestry, Bring forth vestments for all the worshippers of Baal. And he brought them forth vestments.

23

And Jehu went, and Jehonadab the son of Rechab, into the house of Baal, and said unto the worshippers of Baal, Search, and look that there be here with you none of the servants of the LORD, but the worshippers of Baal only.

Read 2 Kings 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 22 words
וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח1 of 22

“sent”

H7971

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

יֵהוּא֙2 of 22

“And Jehu”

H3058

jehu, the name of five israelites

בְּכָל3 of 22
H3605

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל4 of 22

“through all Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וַיָּבֹ֙אוּ֙5 of 22

“came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

כָּל6 of 22
H3605

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

עֹֽבְדֵ֣י7 of 22

“and all the worshippers”

H5647

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

הַבַּ֖עַל8 of 22

“of Baal”

H1168

baal, a phoenician deity

וְלֹֽא9 of 22
H3808

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

נִשְׁאַ֥ר10 of 22

“left”

H7604

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

אִ֖ישׁ11 of 22

“so that there was not a 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)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר12 of 22
H834

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

לֹא13 of 22
H3808

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

וַיָּבֹ֙אוּ֙14 of 22

“came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

וַיָּבֹ֙אוּ֙15 of 22

“came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בֵית16 of 22

“and the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

הַבַּ֖עַל17 of 22

“of Baal”

H1168

baal, a phoenician deity

וַיִּמָּלֵ֥א18 of 22

“was full”

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

בֵית19 of 22

“and the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

הַבַּ֖עַל20 of 22

“of Baal”

H1168

baal, a phoenician deity

לָפֶֽה׃21 of 22

“from one end”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

לָפֶֽה׃22 of 22

“from one end”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

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 10:21 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 10:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 16:32Judges 16:27Joel 3:11-142 Kings 11:18Revelation 16:16Joel 3:2

Test Your Knowledge

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

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