King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 10:23 Mean?

2 Kings 10:23 in the King James Version says “And Jehu went, and Jehonadab the son of Rechab, into the house of Baal, and said unto the worshippers of Baal, Search, a...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Kings 10:23 · KJV

Context

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.

24

And when they went in to offer sacrifices and burnt offerings, Jehu appointed fourscore men without, and said, If any of the men whom I have brought into your hands escape, he that letteth him go, his life shall be for the life of him.

25

And it came to pass, as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, that Jehu said to the guard and to the captains, Go in, and slay them; let none come forth. And they smote them with the edge of the sword; and the guard and the captains cast them out, and went to the city of the house of Baal. the edge: Heb. the mouth

Read 2 Kings 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 10: Zeal for God without heart transformation. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. 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 · 23 words
וַיָּבֹ֥א1 of 23

“went”

H935

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

יֵה֛וּא2 of 23

“And Jehu”

H3058

jehu, the name of five israelites

וִיהֽוֹנָדָ֥ב3 of 23

“and Jehonadab”

H3082

jehonadab, the name of an israelite and of an arab

בֶּן4 of 23

“the son”

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

רֵכָ֖ב5 of 23

“of Rechab”

H7394

rekab, the name of two arabs and of two israelites

בֵּ֣ית6 of 23

“into the house”

H1004

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

הַבַּ֖עַל7 of 23

“of Baal”

H1168

baal, a phoenician deity

וַיֹּ֜אמֶר8 of 23

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

עֹֽבְדֵ֥י9 of 23

“but the worshippers”

H5647

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

הַבַּ֖עַל10 of 23

“of Baal”

H1168

baal, a phoenician deity

חַפְּשׂ֤וּ11 of 23

“Search”

H2664

to seek; causatively, to conceal oneself (i.e., let be sought), or mask

וּרְאוּ֙12 of 23

“and look”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

פֶּן13 of 23
H6435

properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest

יֶשׁ14 of 23

“that there be”

H3426

there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)

פֹּ֤ה15 of 23
H6311

this place (french ici), i.e., here or hence

עִמָּכֶם֙16 of 23
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

מֵֽעַבְדֵ֣י17 of 23

“here with you none of the servants”

H5650

a servant

יְהוָ֔ה18 of 23

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

כִּ֛י19 of 23
H3588

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

אִם20 of 23
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

עֹֽבְדֵ֥י21 of 23

“but the worshippers”

H5647

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

הַבַּ֖עַל22 of 23

“of Baal”

H1168

baal, a phoenician deity

לְבַדָּֽם׃23 of 23
H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

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 10:23 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 10:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 13:30Matthew 13:41Matthew 25:32-33

Test Your Knowledge

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

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